Inaugural Cohort of School Social Workers of the Year Named

Ten years ago, social workers didn’t exist in Kern County schools. Today, there are more than 150 employed by about half of the school districts in the county. They are focused on addressing social, emotional, and behavioral issues that may hinder a student’s overall well-being and progress in the classroom. 

To celebrate these often-unsung heroes, six School Social Workers (SSWs) were named to the inaugural cohort of School Social Workers of the Year today. The celebration was part of School Social Workers Week. 

“It’s important to recognize, highlight and celebrate the great work that the SSWs are providing to the students, families, schools, districts and the community,” said Jeffrey Coggan, a coordinator at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools office who oversees a networking group of SSWs from around the county who come together regularly to share best practices. 

SSWs have a multifaceted role in schools, providing interventions and supports in all tier levels of a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), Coggan says. MTSS tiers help schools to organize levels of supports based on intensity so that students receive necessary instruction, support, and interventions based on need. Specifically, SSWs, provide counseling services to students and address issues such as anxiety, depression, bullying, and other mental health concerns.

They also work with families to provide resources and assistance in dealing with family-related issues that may impact student well-being and collaborate with school administration and staff to develop and implement programs promoting positive behavior, social-emotional learning, and mental health awareness. 

“SSWs are pivotal in working with teachers, administrators, parents, school staff, and community agencies/partners to provide coordinated interventions and consultation designed to keep students in school and help families access the supports needed to promote student success,” Coggan said. 

The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the importance of SSWs in our school systems. Post pandemic, many students are still facing increased stress and anxiety due to the pandemic’s impact on their lives, including social isolation, disrupted routines, economic hardship and more.

This year’s honorees are:

Elementary School Social Worker of the Year
Lesly Gonzalez, Arvin Union School District (Bear Mountain Elementary School)

Middle School Social Worker of the Year
Maria Amador, Delano Union School District (Cecil Avenue Middle School)

High School Social Worker of the Year
Diane Kenealy, Wonderful College Prep Academy, Delano Campus

Districtwide School Social Worker of the Year
Dulce Mejia, Bakersfield City School District

Administrative School Social Worker of the Year
Leticia Limon, Lost Hills Union School District

School Social Worker Intern of the Year
Diana Padilla, Kern High School District (East High School)

Left to right: Lesly Gonzalez, Arvin Union School District; Maria Amador, Delano Union School District; and Diana Padilla, Kern High School District. Not pictured: Diane Kenealy, Wonderful College Prep Academy; Leticia Limon, Lost Hills Union School District; and Dulce Mejia, Bakersfield City School District.