Embedded Files
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller, U.S. author, educator, and disability rights advocate
"School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals with a degree in
social work who provide services related to a person's social, emotional and life
adjustment to school and/or society. School Social Workers are the link between
the home, school and community in providing direct as well as indirect services to
students, families and school personnel to promote and support students' academic
and social success." School Social Work Association of America www.sswaa.org
Mental Health Monthly Moment
Mental Health Monthly Moment
Click the link for a short informational video from Patty
August: Conversation about back to school anxiety https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLau2-heUDQ
Support Providers
Patty Werner, MSW, LSW, SSW
Patty Werner, MSW, LSW, SSW
Patty graduated from The Ohio State University where she majored in social work and minored in substance misuse with a graduate focus on school social work. She graduated from Watkins Memorial and is delighted to serve the students and families that live here. Patty serves on the Fostering Further board and volunteers for Starting Strong, which supports young adults who have aged out of foster care. She loves being active and doing most anything outside.
Patty coordinates mental health services for the district and works primarily with 6-12 grade students and families. Please email her at pwerner@laca.org with any questions or for additional supports.
Taylor Wright, MSW, SWA
Taylor Wright, MSW, SWA
Taylor is a lifelong resident of Licking County with relatives who live and work in this community and enjoys supporting families here within the community. She earned her two undergraduate degrees and one graduate degree in social work with a minor in substance misuse and a focus of substance misuse from The Ohio State University. Taylor has been actively involved with the Hartford Fair and Licking County 4H since childhood, showing goats and sheep. She enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her family.
Taylor works within all of our elementary and intermediate buildings supporting all Kindergarten - 5th grade students and families. Taylor also supports the Early Learning Center for our preschool students. To connect with her for any questions or additional supports please email her at twright@laca.org.
What do Social Workers do?
Our school social workers provide mental health counseling and skill building to individuals, groups, and parents, to promote healthy students by addressing mental health needs and interpersonal skill deficits. Applying their understanding of family and community systems, school social workers link students and families to services that are essential for student and family success. They work with students who face a variety of challenges: depression, anxiety, self-harm, self-esteem, aggressive/problem behaviors, substance use, stress, parental divorce, school avoidance, grief/loss, and crisis intervention.
School social workers use their expertise to enhance classroom and school climate, increase emotional regulation, skills, alleviate barriers to positive adjustment, and address truancy. Our school social workers collaborate with administrators, teachers and families to promote and reinforce regular school attendance, serving as a liaison between the school and community agencies to promote the overall well-being of students and families.
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