Judy A. Brown, MSW, LICSW, LSSW, QSP

Judy has been working collaboratively with children and families for more than 30 years. She has been employed with Minneapolis Public Schools for more than 14 years. In 2024, Judy received the MN African Mental Health's - Excellence in Racial & Mental Health Advocacy Award. In 2023, she was named the University of St. Thomas' School of Social Work - Distinguished Alumni. In 2022, Judy was named as Minnesota's School Social Worker of the Year by the MN School Social Work Association for her fearless advocacy for students' and families.  

As a Mental Health Support Manager, School Social Worker and Adjunct Professor, Judy is a leader in the social, emotional, and behavioral learning of students, families and adults. As a Clinical Social Worker, Judy works from a strengths-based model while focusing on resiliency, perseverance and inner power. Judy practices from a healing centered model which focuses on culture, spirituality, civic engagement, self-care and communal healing.

Judy also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Human Services/Pre-Social Work Department at Minneapolis College. In addition, she is the creator and facilitator of Lady Like??, a social-emotional group for 5th -8th grade girls that earned her the distinguished Minneapolis Educators Leadership Award (MELA).

Judy is a strong leader in the community and also an advocate in the lives of children outside of her work. She is very passionate about closing achievement gaps, ending racial injustices and health disparities in populations of color. Prior to working in education, and children's mental health, Judy worked in community corrections, child protection, and also public health.