Caitlin Dailey

1. Earned MSW (College & Year): Master's degree from Fort Hays State University in May of 2022 and Bachelor's degree from Kansas State University in 2014.

2. Most Memorable Moment as SSW : I was able to develop relationships with many of the students I worked with this past year, but one student in particular opened up to me about some difficult things that were going on in her life as well as a lot of fears she was carrying. We were able to work through these and it was amazing to watch the weight be lifted off her shoulders. In just a few short months, this student made significant progress. Being able to make a positive impact on students’ lives is so incredible and something that I strive to do every single day.  

3. Hobbies: I enjoy photography, scrapbooking, and decorating shirts with vinyl. I also love spending time outdoors with my husband and our 6 and 2-year-old boys.

4. Book with the most impact on you:  I unfortunately have not had much time to read books lately, but I have set a goal to start reading more and am looking forward to reading several books soon. Maid, a movie on Netflix, which was based on a book ‘Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive’ had a big impact on me. It shows how difficult it is for a woman fleeing a domestic violence situation with her young daughter. With a history of working in child welfare and being familiar with resources in our community, I knew it was difficult for individuals within our community to get assistance and access the services they need. But, watching this show and seeing just how difficult it was for the mom to leave the father of her child and have the support and basic necessities for her and her daughter to survive made me want to do more as a social worker. I have always been a huge advocate for not only the students and families I serve but also everyone in our community. I have made myself very familiar with resources in the community so I can help those in need and be aware of who to connect them to if I am unable to assist. I would like to see more services available and have a goal of advocating and potentially developing more resources in the future.

5. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I am someone who feels that there are always things to learn. I would love to learn and be fluent in a new language. This would assist me in being able to provide better support and services to students and families, who speak a different language.

6. Favorite - song, movie, place to travel: My favorite place to travel to is the Rocky Mountains in Colorado as it is such a beautiful and relaxing place to explore the outdoors with my family. I also grew up going there every summer making many memories and I enjoy making similar memories with my boys.

7. What do you wish others knew about your job?  I wish that others understood the importance of providing mental health resources to not only address current concerns but to also prevent or reduce future concerns. We as school social workers are so passionate about the students and families we are serving and are here to help. 

JAG-K Career Center

Chase County SW Position

Geary County USD 475 (under special education certified)

South Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative (Look under Student Support Services)

Spring Hill School District (Look under Support Services/Special Education: Non-KSDE

SW Positions Statewide (search social work statewide)