Get to know your NASW-CA Leader: Tina Paddock, MSW, LCSW, Vice President/Member at Large Membership, NASW-CA Board of Directors

Tina Paddock graduated from UCLA with her MSW in 1998 and since then has been involved with NASW-CA as a former Region I Director and currently as a member of the Delegate Assembly, Vice-President/MAL of Membership on the Board of Directors, and Chair of the NASW-CA Image Council. Tina is a Clinical Associate Professor at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work in the field department and loves to share her NASW-CA experiences with her students. Due to this, many students have ended up joining NASW-CA and have made life-long connections. Tina also has a nine-year-old daughter in fourth grade and 20-year-old stepson that is attending UC Santa Cruz. Overall, NASW-CA has been a wonderful way to connect with other professional social workers, network, contribute to the profession, and make long-lasting friends.

1. What has been your favorite part as an NASW-CA leader? Or what do you look forward to as a leader?

My favorite part of my role as VP/MAL of Membership is the ability to collaborate with our Membership Director, Jolene Hui, and the Membership Committee about new initiatives for membership. We held a virtual membership forum this year with over 100 members from across the state. This was a wonderful way to learn about what is important to our members.

2. What type of social work experience do you possess?

I am a “generalist” social worker. I have done a little bit of everything. As an LCSW, I practiced clinical social work with children and families. I have also managed programs for young children. Before coming to USC, I was Director of Prevention and Early Intervention for Westside Children’s Center (now Allies for Every Child).  Now, I teach at USC (since 2013) and enjoy every minute. In addition, the opportunity came up to obtain my doctorate at USC and I am now working towards my Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development at USC’s Sol Price School of Public Policy. Being a social worker, is truly a “life-long learning” experience!

3. What is your favorite type of self-care practice?

Running, hiking, anything in nature. Also, I practice yoga and meditation when I have time.

4. What are the benefits of reaching out to regional leadership and interacting with social workers in your area?

Please reach out to me if you have ideas about membership or are interested in learning more about the Delegate Assembly or the NASW-CA Image Council (cpaddock@usc.edu or tinamped@aol.com). As you may have heard, the Delegate Assembly recently passed changes to the Code of Ethics and self-care is now included. The NASW-CA Image Council continues to work on ways to educate the public about the important work of social workers. One area that we are focusing on is social worker title protection.  So please do not hesitate to contact me!