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This March we will honor our talented social workers. We hope you will enjoy reading these profiles as much as we enjoyed creating them. Remember, there are hundreds of other social workers who weren’t highlighted here, so make sure to celebrate the ones that you know on social media using #SDPThankASocialWorker!
Suzanne AndersonWhy did you decide to become a Social Worker?
A family member struggled during adolescence and I thought maybe I could help kids like him.
How did you end up as a Social Worker at SDP?
I was ready to make a change and a friend told me about the STEP program and it seemed really interesting.
What is the best part about being a Social Worker?
Seeing people heal and become their most authentic self.
How do Social Workers improve the lives of their students?
We provide a safe place where students can be accepted for who they are and gently guided towards a direction that will help them become even better.
What is something you think everyone should know about Social Workers?
Social Workers have skills and training that is unique to our discipline. We are agents of change who help people mobilize their own strengths to achieve goals and improve their lives.
Tell us about any current unique programs or initiatives you have created or worked on to support students?
Just before the COVID-19 quarantine l raised funds to establish a Wellness Room at Sarye High as a peaceful, safe sanctuary for staff and students to utilize when they need to take a break. Since we returned to in-person learning it is heavily used by folks who unplug (no screens are permitted in the Wellness Room!) and experience the benefits of a quiet, calm oasis within the school. Additionally I lead the founding of Sayre High School’s GSA as a safe space for Queer identified students and their straight allies to come together after school to support and learn from each other.
Colleen KellerWhy did you decide to become a Social Worker?
I became a social worker to fight for social justice. Our larger political, economic, and educational systems are designed to lift some people up while oppressing others. I am passionate about doing my part to advocate for people who are feeling the effects of that oppression on a daily basis.
How did you end up as a Social Worker at SDP?
After working in adult mental health, I saw how much damage untreated trauma can have on people. I felt that if I could work with youth and help them deal with their trauma earlier on, they would have a better chance of happiness and success in adulthood.
What is the best part about being a Social Worker?
The best part of being a social worker is when a student I’m working with experiences some relief from their symptoms. They might be able to tell me something they’ve never told anyone, cry really hard for a couple of minutes while I am present with them, or talk for an hour straight while I listened intently. I get to be there with them while they have those moments of healing and it’s the best thing about this work.
How do Social Workers improve the lives of their students?
We show up. We validate them. We listen to them. We advocate for them. We let them know they matter.
What is something you think everyone should know about Social Workers?
I think a common misconception is that social workers are too caught up in the lives of our students/clients and have a hard time with work-life balance. Actually, I think social workers work really hard on healthy boundaries, self-care, and mental health maintenance. We know that we have to be healthy in order to help others.
Tell us about any current unique programs or initiatives you have created or worked on to support students?
Since I work at a virtual school, we have to find creative ways to engage students. We hear all the time from students how much they miss socializing with each other so we created virtual social hours to give students space to “hang out” and they really like it. We also wanted students to know that we are here and available for them so we do presentations on mental health in virtual homeroom settings. This provides a learning opportunity but also lets them know who they can reach out to if they’re struggling with their mental health.
Krystiane CooperWhy did you decide to become a Social Worker?
I knew that social work was a field where I could be impactful. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of people who allowed me to witness their stories. I wanted one fewer person to feel alone.
How did you end up as a Social Worker at SDP?
I started out working at a long-term shelter in the Girard area; then worked in elementary schools in S. Jersey, Bensalem, for Interac at AMY NW and Cook-Wissahickon, and for CCTC in STS at McKinley in West Kensington. I feel schools to be the best place to work directly with young children.
What is the best part about being a Social Worker?
The goals are the same wherever you work: safety, autonomy, advocacy, empowerment, and connection. I enjoy looking at multiple facets of a child’s life to discover the most beneficial paths of support.
How do Social Workers improve the lives of their students?
We meet students as they are, we seek to understand what is working or not working for them; and we encourage them to trust that they are valued, worthy, inspiring, and enough.
What is something you think everyone should know about Social Workers?
We are highly educated, not only from university study, but from years of experience, mentoring, and a sincere and deep curiosity about human connection.
Tell us about any current unique programs or initiatives you have created or worked on to support students?
At Grover Washington, Jr. Middle School, we have a safe and inviting space for students to express themselves through play, movement, meditation, art, and sandtray. Since play is the universal language of children, offering opportunities to play is vital to understanding and communicating through safe and supportive connection.
Thaddeus DesmondWhy did you decide to become a Social Worker?
I was exposed to some great social workers as a child and wanted to pay it forward to other young people.
How did you end up as a Social Worker at SDP?
A friend thought I would be a good fit and forwarded my resume.
What is the best part about being a Social Worker?
The best part of being a social worker is that it is so versatile and you can work with any population of people.
How do Social Workers improve the lives of their students?
Social workers help improve the lives of students by being able to focus on everything outside of the classroom and the ability to focus on the whole student.
