AOSW Connections
Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief
Amy Colver, MSSA, MA, LISW
AOSW Communications Director
Jeanice Hansen, LCSW, OSW-C
Managing Editor
Patricia Sullivan
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To submit a story or information for inclusion in a future issue of AOSW Newsletter, contact Amy Colver or Melody Griffith on the list above.
Meet Your Leaders: Cynthia Edwards, LMSW, OSW-C – State Representative for Mississippi
Tell us about your service to AOSW.
"I serve the relatively rural state of Mississippi. At times, I’ve been the only member of AOSW from Mississippi. I actively recruit every oncology social worker I meet to join the AOSW community. In the past, I’ve recruited through direct mail to the social workers at all Mississippi cancer programs, talked with members of the Mississippi chapter of the Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care (SSWLHC) and even hosted a cocktail hour for oncology social workers in the capital city of Jackson. AOSW currently has four members from Mississippi, which is slow but significant growth!"
What motivates you to make such efforts to connect with your colleagues?
"I love talking to other social workers in oncology in the state to see what changes and challenges they are facing and what tools they are using to overcome these challenges." In addition to Cindy’s long-term service to AOSW, she is also the 2016 Mississippi State President for SSWLHC.
What advice do you have for other members looking for their niche within AOSW?
“For social workers to find their niche within AOSW, first really find your passion, what lights you up. Mine has been working with patients in radiation.”
How do you balance your care of patients, your leadership within oncology social work and your self-care?
“My happy place, after a stressful day, is going home and going for a long walk with my husband and two dogs. That walking releases the physical stress. Talking with my husband, who also works in healthcare, releases the emotional stress and the unconditional love of my dogs rebuilds my spiritual side.”
Leadership Lesson—AOSW wishes to thank Cindy for 21 years of leadership and for being a strong advocate for the importance of collegial connections. Sometimes our work takes a long time to show rewards, but our investment in professional growth and support helps us improve our communities.
AOSW has a list of current State Representative vacancies and long-time AOSW leaders who are ready to mentor newcomers. Contact info@aosw.org if you are interested in serving as a State Representative or being matched as a Co-representative.