Board of Directors Election
Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent election for open positions on the AOSW Board of Directors.
AOSW is pleased to welcome the following members to Board of Directors starting on January 1, 2026.
President-Elect: Kendolyn Shankle, LCSW-S
As President-Elect, I will support the operational and strategic functions of the Board with intention and inclusivity, and serve as a trusted collaborator to the President, Executive Committee, and membership. I welcome the opportunity to serve and to advance AOSW’s mission through transparent leadership, ethical decision-making, and an unwavering belief in the power of our profession. This role is more than an honor; it is a responsibility to our field and to one another. I welcome the opportunity to serve.
Education Director: Sophia Tsesmelis, DSW
The AOSW community has been a meaningful part of my professional journey, offering a consistent thread of connection and a framework of support, personally and professionally–grounded in education, shared values, and commitment to the heart of oncology social work. I’m excited about the opportunity to serve as Educational Director because I believe in AOSW’s mission and its power to strengthen and sustain our profession. If selected, I would bring experience in program development, clinical education, and leadership to expand inclusive, forward-thinking offerings rooted in the realities of everyday practice. Most of all, I would bring heart, collaboration, and a deep commitment to supporting the people who carry out this essential work.
Director at Large, Special Interest Groups: Katie Tremel, MSW, LCSW
AOSW has been an integral part of my oncology social work career. This organization has elevated my leadership skills and given me an opportunity to serve in areas important to me. It’s worth highlighting that members of this organization are the backbone of AOSW. AOSW fosters connection in a multitude of areas, including the many available SIGs. Special Interest Groups are an incredibly important piece of the AOSW puzzle. SIGs allow members to be a part of more cancer-specific groups, that in turn provide education and peer-to-peer connection. We are better social workers when we are connected and supported by our peers. As Director at Large of Special Interest Groups, I’ll make it my mission to keep members engaged through groups most important to them, while also creating new SIGs if and when members see a gap in support. Belonging to a SIG is an invaluable area within AOSW.
2026 Nominations Committee
Members of the Nominations Committee are available to discuss the board positions or other service opportunities within AOSW, and we would be happy to talk with you.
• Michael L. Grignon LMSW, CCM, MBA, Chair of Nominations Committee, mgrignon@care-anthem.com
• Linda Mathew, MSW, DSW, LCSW-R, mathewl@mskcc.org
• Meredith Cammarata, LCSW, cammaram@mskcc.org
• Chelsea M. Kroll MSW, LMSW, OSW-C, chelsea.kroll@eamc.org
• Lailea J. Noel PhD, MSW, lailea.noel@utexas.edu