IN THE NEWS
Honouring Our Own: ACSW 2019 Awards ACSW is pleased to celebrate the contributions of some of Alberta’s exemplary social workers.
John Hutton Memorial Award
Excellence in Social Work Practice
This award recognizes a registered social worker in good
This award recognizes social workers who have exhibited
standing who has made an outstanding contribution to the
exemplary skills and commitment over time.
profession of social work and the community through social action and policy.
Marianne Wright, BSW, RSW Marianne has been a social worker
Richard Shelson, MSW, RCSW
for over 40 years, as a clinical
Richard has been a social worker for
social worker in private practice,
40 years, supporting individuals and
a social work educator and a field
families through counselling and mental
placement instructor. Marianne
health therapy, and advancing clinical
retired in 2019 after teaching at MacEwan University
social work practice in the mental health
since 1980. Throughout her career as an educator,
field. Richard was involved in advocacy for the social work
Marianne contributed to the development of courses
profession to be included in the Health Professions Act and
that focus on clinical skills and social work methods.
has served as a long-time ACSW volunteer, including serving
Marianne is dedicated to giving back to the profession,
on Council in multiple roles, on the Clinical Committee
including supporting the ACSW with participation on
since its inception, and by continuing to provide leadership
the Private Practice, Complaints and Discipline, and
on the Private Practice Committee. Richard was also the
Clinical Committees, as well as being an investigator and
first Canadian member on the Association of Social Work
co-chairing the ACSW Conference Committee. Marianne
Boards’ Practice Analysis Taskforce, and a member and chair
has demonstrated excellence in social work through
of their exam committee. His support for the profession is
her support of students, practitioners and community
unparalleled, and he continues to be an advocate, teacher
agencies, fostering dedication to the ongoing growth and
and mentor within Alberta’s social work community.
development of the profession.
12
SUMMER 2020
