Meet your SWAA Team
Our Staff
Our staff is committed to promoting the social work profession, advocating for what matters to members, and supporting social workers in Alberta.
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Natalie Zawaski
Executive Director
Natalie (she/her) resides in Edmonton on Treaty 6 Territory/North Saskatchewan River Territory (MNA).
Her experience spans government and community settings, with a focus on systemic advocacy, trauma-informed practice, and culturally responsive approaches.
Natalie holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Alberta. Her interests include neurodiversity, communities of practice, and equity in policy and practice.
She is passionate about advancing social work as a profession and the opportunity to contribute to SWAA’s collective efforts
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Evetta Solomon, MSc, BSW
Membership Coordinator
I’m Evetta (She/Her), BSW, MSc (Childhood Studies), and I reside in Amiskwaciy Waskahikan (Edmonton). I am honoured to bring my academic and professional background in Social work to the forefront as I continue to support individuals, families, and communities.
My experience spans Social work practice in domestic violence advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and education and training, with a strong focus on trauma-informed care and culturally responsive approaches. I have had the privilege of contributing to social work education both locally and internationally, developing and facilitating training programs that equip frontline workers to support clients. My global perspective has enriched my practice, allowing me to approach my work with a deep commitment to anti-oppressive practice, diversity, and social justice.
I look forward to connecting with and learning from members as we continue advocating for meaningful change in the field of social work.
Our Board of Directors
These diverse and passionate social work leaders live and work around the province, and bring a broad array of interests and experience to the board.
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Arlene Eaton-Erickson, MSW, RSW
Board Member, President
Arlene Eaton-Erickson is a passionate and engaged social worker, leader and educator with 28 years of social work experience, and 15 years of teaching experience at a postsecondary level.
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Krista Osborne, MSW, RCSW
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Levis Kabahizi, BSW, RSW
Board Member, Treasurer
My name is Levis, I am a Black Queer immigrant, BSW, RSW. I currently reside Red Deer which is located on treaty 6 & 7 territories.
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Lincoln Nanaquawetung, BSW, RSW
Board Member.
My name is Lincoln Nanaquawetung. I am Indigenous from Fishing Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan in Treaty 4. However, I was born and raised in Edmonton but lived most my life in Saskatchewan. I have a lovely wife with whom we have been married for 23 years and we have 1 daughter.
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Peter Smyth, MSW, MSM, RSW
Board Member.
Peter has been a social worker with the Organization for the Prevention of Violence since February 2021. Previously, Peter was the overseer of the High Risk Youth Initiative with Alberta Children’s Services, Edmonton Region, where he worked for 32 years.
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Peyton Meters, MRes, RSW
Board Member
Peyton Meters (nek’em/she) was born in Newfoundland and comes from mi’kmaw, Irish and French ancestors. Peyton originally received her social work credential from MacEwan University, but to decolonize her practice, she completed her degree at a sovereign institute, Yellowhead Tribal College.
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Olugbenga "Olu' Fatimehin, MSW, MBA, RSW
Board Member
Olu Fatimehin is a result driven and enthusiastic Registered Social Worker (RSW) with more than 12 years’ experience in the social services domain. He has supported various individuals, families and couples in his practice.
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Tia Bell, MSW, RSW
Board Member
Hey, I'm Tia (she/her)! My social work lens is grounded in critical theory combined with authentic and servant leadership styles, which leads me to question a lot from deep curiosity and to re-center people over systems.
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Rory Yellowbird-Deck, BSW
Board Member
I’m a Juris Doctor candidate at the University of Calgary and an Indigenous social worker. I went to law school to strengthen my advocacy skills and better serve my community. I have an interest in Aboriginal law and want to use my legal career to advance Indigenous peoples’ Aboriginal and Treaty rights.
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Amanda Holloway, BSW, RSW
Board Member
Amanda Holloway (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in community-based practice, mental health and addictions leadership, and executive roles across Alberta and nationally. She currently serves as a member of the Government of Alberta’s Citizens’ Appeal Panel.
