Meet Your Social Workers

Ms. Smith received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Since graduating with her MSW, Ms. Smith has worked in child and family grief support, outpatient therapy, and school-based counseling and crisis services. Ms. Smith started working as a School Social Worker with Special School District in 2021 and looks forward to returning to Normandy Schools Collaborative this school year!

Ms. Smith’s favorite color is yellow, and she enjoys crocheting, watching crime shows, spending time with family, and being outside (mostly in the Fall).

Ms. Smith is extremely excited to work with NSC students and families again this school year and can be contacted using the information below. 

Phone:  314-328-0783

Email: knsmith@ssdmo.org

Ms. Allen received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Ethnic Studies from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. Ms. Allen then went on to pursue her Master's Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health from the Brown School at Washington University in Saint Louis, MO. Since graduating with her MSW, she has worked in school-based counseling.

She enjoys traveling, diamond painting, reading, watching streaming services, and spending time with friends and family in her spare time. She is excited to collaborate with students and their families this school year.

Phone: 314-989- 8432

Email: jallen@ssdmo.org 

Ms. Rice received her Bachelor's Degree in Communications Science and Disorders and Psychology from Rockhurst University. Ms. Rice then went on to pursue her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University in New York, NY. Since graduating with her MSW, she has worked in parent and child trauma counseling, crime victim crisis services, and school-based counseling. Ms. Rice moved back to Missouri and joined the SSD/NSC family in 2021. 

Ms. Rice loves writing music, being in nature, and reading. She also enjoys crafting and spending time with her cat, Spaghetti. Ms. Rice looks forward to the 2024-2025 school year. Go Vikings!

Phone: (314) 944-3692

Email: grice@normandysc.org 

Hello.  I am Marisha Griffin-Essex and am a proud Alumni of Normandy School District. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Sociology and a minor in Criminology from Maryville University.  I graduated from Saint Louis University with my Master's Degree in Social Work.  I have over 16 years of experience working with children and adolescents in an academic and therapeutic setting. 

I enjoy playing competitive kickball, spending time with family and reading. My favorite color is purple. I love pizza, seafood and pasta. My goal is to teach your child skills that will help him/her academically, socially and emotionally. I look forward to a unique, but successful school year! 

Phone:  314-643-7044

Email:  mlgriffin-essex@normandysc.org

Mrs. Wright-Coffman received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology from Maryville University and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Saint Louis University. She is also a Registered Play Therapist.  Mrs. Wright-Coffman has over two decades of experience with Special School District working with a variety of ages and grade levels but her heart is in early childhood. 

Mrs. Wright-Coffman loves the color purple, listening to music (especially Prince), hiking, kayaking, crafting, yoga, reading and spending time with her pets and family. 

Mrs. Wright-Coffman is excited to continue working with early learners to support their families with resources and with early intervention to build resilience and coping skills to benefit them through their school years and beyond.  She is looking forward to working in the Normandy Schools Collaborative this year!

Phone:  314-635-8432 

Email:  dwright-coffman@ssdmo.org