What is ASGW?
The Association for Specialists in Group Work was founded in 1973 as a division of the American Counseling Association. ASGW exists so that members and other helping professionals are empowered with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to practice effective, socially just, and ethical group work in a diverse and global society.
President’s Welcome Note

Welcome to the Association for Specialists in Group Work. ASGW is a welcoming community where members share a passion for providing effective, culturally responsive group work across multiple settings and professions. I am honored to serve as ASGW President (2021-2022). As we look forward to the upcoming year, I want to highlight some exciting ongoing efforts and opportunities.
- Call for Committee Members
ASGW relies on the gracious dedication and service of its members to function and thrive. If you would like to serve on a committee this year, please complete this form. - ASGW Conference
We have an awesome conference planned from February 17-20, 2022 in Atlantic Beach, Florida. The conference theme will be “Group Work Innovations in a Transforming World.” We sincerely hope you can join us for this meaningful group experience! - ASGW Day of Service
Just before the conference begins, we will be partnering with a local organization in Florida to hold a day of service in which members can participate. More details to come… stay tuned! - Commitment to Advocacy and Social Justice Initiatives
We plan to continue current efforts and establish new initiatives for effectively using group work to transform hate, facilitate courageous conversations, and enhance community building. Watch out for opportunities to join these efforts and contribute your ideas!
I look forward to working with all of you this year,
Lorraine J. Guth, Ph.D
ASGW President (2021-2022)
Mission
The purpose of the Association shall be to establish standards for professional and ethical practice; to support research and the dissemination of knowledge; and to provide professional leadership in the field of group work. In addition, the Association shall seek to extend counseling through the use of group processes; to provide a forum for examining innovative and developing concepts in group work; to foster diversity and dignity in our groups; and to be models of effective group practice.
Vision
To be an organization that…
Values
As Counseling Professionals who are interested in and specialize in group work, we value the creation of community; service to our members, their clients, and the profession; and leadership as a process to facilitate the growth and development of individuals and groups.
ASGW Leadership Team 2023-2024
Governing Process Committee (GPC)

Julia Champe, Ph.D.
(she/her/hers)
President

Kendra Jackson, Ph.D.
(she/her/hers)
President-Elect

Kathy Ybanez-Llorente, Ph.D., LPC-S
(she/her/ella)
Past President

Kendra Jackson, Ph.D.
(she/her/hers)
Treasurer

Priscilla Rose Prasath, Ph.D., LPC (TX), MBA, GCSC
(she/her/hers)
Secretary

Dibyah Choudhuri, Ph.D.
(she/her/hers)
ACA Governing Council Rep.

Deborah Rubel, PhD
(she/her/hers)
Process Observer
Committee Chairs and Journal

Julie Uribe
(she/her/hers)
Strategic Communications Committee Chair

Erik Messinger, Ph.D., LCMHC, NCC
(he/him/his)
Membership Committee Chair

Martin Jencius, Ph.D.
(he/him/his)
Products Committee Chair

Brittany Pollard-Kosidowski, Ph.D.
(she/her/hers)
Special Initiatives Committee Chair

Adam F. Stephens, Ph.D., NCC
(he/him/his)
Special Initiatives Committee Chair

Sheri A. Bauman, Ph.D.
(she/her/hers)
ASGW Fellows Chair

Jessenia Garcia, Ph.D., LPC
(she/her/hers|ella)
Special Initiatives Committee Co-Chair

Ashley Coombs, Ph.D., LPC, ACS, NCC, CAADC
(she/her/hers)
Conference Committee Chair

Madeleine M. Stevens, Ph.D., LPC (OH), NCC
(she/her/hers)
Research Committee Chair

Jane Okech, PhD
(she/her/heris)
Journal for Specialists in Group Work Editor
State Branches
Get involved with your ASGW State Branch for networking and professional development.