Aja Ramos, LCSW, Vice President of Operations
Over the past 19 years, Ms. Ramos has been inspired by the countless individuals she has served. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Ms. Ramos has worked in various roles with youth and families from diverse backgrounds. She has helped build resiliency of individuals who face barriers including trauma, abuse, chemical dependency, severe behavioral health disorders, developmental disabilities, homelessness, and domestic violence. Prior to her position with WestCare Pacific Islands, Ms. Ramos worked for the largest behavioral health organization in Washington State. While there she delivered crisis intervention, therapeutic counseling, case management, interdisciplinary team facilitation, and client advocacy services. In 2019, Ms. Ramos was selected as the “Social Worker of the Year” by the Guam National Association of Social Workers. In addition, she served as Chair of the Guam Board of Social Work where she led the charge in launching Guam’s first licensure for social workers. Ms. Ramos uses her experience in program development, collaborative partnerships, human services administration, program evaluation, and community capacity building to enhance WestCare Pacific Islands. WPI has benefitted greatly from her experience and leadership in the field.
Daniel A. Duenas, MSW, LCSW, MAC, Behavioral Health Counselor, UPLIFT
Dan is a Licensed Master Addictions Counselor and a Vietnam Veteran (Army). He has been in the Human Services field for over thirty years working in the areas of substance abuse and mental health issues. Dan worked in a Substance Abuse Residential Treatment setting with Adults in the Correctional Facility and with Adolescents in the Youth Facility. He has provided counseling services on an Outpatient Basis. He earned a degree in Sociology from the University of Guam and a Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.