Student Advisory Board

The Students for Social Work Student student advisory (SFSW) board helps to foster communication between undergraduate social work students and the BASW program director. This group helps to express student needs, offer feedback and advice, and help to foster connection and community within the student body.

The advisory board consists of pre-social work majors, and Year 1 and Year 2 admitted upper-level social work students.

Have questions, ideas, or looking to connect with someone from the major? Meet and connect with your SFSW advisory board reps below. Have additional questions or comments? The BASW Program Director, Monaca Eaton, would love to connect with you. You can reach her at eatonmon@msu.edu.

25-26 SFSW Advisory Board Members

Year 2 Admitted Program Members

• Saara Ashtiani

  

  Why Social Work: I picked social work as my major because I loved how structured the program was and the opportunity to have smaller classes. With my degree I want to be an advocate for those who do not always have a voice, and share the experiences that can come with equine assisted therapy. I am still learning and creating new goals as I continue my education.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: Since I picked social work as my major, I felt like I found my place here at msu. With the endless support and kindness and personal successes I was able to find in the program I wanted to be a part of it too. I want to be an advocate for my self and my fellow students to continue to make positive change.

  Students Can Contact Me To: Anything! It can be just to vent, share specific changes they would like to see in classes or programs. New ideas they may have, etc.

  Email Me: Ashtian5@msu.edu

Year 1 Admitted Program Members

• Sarah Bronkema-Bekker

  

  Why Social Work: I chose social work as my major because I want to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities, especially those facing challenges. I have always been passionate about helping people who are struggling and supporting those in need. Social work gives me the chance to use my empathy and desire to help others in a meaningful way. With my degree, I hope to work in areas like counseling, community support, or as a case manager in a hospital setting, helping patients navigate their care and access necessary resources. Ultimately, my goal is to create positive change, whether by supporting individuals directly or working to improve society as a whole.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I wanted to be a member of the School of Social Work Advisory Board because I am eager to help improve the BASW program. Being on the board provides me an opportunity to work with faculty and other students to discuss the program's strengths and areas for growth. I believe it's important to share student's feedback, help shape the curriculum, and make sure the program prepares students for the challenges they will face as social workers. Overall, I want to be involved in creating a strong, supportive program that helps students succeed as social workers.

  Students Can Contact Me To: As an advisory board member, BASW students can contact me to reach out to share feedback or concerns about the program, including the curriculum. I'm also here to give advice on school, career planning, and how to do well in the program. I can also offer advice on networking, career development, and how the board's decisions affect the program. My goal is to be a resource for students as they go through the social work program.

  Email Me: Bronkem8@msu.edu

• Taylor McGregor

  

  Why Social Work: I landed in the field of social work because I am passionate about advocating for those who cannot do so for themselves, and the BASW program was the perfect fit. I am hoping to take the macro approach and work with military populations, aiding them in building connections to resources, accessing benefits, and just giving back to those who have served our country.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I want to be a bridge between my peers and the directors of the program that affect our schooling, its important that we all have a voice and can advocate for ourselves and our futures.

  Students Can Contact Me To: My peers can contact me to ask questions, look for advice, or just to chat. I hope to meet many more of you this year and build fun friendships!

  Email Me: mcgreg82@msu.edu

• Kalli Fuhr

  

  Why Social Work: I chose to major in Social Work because of the compassionate and driven goals that this program represents. I have always loved helping people in any way that I could, whether that be through moments of hardship, personal struggles, times of self-doubt, or moments of growth. Helping people to become the happiest and best versions of themselves is one of my biggest passions in life, which is one of the main goals of many Social Workers in their fields. I hope to use my degree to work in Child Welfare and help children who have not been dealt a great hand in life. As children, our whole lives are determined by the policies, actions, and rules of adults. In times of hardship, I hope to be an adult who provides a safe space for these children.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I want to be an SFSW advisory board member so that I can make an active and present effort to help others in the Social Work program who may need it. I hope to provide a safe space for people and to advocate for the needs of students.

  Students Can Contact Me To: Students can contact me with any questions or concerns, as well as anytime that they may want to talk to someone. I am always happy to listen! If you have any questions that I don't know the answer to, I will do my best to reach out to someone who does!

  Email Me: fuhrkall@msu.edu

• Paisley Barrows

  

  Why Social Work: I picked social work because helping others is something I am extremely passionate about. With my degree, I plan on working in child welfare!

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I wanted to be a part of the advisory board because I want to connect more with my peers, be a voice for others, and help improve the program!

  Students Can Contact Me To: Anything! Questions about classes/the program, suggestions, or if they just need a friend or someone to talk to!

  Email Me: barrows8@msu.edu

• Reagan Stack

  

  Why Social Work: I chose social work because one of my biggest passions is helping others and making a difference in people’s lives and I think social work is the best way to do that.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I wanted to be an advisory board member to be able to meet and connect with others in my field and also to help make a difference in the program that I am a part of.

