Meet the Social Workers

This is my 12th year of being a School Social Worker and first year at EHS. I spent 3 years working with high school students in an intermediate district in the Twin Cities and the last 8 years helping middle school students navigate some of the hardest years of their lives. I now look forward to supporting high school students and helping them focus on their futures as well as providing social and emotional guidance and mental health support. 

Background

I earned my B.A. in Social Work from St. Catherine University in 2004. I was a youth counselor at a domestic violence agency/shelter from 2004-2014 when I received my M.A. in Social Work from the University of Minnesota.  I worked with homeless youth in Bloomington, MN  for a year until I started working in schools as a School Social Worker.  My passion is helping young people thrive and navigate their school years and I look forward to supporting you and your student at EHS!

This is my 11th year at EHS, and my role is to be flexible in meeting the various needs of our students. I collaborate with counselors Nikki Plafcan, Matthew Caines, Susan Phetsamone, and Lisa Burnham to help meet the needs of students within their caseloads of students in grades 10-12. I look forward to working with you and your child in creating the best experience here at EHS.

Background

I earned my Master of Social Work degree in 2014 from Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN. My experience includes working with young people in a variety of settings including schools, shelters, as well as case management services for children with Severe Emotional Disturbances. I love watching the growth and transformation of students transitioning into young adults. There is never a dull moment working with high school students and they know how to keep things lively and interesting.

This is my 6th year at Edina High School. I am excited to be a part of the new ninth grade teaming model at EHS and will be working exclusively with 9th graders this year! My goal is to help students with whatever challenges may come their way.  I will work closely with the ninth grade counselors, Angela Kieffer (Teams 1,2,3) and Natalie Golberg (Teams 4,5,6) to support all 9th graders. If there is anything I can do to help you and/or your student, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  I look forward to working with you!

Background

I earned a Master of Social Work degree in 2000 from the University of Minnesota. I have 20 years of experience working with middle school and high school students and families.  I am also the parent of a high school student and a recent graduate.

Common Areas of Focus:

• Mental Health

• Peer Conflict

• Family Conflict

• Financial Need

• Advocacy

• Social Justice

• Chemical Use