Call for 6th annual SWAG Nominations Opens September 2, 2025
Committee
We are grateful to these social workers for upholding the integrity of the social work profession and for their tireless efforts to serve.
Sharise Nance, LCSW, CCTP, Founder of SWAG Awards
Sharise Nance is a trusted voice in workplace wellness, leadership burnout, and trauma-informed care. With over 25 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Trauma Specialist, Global Speaker, Award-Winning Author, and Entrepreneur, she helps individuals and organizations move from surviving to sustainable success.
Sharise is the co-founder of HandinHand Counseling Services, LLC, a private practice focused on reducing mental health disparities in Black communities and addressing pay inequities in the mental health field. She also leads Vitamin C Healing, LLC, where she equips workplaces to build supportive, trauma-sensitive cultures that prioritize work-life harmony. Known as the “Compassion Fatigue Lady” and a Burnout Culture Disruptor, Sharise is considered one of the pioneers of compassion fatigue prevention in Western Pennsylvania.
Her transformative keynotes and workshops have impacted organizations including NAMI, the University of Pittsburgh, Johns Hopkins Medical Center, UPMC, Multnomah County, Healthy Start and more. She is the visionary behind the S.W.A.G. Awards (Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness), celebrating the heart work of social workers in the Greater Pittsburgh area.
Sharise co-founded the SWAG Alliance Foundation alongside her husband, William Nance, to expand the impact of the SWAG Awards and support social workers through advocacy, recognition, and year-round professional development.
Outside of her work, Sharise is the proud wife of William Nance, a military veteran. She enjoys running, reading, watching sports, traveling, and trying new foods; often alongside her husband.
Kiva A Fisher-Green, MSW, LCSW
Kiva A. Fisher-Green, MSW, LCSW is the Founder and CEO of Sanant Counseling & Wellness LLC, a virtual mental health practice based in suburban Pittsburgh, and the visionary behind The Kurated Kollective, a curated travel commUNITY for women seeking meaningful exploration and intentional rest. A licensed clinical social worker, Kiva integrates her mental health expertise with a passion for holistic wellness and cultural enrichment.
A breast cancer survivor and committed advocate, Kiva also facilitates Noire Warriors, a monthly support group for African American breast cancer survivors. Her lived experiences fuel her dedication to uplifting under-resourced communities, with a long-term vision of developing affordable housing that affirms dignity and access.
She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the National Council of Negro Women, and Bible Center Church. Her leadership has earned recognition including the New Pittsburgh Courier Woman of Excellence, Jefferson Award nominee, and SWAG Award recipient.
Johnnie Geathers, MSW, LSW
Johnnie Geathers is a Licensed Social Worker and Mental Health Therapist providing individual and group therapy at HandinHand Counseling Services, LLC. Beyond the therapy room, Johnnie is a passionate speaker and mental health advocate. He hosts a YouTube series called JG Mental Health Fridays, where he explores a range of mental health topics and shares practical coping tools viewers can apply in their everyday lives.
A proud member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Johnnie has consistently poured into both his fraternity and the broader community. His work has earned him numerous honors, including the 2020 Pitt Social Work Rising Star Alumni Award, 2020 SWAG Award, 2022 New Pittsburgh Courier’s FAB 40 Award, and the 2022 Penn State Black Alumni Reunion’s Leadership Alumni Achievement Award.
Jaquayla L. Huger, MSW, LSW
Jaquayla L. Huger is a passionate licensed social worker who believes in the ability of all people, particularly children, to learn and practice resiliency amid life difficulties. Jaquayla has worked in the Allegheny County Child Welfare system for 6 ½ years. Additionally, Jaquayla is a therapist with Sanant Counseling & Wellness, located in Monroeville, PA. She is also the Owner of Leverage Credit Consulting LLC. Ms. Huger received her BSW from Carlow University and her MSW with a concentration in children, youth, and families from the University of Pittsburgh. Jaquayla is a 2020 Child Welfare Education Leadership Fellow. Jaquayla is also a 2024 SWAG Awardee recipient.
Kiera Mallet, LCSW
Kiera Mallett is originally from Chicago, IL. She is currently the first Director of Field Education for the Bachelor of Social Work Program at Penn State and a clinician at Outreach Teen and Family Services.
Kiera is extremely passionate about training future social workers, serving/supporting youth, adolescents, and their families. Kiera is also a 2023 SWAG Award recipient
Khavah Murray, MSW, LCSW, CCTP, CGP
Khavah Murray, LCSW, CCTP, CGP brings over 16 years of extensive experience in mental health and community services, specializing in children and families. As the Director of Behavioral Health and Social Services at Primary Care Health Services (PCHS), she leads efforts to expand access to quality mental health care for underserved communities.
As Founder of Hope Deals Counseling & Consulting, Ms. Murray is passionate about providing culturally responsive services and addressing the critical need for Black and Brown therapists. In addition, she is an adjunct professor of social work at Penn State Greater Allegheny.
Ms. Murray also hosts workshops and events, fostering partnerships that promote mental wellness, self-care, and professional growth. Khavah is also a 2025 SWAG Awardee recipient.
Ramon "Tony" Rivera, LCSW
Ramon "Tony" Rivera is the Caregiver Support Innovation Coordinator at VA Pittsburgh, an adjunct instructor at Penn State Greater Allegheny, and therapist at Pittsburgh Mercy. He is earned a B.S. in Psychology from Penn State Greater Allegheny and his M.S.W. from the University of Southern California. Mr. Rivera is currently developing and piloting VET-CARE MH, a program for caregivers of Veterans in mental health recovery. Tony is also a 2024 SWAG Awardee recipient.
Cassandra M. Williams, Lic. Min.
Cassandra M. Williams is a licensed minister, nonprofit leader, community advocate, and curriculum developer with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit administration and development, and 10 years in business startup and expansion.
Licensed in 2016 by Bishop Lee C. Carter of King of Kings Baptist Ministries, Cassandra has served faithfully through Bible study teaching, worship leadership, and intercessory prayer. She is the founder of Dancers of The King, a ministry that uses movement and scripture to empower and uplift women spiritually, mentally, and physically.
That same year, she was appointed Executive Director of The King's Community Center, a 501(c)(3) organization created to provide socio-economic development for youth, families, and entrepreneurs across Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Under her leadership, the Center has launched successful programs within the Career and Leadership Department, Thriving Families Programs, and Youth Leaders Academy—offering services including counseling, family reunification, housing assistance, business development, food and clothing distribution, and summer youth programming.
Cassandra currently serves as Community Relations Manager for the City of Pittsburgh, Council President R. Daniel Lavelle (District 6) and as Board Secretary for the SWAG Alliance Foundation.
She has also developed and facilitated curriculum for several organizations, including the Hill CDC, Community Empowerment Association (CEA), and Youth Places, where she created a youth entrepreneurship program. From 2010 to 2014, she served as Executive Director of Naomi’s Place Transitional Housing, guiding homeless women in recovery and their children toward self-sufficiency and permanent housing.
Cassandra holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, completed two years of theological studies at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and holds certifications in Biblical Counseling, Grant Writing, and Career Development Facilitation.