What is something you think everyone should know about Social Workers?
SOCIAL WORKERS GET STUFF DONE!
Tell us about any current unique programs or initiatives you have created or worked on to support students?
Working to ensure that every student who leaves PJJSC has an individualized resource packet in hand when returning back into the community.
Jennifer LombardoWhy did you decide to become a Social Worker?
I decided to become a Social Worker because I knew how important and unique adolescents are to our communities. Through my own lived experiences, I knew that I had a passion and I wanted to help individuals, groups, and families when life becomes difficult to manage. I knew that I didn’t want to just figure out “what’s wrong with you”, but instead use a holistic approach to assess how everything around us affects and shapes you.
How did you end up as a Social Worker at SDP?
I ended up at the School District of Philadelphia because I was previously working with a school already and wanted to continue my role as a Social Worker in a school.
What is the best part about being a Social Worker?
The best part of being a Social Worker is knowing even the small gestures can make the world of a difference in the lives of our students and families. Small wins are just as important as the big ones when supporting a students/family success story.
How do Social Workers improve the lives of their students?
Social Workers improve the lives of students by providing the support and tools they might need in that moment or help students to see what they might need or want long term. Social workers connect students to the supports in and outside of the building in order to generate a flourishing school community that can be depended on.
What is something you think everyone should know about Social Workers?
I think something everyone should know about social workers is that we really value the work we do and though at times it is overwhelming and tough, but we have chosen this path for a reason.
Tell us about any current unique programs or initiatives you have created or worked on to support students?
At Frankford HS I have created a care closet with essential hygiene items, clothing, and household products. Big shout out to the donating teachers and staff as well as local community agencies in the NE section of the city. In addition, a Zen garden promoting a calming and mindfulness space was created in the summer of 2021 for our students, small groups, and staff to utilize. The Zen Garden is a safe space decorated and maintained to bring in the 5 senses for the ultimate experience.
Laura TaylorWhy did you decide to become a Social Worker?
I believe I was called to be a Social Worker. It is both my profession and passion. I have always been inspired to uplift and serve the community.
How did you end up as a Social Worker at SDP?
I was brought on to the STEP team as a case manager after a friend of mine shared the opportunity and felt it would be a great fit for me.
What is the best part about being a Social Worker?
The best part of being a Social Worker is believing in my clients. My investment in the betterment of the community drives me to advocate, empower, hold space for and connect with clients.
How do Social Workers improve the lives of their students?
In my practice I believe I am most impactful when I listen, validate and process with my students. Through building trust and rapport I am able to lead by example in showing what healthy interactions look like while expressing feelings. Lastly, consistency, showing up time after time and being a reliable clinical has improved the way my students interact.
What is something you think everyone should know about Social Workers?
We are not exempted from any of the struggles our clients are facing and through them we are often inspired.
Tell us about any current unique programs or initiatives you have created or worked on to support students?
I have been working with a group of 8th grade girls in a plethora of areas. From mental health, behavioral health, academics , personal accountability, hygiene and much more. Through these interactions I have noticed an increase of self awareness and desire to apply themselves to be better in areas they have been struggling.
Nicole RayWhy did you decide to become a Social Worker?
I was in a TSS position and a specific client of mine was my inspiration for wanting to be a Social Worker.
How did you end up as a Social Worker at SDP?
I had worked within SDP while in graduate school and completed my internship in one of our high schools. It was the most gratifying position I have ever had and I wanted to get back to that place.
What is the best part about being a Social Worker?
Making a difference in a student’s life, no matter how big or small is the best part every single time it happens… hands down! One on one connections made and the relationships built with students and staff.
How do Social Workers improve the lives of their students?
Providing a safe place for self-expression, connecting and building a relationship with students, advocacy and promoting self-advocacy and self-empowerment.
What is something you think everyone should know about Social Workers?
We are humans not Saints.
Tell us about any current unique programs or initiatives you have created or worked on to support students?
Currently working with our head of Horticulture on programming for pet therapy with rabbits for students.
Rashida McDonaldWhy did you decide to become a Social Worker?
I wanted to help others who also felt as if they are also misunderstood. I became a Social Worker to be a confidant of the voiceless and powerless.
How did you end up as a Social Worker at SDP?
I have always had a passion for children and was seeking stability from the non-profit world.
What is the best part about being a Social Worker?
I am able to assist others develop skills they can use and add to their tool boxes.
How do Social Workers improve the lives of their students?
Social Workers are the heart beat. We listen to them, even when we know they are lying. We provide safe spaces for students to exist and be themselves.
What is something you think everyone should know about Social Workers?
We wear invisible capes and wands. We’re pretty special people. COMPASSIONATE and KIND.
Tell us about any current unique programs or initiatives you have created or worked on to support students?
I was a part of Project Accelerate under Arlene Ackerman in 2009 and piloted one of the first PBIS teams from Rosevelt Middle School (2009-2012) and received a professional commendation.