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 |
Advocacy HighlightEthical PracticeSSW HighlightSouthwest Region Kenzie Harper, LMSW 1. Earned MSW (College & Year): University of Kansas, 2019 2. Most Memorable Moment as SSW : It's hard to narrow it down to just one, but my favorite part of being a school social worker is seeing my clients and their families emerge from tough situations better, together and stronger. I enjoy seeing former students graduate and live their lives as successful adults. 3.Hobbies: playing and coaching volleyball, dancing around the house with my kids, watching Netflix and taking naps! 4. Book with the most impact on you: I hopped on the Colleen Hoover bandwagon and LOVE all of her books. A professional book that has impacted is The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk. 5. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I would like to learn how to do embroidery! 6. Favorite - song, movie, place to travel: Favorite songs are Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers and Dreams by Fleetwood Mac 7. What do you wish others knew about your job? I wish others knew how rewarding social work is. I often hear, "I could never do your job!" or "I would get too attached." Attachment, care, and motivation are what we all need. It is so special to have found a career that fulfills me and allows me to form real relationships with those I encounter along the way. | 2024 Kansas School Social Worker of the Year Shelby Burnett, LCSW, LSCSW, RPT
KSSWA 2024 Social Worker of the Year Nomination Form 2024 Champion for Children Kathryn O'Hagan
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
Summer KSSWA Board RetreatExciting Updates from the KSSWA Board Summer Retreat! We had an amazing time at our Summer Retreat, where we discussed and planned this year's events, committees, and goals. We're thrilled to welcome our new board members, Kasey Bossard as Communications Chair and Jessica O'Flannagan as Membership Chair. Your fresh perspectives and enthusiasm are invaluable! A heartfelt thank you to Becky Hegler and Katie Berry for their years of dedicated service on the KSSWA Board. Your contributions have been truly impactful, and we deeply appreciate all you've done. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting initiatives coming your way! Members don't forget to look at the board minutes for more details. School Mental Health Advocacy Day 2024Job OpportunitiesHaysville School District USD 261 SPED SW position Haysville School District USD 261 Day School SW position Geary County USD 475 (Special Education Certified) Maize USD 266 - SW position for 18-21 Transitional Program Maize USD 266 - Behavioral Health School Liaison position Manhattan-Ogden Public Schools (Multiple Positions) Shawnee Mission School District (Multiple Positions) South Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative (Student Support Services) Wichita USD 259 - Various Positions 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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Regional and National Associations
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