Welcome KSSWA Members and Friends!

Thank you for visiting our website.  We are a professional organization dedicated to promoting school social workers through advocacy, professional development and communication within the profession. Get resources, network with school social workers from across the state and learn how you can become involved and advocate for our valuable profession. 

ksswa.ks.info@gmail.com

@KansasSSWA

SSW Highlight

Southeast Region

Amanda Kirkland, LMSW

1. Earned MSW (College & Year): 

University of Kansas, Class of 2020

2. Most Memorable Moment as SSW :  There's moments when working with students that you don't know if they will ever realize just how amazing they are and how much potential they have. I live for the moments when you can see it on their face the realization they are worth it

3.Hobbies: Reading and Traveling. I can't read or travel enough

4. Book with the most impact on you:  While You were Out by Megan Kissinger 

The book is all about the struggles of a large catholic family in the 1960's dealing with significant mental health concerns and addiction and how in the 1960's the number one rule was to hide it all from the world and how flawed the mental health system was.

5. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?  I wish being artistic could be taught. I would love to learn and teach art therapy. I encourage kids to draw and color to express themselves but I have zero artistic talent.

6. Favorite - song, movie, place to travel: I don't really have a favorite song. I love most music and will play different genres and albums over and over depending on my mood. Give me old country to 90's grunge and I can find happiness. Favorite movie is Shutter Island. So much so I did two different presentation on it. One for my bachelors and one for my masters. Florida is my favorite place to travel. The ocean is so powerful and peaceful. Closely followed by NYC, I want to see it in all seasons.

7. What do you wish others knew about your job? Our students don't have or need social work services because there is something wrong with them. They need us because they need connection that they don't always get elsewhere. They need to know someone will be honest and truly care about them.


2023 Kansas

School Social Worker

of the Year

Abby Cole, LMSW 


KSSWA 2024 Social Worker of the Year Nomination Form

2023 Champion for Children

Jon Bishop, M.Ed.


From the President:

Welcome to #teamKSSWA!

Our association, Kansas School Social Work Association (KSSWA), is growing in membership and becoming more and more of an advocate for the school social work profession. We invite you to join our team! You can become a member (student, regular, associate, or retired) and come alongside the other fabulous school social workers that make up KSSWA.

KSSWA is the state association that supports Kansas school social workers by advocating at the local, state and national levels for their needs. Our Mental Health Awareness Day in Topeka that is a joint effort with school psychologists and school counselors is one example. You have the opportunity to meet with your Senator and Representatives and assist them in understanding YOUR profession and YOUR needs.

Whether you are a seasoned school social worker or just beginning your journey, your voice, ideas and energy is needed. The networking and professional development that is a part of KSSWA is so beneficial. KSSWA offered 18 FREE CEU's this year!!

We are looking for Regional Representatives for our SE and NE regions. Please contact me at 16cheri831@gmail.com if you would like more information. Our board is passionate, dedicated and FUN. We are excited about this year and the impact KSSWA is going to have for our profession and the children, youth and families we serve.

I am beyond honored to represent you as the President of KSSWA.

Cheri

Cheri Koochel, LMSW

KSSWA President



Upcoming Events

School Mental Health Advocacy Day 2024

Job Opportunities

KSSWA Mission: KSSWA is a professional organization dedicated to promoting school social workers  through advocacy, professional development and communication within the profession. 


2024 Focus

Continue advocacy efforts through increased social media presence - Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, KSSWA website.

Strengthen relationships with KSDE, SSWAA, Midwest Council and KSSWA University Liaisons.

Continue to provide relevant professional development through book studies and our Fall and Spring conferences. 

Develop emerging leaders through increased participation on KSSWA and SSWWA committees.

Develop communication with members on a regional basis through the Regional Representatives.  Provide  opportunities to network by email, regional social events.

Continue to increase total membership.Retention of members by monthly member spotlights, engaging members in virtual contests.

        



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