About Us

The Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW) serves as a main regulatory body for the practice of Social Work in Guyana, committed to enhancing the knowledge, efficiency, and ability of its members.

The Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers is a Statutory Non-governmental Professional Organization, established on the 30 April 1991 under the Friendly Society’s Act. The primary objective of the Association in accordance with its constitution is to ensure the regulation of the practice of social work through the promotion of knowledge, ethical standards and skill sets of its members. This ensures its members and clients at all times receive the services of proficient and competent Practitioners of high ethical standards. In addition, the organization has a social mandate, which affords it the opportunities to work with various populations including individuals, families, couples, children and communities through various projects and collaborative engagements.

Professional social workers are those who graduate with the Bachelor of Science in Social Work and are eligible for membership of the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers, while those who graduate with the Associate/Diploma in Social Work deemed as junior social workers and are eligible for associate membership with the GAPSW. Some of the main roles ascribed to the social work profession include counselors, first responders, educator, administrators, evaluators, policy makers, broker, mediator, and advocates. Social Workers engage in issues of social justice, abuse and discriminatory practices.


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Join Our Community

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Lynette Baird Fiedtkou, Vice President, Public Relations

MBA, MSc (Counseling Psychology), BSc (Social Work), BSc (Mass Communication)

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Von Venture, Committee Member

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Debbie Hopkinson, President

MSD, MSW, BSc, (Social Work) DipEd (Social Studies) IIRP Trainer Restorative Practices

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Schedelia Hodge, Assistant Treasurer & Head of Community Development

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Dione Chase, Treasurer

MSW, BSc (Social Work)

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Rushelle Garnette, Committee Member, Education Committee

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Jada Paul, Assistant Secretary & Head of Education

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William Richmond, Committee Member

Debra Ann Lewis, Secretary, Administration

Stephanie Crandon, Committee Member

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Trauma & Grief Healing Messages

A poster from the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW) with themes of healing and support for trauma, featuring an outline of Guyana with a heart and hands holding it, a dove with a heart, and a list of remembrance and support principles for the nation.
Flyer for Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW) promoting community healing and support after trauma with images of doves, a candle, a group of people, and a map of Guyana at sunset.

Messages for families, communities, and the nation at large in the aftermath of the MV Barima Boat Tragedy, which occurred on July 18th, 2026.

Flyer for Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPS) promoting healing and support after trauma. Features a boat at sunset, white doves, and floral decorations, with text details on supporting survivors, creating safe spaces, and contact information.
Flyer for Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers promoting healing and support among friends through trauma, with tips on helping and contact info.