School Social Work Team
Meet our Team
Holly Merkle, MSSA, LISW-S
Coordinator of Wellness & Success
Holly Merkle is dually licensed as a Licensed Independent Social Worker and an Ohio School Social Worker. She is a graduate of the College of Wooster with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and earned a Master’s Degree from Case Western Reserve University in Social Science Administration (Social Work). Holly has over 15 years experience working with children and families with a specialization in helping youth dealing with traumatic events. Holly oversees the School Social Work Department and enjoys playing with her Labrador Retriever Penelope when not at work.
To contact Holly, call 330-926-3800 ext. 502103 or email at cf_merkleh@cftigers.org.
Sierra Oden, MSSA, LISW-S
School Social Worker
Bolich Middle & Cuyahoga Falls High School
Sierra Oden is a Licensed Independent Social Worker. She is a graduate of Lee University, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Case Western Reserve University, earning a Master's Degree in Social Service Administration specializing in Children, Youth and Families. Sierra has worked in social services for over 10 years, with a strong focus on supporting youth and families. On weekends, you can find her outdoors hiking, running, volunteering, and spending time with her family.
To contact Sierra, call 330-926-3800 ext. 502009 or email at cf_odens@cftigers.org.
Becky Matheny, MSW, LSW
School Social Worker
Roberts Middle, DeWitt, Price, & Preston Elementary Schools
Becky is a Licensed Social Worker. She attended The University of Akron where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Organizational Communication and a Master’s degree in Social Work. Becky has more than 12 years experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities and most recently worked for a state psychiatric hospital. She is excited for the opportunity to return to working with children. In her free time, Becky enjoys spending time with her family and cheering on her kids at band competitions and volleyball games.
To contact Becky, call 330-926-3800 or email at cf_mathenyr@cftigers.org.
Esther Harsh, MSW, LSW
School Social Worker
Lincoln, Richardson, & Silver Lake Elementary Schools
Esther Harsh is a Licensed Social Worker and serves the district as one of the elementary school social workers. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Intervention Specialist from Malone University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Akron. Her life and professional experiences are broad; they include overseas service in Ukrainian orphanages, social services in refugee resettlement, treatment foster care, and children services. Esther is an avid traveler and enjoys hiking, kayaking, and amusement parks.
To contact Esther, call 330-926-3800 ext. 502012 or email at cf_harshe@cftigers.org.
What we do
A school social worker helps your child by connecting your family with the right support. We work with school staff and community programs to make sure your child gets the help they need, like counseling and extra resources, so they can do their best in school and at home. We seek to support the whole child by
supporting mental health and social emotional development
providing family-school-community linkages, including parent engagement, connections to resources and collaboration with community partners
developing intervention strategies to increase academic success
The Cuyahoga Falls City Schools Social Work Department follows the National School Social Work Practice Model.