Student of the Year

Rebecca "Sid" O'Brien

BSW, University Of Cincinnati

Rebecca “Sid” O’Brien is a dedicated social work student at the University of Cincinnati and a recent Sinclair College graduate. A former President of the Social Work Club and Honors Scholar, Sid developed projects on voter education, student-parent needs, and intimate partner violence. They have served as a Great Minds Fellow for Behavioral Health, co-developed civic education sessions, and received international recognition for their advocacy. Moving forward, Sid hopes to create space for mentorship and disability justice while continuing to champion equity and systemic change.

Outstanding Service to NASW Ohio

Jenny McDermott

Professor and Social Work Program Coordinator, and Faculty Associate for Experiential Learning, Sinclair Community College

Jenny McDermott is a dedicated social work educator with a foundation in child and family services. She currently serves as the Social Work Program Coordinator and Professor at Sinclair College, where she advises an active Social Work Club, teaches social work to incarcerated students, and fosters a learning environment grounded in equity, empathy, and evidence-based practice. Jenny promotes the important role that NASW plays in a social worker's career and provides opportunities for connection at the associate level, including annual field trips to Advocacy Day. Jenny also serves as Faculty Associate for Experiential Learning, helping to bridge classroom instruction with real-world application through meaningful community partnerships.

Social Worker of the Year

Alyssa Bleijerveld

Career Navigator, Montgomery County Educational Service Center

Alyssa Bleijerveld, MASW, LISW, is passionate about helping immigrant communities thrive and educating those who serve them. As a DOJ Accredited Legal Representative, Alyssa founded a low-cost immigration legal service. Her work with PHDMC focused on infant vitality by addressing issues of equity in birth outcomes. As a school social worker, she connected immigrant families to resources and built networks of support for her students. Today, Alyssa serves as a Career Navigator with MCESC, expanding access to opportunity for local students. Outside of her professional role, she has continued her advocacy as a member of the Miami Valley Immigrant Coalition and by providing immigration related training to professionals statewide.

Lifetime Achievement

Jane Keiffer

Executive Director, Artemis Center

Jane has worked at Artemis Center for the past 29 years, serving survivors of domestic violence and their children. For the past 8 years, she has led the organization with vision and her strong passion to increase safety for survivors. Jane is committed to collaborating with community partners to help raise awareness regarding the effects of domestic violence. Jane is an active member of Montgomery County's Coordinated Community Response team and provides expert testimony to the court systems as needed. Under Jane's leadership, Artemis has expanded services to include Rapid Rehousing, Transitional housing, and has become a dual organization providing services to both domestic violence survivors and sexual assault survivors.

Agency of the Year

Artemis Center

Artemis opened in 1985 and is the only dedicated DV agency in the county. Over time, we have added programs, including answering our 24/7 hotline, court advocacy, child therapy, outreach, formal collaboration with child welfare, and systems coordination. Our services include providing safety planning, crisis services, emotional support, information, and referrals. We provide support groups, accompaniment to both criminal and civil courts, advocacy, and education to community providers. In 2024, we began providing rapid rehousing, helping survivors locate safe and affordable housing. In 2025, we became a dual organization offering services to domestic violence survivors and sexual assault survivors.