Welcome to Region G, representing the dynamic and diverse communities of Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita, North Los Angeles, and Ventura. From coastal cities to suburban neighborhoods and everything in between, Region G social workers are committed to advancing equity, promoting mental health, and building strong professional networks across the region.
We strive to create opportunities for connection, growth, and advocacy through regular programming, community partnerships, and local recognition. Whether you’re a student, early-career social worker, or a seasoned professional, Region G offers a space for you to engage and make an impact.
Join us throughout the year for regional events, networking opportunities, and community celebrations.
Meet Your Regional Leaders!
Regional Director
Stephanie Cotcher, DSWc, LCSW, PPSC
Term: 2026-2029
Stephanie currently serves as the Clinical Coordinator of the Therapeutic Counseling Department for her local school district. She is passionate about expanding access to mental health services and supporting professional development for social workers and helping professionals.
She earned her MSW from UCLA in 2002 with a specialization in School Social Work and a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential. Prior to graduate school, she spent several years living in South America, volunteering and learning Spanish—an experience that shaped her commitment to cross-cultural service.
Throughout her career, she has worked in community mental health and multiple school districts across California. Her work has included facilitating individual, group, and family therapy; providing client-centered advocacy and crisis intervention; and collaborating closely with teachers, administrators, and staff. She has also developed sustainable funding streams through grant writing, partnered with state and private agencies, and led interdisciplinary collaborative meetings.
During a period living in Arizona, she served on the NASW-AZ Branch 2 Steering Committee, where she helped establish a networking and CEU group in rural Arizona that continues today.
Assistant Regional Director
Araceli Gomez, DSWc, LCSW, PPSC
Term: 2026-2029
Araceli Gomez, LCSW, MSW, PPSC/CWA, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychiatric social worker serving school communities in Los Angeles County. She currently works with the Los Angeles Unified School District’s School of Mental Health, where she supports students, families, staff, and school communities through comprehensive, school-based mental health
services.
With over a decade of experience in school-based mental health, community mental health, developmental services, and child and family-serving systems, Araceli brings a strong systems and mezzo-level perspective that bridges direct practice, school leadership, and professional advocacy. Her practice is grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and evidence-
based approaches, with a particular focus on whole-school mental health, crisis response, and prevention. She supports not only individual students and families but also entire school communities through staff consultation, professional development, multidisciplinary collaboration, and participation in school-wide crisis response recovery efforts. Her work includes partnering with administrators and educators to address barriers to learning, strengthen school climate, and promote safe and supportive learning environments. Araceli is currently pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at California Baptist University, with a focus on community-engaged practice, leadership, and systemic change.
Region G Events
2026–2027 Events Calendar
Registration links will be live at a minimum of 2 weeks before the event. If you can’t find the event registration you’re looking for, please come back later.
| Date | Event Title | Location | Registration Link |
| July 31, 2026 12 PM | Understanding Suicide Prevention | Virtual | https://www.naswca.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2065647&group= |
| August 25, 2026 07:00 PM | Book Club: Anxious Generation | Virtual | |
| Fall | Fall Back to School Hike | In-Person Wisdom Tree Wonder View Trailhead, Wonder View Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068 | |
| September 25, 2026 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Human trafficking summit | Hybrid | |
| November 10, 2026 07:00 PM | Book Club: Braiding Sweetgrass | Virtual |
How to Get Involved
Want to contribute to the work in Region G? We’re always looking for volunteers, presenters, and new ideas!
Email our Director of Membership and Communications, Dr. Teauania Charles, DSW, LCSW at tcharles.naswca@socialworkers.org
Follow us on social media!
- Facebook: NASW-California Region G
