Kalamazoo Public Schools

Social Workers'

Virtual Office

We are social workers with the Kalamazoo Public Schools.

We are here to support you and your family through this school year!

We each serve several buildings throughout the district, so look below for a familiar face or find your school building listed under one of our names and photographs.

This virtual office is not intended to provide emergency crisis support. If you or someone you care about is in need of immediate assistance, please call 1-888-373-6200 (24-hour crisis hotline managed by Integrated Services of Kalamazoo).

We are your KPS School Social Workers!

What's a school social worker? We provide support and consultation to students, staff, and families throughout the Kalamazoo Public Schools community. We serve as members of the special education departments within each school building, assisting with evaluations and educational planning for students with disabilities. We connect students and families to community resources. We also collaborate with classroom teachers and other school staff in meeting students' social-emotional and behavioral needs.

Jenny Winters, LLMSW

School Social Worker

I work primarily with Arcadia, Greenwood, Indian Prairie, King Westwood, Milwood, Northeastern, and Prairie Ridge Elementary Schools.

wintersjm@kalamazoopublicschools.net

269/389-0140

Students! Click here to contact Ms. Winters.

Parents! Click here to contact Ms. Winters.

Jose Garcia, LMSW, LCSW

School Social Worker

I work primarily with Phoenix High School, North Glade, El Sol, Parkwood Upjohn, Woods Lake, and Winchell Elementary Schools.

garciajd@kalamazoopublicschools.net

269/312-7421

Judy Warren, LMSW

School Social Worker

I work primarily with Washington Writers' Academy, Woodward, Edison, Lincoln, and Spring Valley Elementary Schools.

warrenjc@kalamazoopublicschools.net

269/337-0770

Kirsten Jennings, LMSW

School Social Worker

she / her / hers

I work primarily with Loy Norrix High School, Maple Street Middle School, and Milwood Magnet Middle School.

jenningska@kalamazoopublicschools.net

269/359-7616

Students! Click here to contact Ms. Jennings.

Parents! Click here to contact Ms. Jennings.

Rachel Parker, LMSW

School Social Worker

I work primarily with Kalamazoo Central High School, Linden Grove Middle School, and Hillside Middle School.

parkerrl@kalamazoopublicschools.net

269/718-3419

Students! Click here to contact Ms. Parker.

Parents! Click here to contact Ms. Parker.

We are your KPS Clinical Social Workers!

What's a clinical social worker? We provide clinical services within the Kalamazoo Public Schools to support students within the school community. Services may include individual or group counseling and other supports. Participation is voluntary, available at no cost, and is distinct from special education services. Services may address areas including but not limited to: short term counseling for problem-solving and coping skills, transitions, self-esteem, peer issues, stress management, study skills, adjustment to school or culture and/or other agreed upon goals. Clinical support services are intended to be short-term and will gradually reduce as the student and family obtain additional supports and services through the school and community.

Natishia Smith, MSW

Clinical Social Worker

I work primarily with Edison Elementary, El Sol Elementary, Parkwood Upjohn Elementary, Woods Lake Elementary and Hillside Middle School.

smithnr@kalamazoopublicschools.net

269/364-0564

Students! Click here to contact Ms. Smith.

Parents! Click here to contact Ms. Smith.

Schedule an appointment with Ms. Smith.

Consent form for clinical services

Patricia Gardenhire-Lamar, MSW

Clinical Social Worker

I work primarily with Milwood Magnet Middle School, Maple Street Middle School, Kalamazoo Central High School, Loy Norrix High School, and Phoenix High School.

gardenhirelamarpm@kalamazoopublicschools.net

269/993-9051

Students! Click here to contact Ms. Gardenhire-Lamar.

Parents! Click here to contact Ms. Gardenhire-Lamar.

Consent form for clinical services