Westchester Chapter
Welcome to the web page of the Westchester Chapter of the New York State Society for Clinical Social Work.
The Westchester Chapter of the New York State Society For Clinical Social Work provides continuing education and professional development, as well as collegial membership meetings, to address the diverse professional needs of its members. We strive to provide a supportive community regardless of years of experience, where individuals can express their professional questions and concerns. The collective wealth of experience, expertise, and wisdom of our members offers tremendous opportunities for mutual learning. Chapter affiliation is open to any member of the Clinical Society.
Annual Education
The Westchester Chapter offers CEU workshops, 4 times a year, planned by our Education Committee. Our Chapter is the first to offer hybrid workshops and meetings, allowing individuals to attend either virtually or in person.
Membership Meetings
As of October 2025, the membership will meet for one hour, prior to the CEU, to discuss topics of interest and matters of concern in a less formal venue.
Other Hybrid membership meetings will be held during the year, providing an opportunity to learn about other issues of clinical interest. Membership meetings occur within a social framework, allowing time for networking and connection. Please check our Calendar of events.
Annual Social Events
The Chapter hosts an Annual Holiday Party, featuring networking and a delicious dinner. In July, we host an end-of-the-year dinner for members who have been active in, or contributed to, our Chapter.
Education Committee
Ruthie Kalai, LCSW, Chairperson, Members: Laura Himmlestein, LCSW, Sandy Demopoulous, LCSW, BCG, Roberta Schaffer, LCSW, Mindy Levine, LCSW, BCG
This Committee plans and coordinates the Chapter’s clinical training workshops, which offer attendees the NYS Education Department-approved continuing education credits. (CEUs) Please be sure to check the NYSSCSW and ACE websites for information about the Westchester Chapter’s scheduled workshops. The Committee has launched a virtual CEU Lunch and Learn, effective August 2025, enabling attendees to learn and earn credits during lunch.
Chapter Ambassadorships
Becoming a Chapter Ambassador offers individuals the opportunity to lead a time-limited project of interest to them that furthers the mission of our Chapter and Society. Our first Ambassador, Sonia Wagner, LCSW, is developing a virtual seminar for recent graduates, where a panel will present on the current state of social work opportunities upon graduation, and issues of relevance to recent graduates. Check our Calendar for this event.
Group Meetings: Experientially Based Exploration of Group Practice
The Group Therapy Peer Group is for clinicians interested in the practice of group therapy who want to engage in direct experience, shared reflection, and supportive interaction.
What began as a training group many years ago has evolved into an ongoing conversation where members bring both their professional and personal selves to explore what it means to listen deeply, speak honestly, and grow alongside one another.
While currently closed to new members, if you are interested in learning more, please contact the group’s leader:
Michael Altshuler, LCSW
(914) 523-9605
altshulermichael@gmail.com
Mentorship Program
The Society is offering several virtual mentorship meetings to provide opportunities for MSW graduates and social workers returning to the field to discuss employment, as well as for seasoned clinicians to begin or enhance their private practice. Members in agency practice come to discuss issues relevant to their work.
The advice, sharing, and support of the Group’s members make the experience meaningful. Differences and similarities in each person’s background, work history, and life experiences enhance the exchange for further information about these opportunities, please contact, Karen Kaufman, LCSW, PH.D., LCSW-R at karenkaufman17@gmail.com and Lena Zairis, LCSW at lnz204@nyu.edu
Board Meetings
The Board holds monthly meetings, and we encourage any interested members to join us. The Board works towards developing membership, being informed of essential topics in our field, and developing programs and social events.
We welcome you to attend and participate in any of our meetings and activities. We look forward to new attendees to sharing their voices, ideas, and perspectives, helping us continue to grow and develop our Chapter.
The Chapter Listserv is another benefit that provides an efficient way for members to stay connected, network, share referrals, and more, and serves as our primary mail pipeline for receiving NYSSCSW communications. This is a highly utilized resource for professional communications, as well as outside services, through our Community Bulletin Board.
Please contact our President, Mindy Levine, LCSW, CGP with any questions about joining the Westchester Chapter.
Chapter Leadership
Past Presidents
See the NYSSCSW website page for lists of confirmed and pending Legislation in the New York State Legislature, pertaining to social work, promoted and initiated by the Society, or by the Society in collaboration with local and national social work organizations.