  Students Can Contact Me To: I am a transfer student and pre social work right now and will be applying for the upper lever program this spring, but I am open to being contacted about anything and everything :)

  Email Me: Stackrea@msu.edu

• Keeley Johnston

  

  Why Social Work: I have always had a strong interest in helping others and being a support person. Social work provides the opportunity to address systemic issues , support individuals in need, and advocate for meaningful change. With my degree, I want to become a therapist, specifically with certifications in trauma related therapies.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I wanted to be part of the advisory board because I would like to be the support person that I wish I had my freshman year, for someone else. It is also a great opportunity to meet other social worker students and make connections. 

  Students Can Contact Me To: BASW students can reach out to me for: collaboration on recommended classes (from my own experiences) guidance as a mentor, advice, encouragement or just a listening ear. I understand how challenging it can be, I am here to help! 

  Email Me: john8327@msu.edu

Pre-Social Work Members

• Josephine (Josie) Lanave

  

  Why Social Work: I picked social work because I want to help others. I specifically am on the route of becoming a clinical therapist, however I am also considering policy advisement for elected officials.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I want to make sure everyone knows that they have a voice. I care that you feel heard and I hope to see the program progressing due to our interactions.

  Students Can Contact Me To: You can contact me about questions or concerns you have regarding the School of Social Work. If you have concerns, feel free to reach out and I will do my best to help you or guide you in the right direction.

  Email Me: lanavejo@msu.edu

• Tayla Kohtala

  

  Why Social Work: I chose social work as my major here at Michigan State University because I feel a strong desire to help people and make a real difference in their lives. I’ve always been curious about human behavior and thought processes, and I really enjoy being there for others. Social work feels like the right fit for me because my ultimate career goal is to become a psychotherapist. I’m excited to connect with people and keep growing as a person through this major.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I wanted to become an advisory board member because I care about making a positive impact on our social work program. Being on the board gives me the chance to share my ideas, represent other students, and help improve the program in meaningful ways. I also saw it as a great opportunity to make a difference and get more involved in the social work community overall.

  Students Can Contact Me To: BASW students are always welcome to reach out to me if they need any kind of support. Whether they have questions about the program or just want to talk about their experiences as a social work major, I’m happy to listen and help however I can!

  Email Me: Kohtalat@msu.edu

• Kiara Kapusansky

  

  Why Social Work: I chose social work as my major because I’ve always had a deep passion for helping people and creating positive change. I believe strongly in the values of social work, especially in making change at a systematic level to build a more supportive world for everyone. With my BASW, I plan to continue my education and get my MSW so that I can eventually become a licensed therapist. My goal is to work specifically with kids and teens, helping them navigate life’s challenges, build resilience, and feel heard and supported.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I wanted to be a part of the SFSW advisory board because I want to be a resource and advocate for other students. I care a lot about creating a supportive and inclusive community within the School of Social Work, and I want to make sure students feel like they have someone to turn to. I’m also passionate about advocating for more easily accessible mental health resources on campus and being a voice for the student body. Being on the advisory board allows me to help make sure every student’s voice is heard and that their needs are represented.

  Students Can Contact Me To: BASW students can reach out to me for just about anything! Whether it’s career advice, life advice, questions about social work, or if they just need someone to listen, I’m here. They can contact me if they’re thinking about switching their major to social work (I wasn’t always a social work major, but it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made), if they need a friend to talk to, or even if they just want to share a funny story or a joke. I want to be someone that other students feel comfortable coming to for support, guidance, or just a friendly chat.

  Email Me: kapusan1@msu.edu
• Jessica Pursel

  

  Why Social Work: I picked Social Work for multiple reasons. I have always had a passion for helping people and the medical field, so when I discovered Medical Social Work, I knew it was my calling. I wanted to support and help people outside just the physical aspects of the medical field, since advocacy has always been a huge passion of mine. I want to get eventually get my master's degree. After graduating, I want to work in a hospital and work alongside medical staff support patients and their families with education about their illness, distressing diagnoses and help them understand the medical system as best as possible.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: Being on the advisory board and giving ideas on how to expand all of our opportunities and connections seemed like a great way to engage with the social work major's community here at MSU. Building a supportive community benefits us all, present and future.

  Students Can Contact Me To: I am apart of many different organizations on campus so if you have any questions on any feel free to reach out with any questions. I am the co-president of Macro Social Work Student Association, a SACI volunteer with MSU Center For Survivors and a POE Peer Educator on campus. If you also just need someone to talk to feel free to reach out, I am here to support you!

  Email Me: pursell1@msu.edu
• Liliana Montes

  

  Why Social Work: I picked Social work as my major because the Social workers in my life have helped me grow, helped improved my quality of life, and so much more! I wanted to be able to advocate for others like how others advocated for me.

  Why the SFSW Advisory Board: I wanted. to be on the SFSW advisory board to support my fellow peers in all of their academic or social endevors. I want to create a space where social work majors can connect with each other and work together on local projects or even just having a safe space to gather as well!

  Students Can Contact Me To: BASW or pre social work students can contact me if want to know more about the social work program, what its like being a student in the program, connecting them with other social workers or resources that fit their needs or even if they just need someone to talk to! I am happy to help in whatever way I can!

  Email Me: montesli@msu.edu