By Paul R. Pace
Carol Sobelson, MS, said she was inspired to enter social work because, “I recognized I was a good listener.”
“That led me down a clinical path for training so I could be even a better listener in understating and helping people,” says Sobelson, president of the NASW New Hampshire Chapter. “It’s interesting how my whole professional life was in clinical social work, and now I am involved in macro social work because it allows one to actively work for social justice and dignity and work on all the many disparities we have in our country.”
After graduating from Boston College, Sobelson attended Columbia University School of Social Work. She moved to Concord, N.H., in 1984 and taught at Connecticut University School of Social Work on the Concord campus while also maintaining a private practice.
She no longer teaches and retired from her private practice in 2020 after 40 years.
“I have been on the (chapter) board for many years,” Sobelson says, adding that chapter presidents who came before her inspired her to serve as chapter president. “So, when I was nominated, I was very happy and proud to accept. It’s been a wonderful experience.”
Sobelson also has served her chapter in the past as recording secretary and treasurer.
Her retirement has allowed more time to devote to social work advocacy with the New Hampshire legislature. In fact, being involved in the legislative community has been very meaningful, she says. “It allows one to recognize the needs of the community and the state, and you can have a direct influence on positive changes.”
NASW members can read the full story in NASW Social Work Advocates magazine.
