Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th president, once said -
"People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care."
That quote is more than 100 years old, and is as true now as it was back then. That sentiment is on display in schools every single day. Students first want to know you care about them as a person and not just another body in a chair.
In today's fast-paced world, engaging with students on a deeper level can be hard. It takes a commitment from everyone in the building to make sure students feel safe and taken care of. Only then can quality learning happen.
Social Workers in Schools - What They Do and Why They Do It
While it does take everyone to reach this goal, school social workers play a vital role in this mission. They work with students and their families to ensure all students are able to have their needs, in school or otherwise, are met.
Wayne County Schools has eight social workers serving students and their families. Their work is often done behind the scenes without much fanfare. But they are there day in and day out, working tirelessly for their students.
Meet the Team
March is National School Social Workers Month. This annual event is meant to shine a spotlight on the vital services offered by school social workers. With that in mind, let's meet the incredible team of WCS Social Workers:
Misti Lambert -
Misti brings a wealth of knowledge to this position. Before taking a position with WCS, Misti worked with the Children's Home Society of West Virginia, NECCO, and the Lawrence County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Misti now serves several schools in Wayne County and had this to say about working as a social worker in a school setting.
"I love being a school social worker because I enjoy getting to help children succeed and fulfill their potential. It is important to me to make a positive difference in the life of all the kids I am privileged to work with. I enjoy getting to assist the kids in overcoming challenges, finding solutions to issues they may have and seeing the transformation and growth that takes place."
Misti's Schools:
Ceredo-Kenova Elementary School
Kellogg Elementary School
Vinson Middle School
Ceredo-Kenova Middle School
Lora Stevens -
Lora has been a social worker for more than 20 years. During that time Lora developed a wide ranging skill set, having spent time working in private practice, hospitals, home health, and nursing homes to name a few. Her unique skillset made Lora a great addition to the WCS Social Workers team. Lora had this to say about working with students
"I have been a licensed social worker for over 20 years. I am currently undergoing supervision to obtain a Licensed Independent Social Worker license. My role as a school social worker has been my absolute favorite. I have worked with Wayne County students for seven years, and it's my 4th year at Spring Valley High School.
As a school social worker, I'm able to build positive relationships with students. I strive to help them navigate through challenges and to realize their potential. By offering a safe space and guidance, my goal is to help students improve their attendance and behaviors so they can be successful. Every step of progress is still progress. I love my students and will always work to show them they matter!"
Lora's Schools:
Spring Valley High School
Donetta Stumbo -
Donetta has more than 20 years of experience as a social worker. Throughout her career, Donetta has had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings. That experience has helped her develop a large skillset in her field. Those skills were invaluable to Donetta, when she began working with WCS in 2019.
"I love being a social worker in the school system. There are so many different to work with the students and their families in the community. They careity of ways to help seem almost limitless. The relationships you form with students and their families are the most important have made a lasting impact on me."
Donetta's Schools:
Fort Gay PK8
Crum PK8
Lucinda Schroeder -
Lucinda has always wanted to help people. Having that core value is what lead her to pursue a profession as a social worker. Before beginning her role with WCS, Lucinda worked with the WVDHHR in Youth Services and was also a home health social worker for Kings Daughters.
"I love being a school social worker because it allows me the opportunity to help students and families when they need it most. It allows me to interact with students to encourage them, help them with any needs, be supportive, and do whatever I can to help them be as successful and happy as possible."
Lucinda's Schools:
Wayne Elementary School
Wayne Middle School
East Lynn Elementary School
Lavalette Elementary School
Julia Dean -
Like many of her fellow social workers, Julia has been a social worker for more than two decades. Julia started with WCS as a social worker in 2020 but working with kids was nothing new to her. Julia has spent the majority of her career working at a group home for teenage girls. That experience was invaluable for Julia when she began working in the school system.
"I graduated from Marshall University with a Bachelors of Social Work and the University of Pikeville with a Masters in Social Work. Prior to starting with WCS, I spent 18 years as a Utilization Manager/Intake Coordinator at a group home for teenage girls.
Over the past four years, I have absolutely loved working my dream job as a social worker in the school system. I love working with students to educate, empower, and inspire them for success in the future. As the great Aubrey Hepburn says, "Nothing is impossible, the world itself says I'm possible."
Julia's Schools:
Spring Valley High School
Victoria Scaggs -
Before beginning with WCS, Victoria spent four years with Child Protective Services in Boyd County, Kentucky. The skills and knowledge working in that position made a wonderful addition to our school social workers team here at WCS. Advocating for children is something Victoria is passionate about. That passion is evident to all of the students and families she works with.
"I love being an additional support for students, and seeing them overcome obstacles to move forward with the next chapter in their lives. Being able to learn more about who they are and who they want to be is my favorite part of the job."
Victoria's Schools:
Tolsia High School
Angela Vinson -
Angela hold a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in social work from Campbellsville University. Angela began working as a school social worker at the end of the 2019 school year. Her first full school year in the position, 2020, was a busy one due to COVID but it highlighted the importance of her work.
"I enjoy working as a school social worker because I get to make a positive impact on lives of each and every students that I come into contact with."
Angela's Schools:
Buffalo Elementary School
Buffalo Middle School
Prichard Elementary School
Peyton Adams -
Peyton Adams is a Communities in Schools Site Coordinator at Wayne Elementary School. Although her title does not say social worker, Peyton does hold a Masters Degree in Social Work, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Peyton's unique educational background and career experience allows her to assist students in their families in multiple capacities. Peyton works closely with the WCS Social Workers to make sure the needs of every student, and their families, is met.
Thank You!
Thank you WCS Social Workers for all of the services you provide to our students and families. By ensuring students basic needs are meet, we can ensure all students have an equal opportunity at a quality education.