School Social Work Affiliates-RI

03/11/2026

Please help us spotlight Heidi Fanion a school social worker for Warwick Public Schools.

When asked what her favorite part of her job is she states "Advocating for students and their families. running a Prom Program that I am the sole organizer of here at Pilgrim High School. I donate current season prom dresses to individuals who want to go to the prom who would otherwise may not be able to afford. All dresses are brand new with tags directly from a prom dress shop."

When asked about her favorite memory as a school social worker she shares "Rounding up an entire sports team to physically move a family from the 2nd floor down to the first floor aprtment against all odds. Painting their entire apartment and making it safe an secure for them to live and grow when the agency turned their back on them and made it impossible for them to do on their own."

lastly, when asked about what advice she has for up and coming school social workers she says "Go for it! Make sure your passion for serving others is true and real. "

03/10/2026

School Social Work week may be over but we are still highlighting some amazing School social workers!

Help us spotlight Tamara Diaz, LICSW a school social worker at Blackstone Valley Prep.

When asked what her favorite part of her job is, Tamara states "I get to do what I love most, help people and teach them ways to creatively navigate life's challenges! "

She recalls her favorite memory "Last year, I was shocked and honored when I came to school and the whole school was dressed like me! I was very touched because I felt so appreciated and seen! "

Her advice to incoming school social workers: We have to feel good about ourselves. With big caseloads and a high demand of people waiting for our assistance, we have to leave feeling good about all we did and not focus on the one or two things we did not get to. We have to set limits with others because we cannot clone ourselves so we have to take things one step at a time. Lastly, self care is critical because we cannot help others if we are not feeling great!"

Thank you Tamara for all that you do to uplift, defend and transform our profession!

03/08/2026

As School Social Work Week comes to a close, our commitment to elevating the profession continues.

School social workers are essential partners in student mental health, equity, and school success — and their impact extends far beyond one week of recognition.

Through SSWAA’s National Awareness Campaign, we are working to strengthen understanding of the profession, advocate for sustainable staffing, and highlight the recommended 1:250 ratio.

Learn more about the impact of school social work and how you can stay involved: https://ow.ly/1c6y50YmaJt

03/06/2026

School Social Work Spotlight!!!

Help us highlight Cassidy Vincent, MSW, LCSW, a school social worker for Blackstone Valley Prep.

When asked what her favorite thing about being a school social worker is, Cassidy states, "My favorite thing about being a school social worker is being able to watch students grow in their skills and confidence, and working with school teams and families to support the whole child in school, at home, and in their communities."

When asked what her favorite memory as a school social worker is, Cassidy states, "My favorite school social worker memory is watching a child develop skills over time, and seeing them independently use taught skills in the moment to communicate their feelings and access what was needed independently. "

Her advice to school social workers is "No matter where you are, you are not on an island. This is work that shouldn't be done alone, and there is always support available somewhere!"

Thank you for all that you do to uplift, defend, and transform in our profession!!

03/06/2026

03/05/2026

🎉School Social Worker Highlight🎉

Today we celebrate ROSE MOLINA, LICSW from Nowell Academy Charter School in Providence.

Rose says her favorite part about being a school social worker are her students. "My students have always been what ground me in the work, the advocacy and the mission of our profession as school social workers. Their experience in K-12 yrs are so vital to the person they become as adults and I believe our work with students profoundly impacts their future adult selves. Their progress and their relationship in the work is everything. "

Rose shared that providing tier 1 whole community support and interventions hold some of her fondest memories. "Leading a student led initiative called the Kindness Crew has always been my favorite and has led to 4 of my former high school students becoming social workers themselves!"

Her advice for future social workers: Make sure you balance self-care with intention. There will always be work to be done, take a lunch and turn off the computer at the end of the day :)

Thank you Rose for all you do to uplift, defend, transform and contribute to the profession! 🌟

03/04/2026

Do you want to be highlighted this week? Allow us share the incredible work being done by school social workers across the state!

Please fill out this Google Form.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrzjdVmrHDhzHDcqI1-NB5nzEtH990QwSceKS5Xm0KU9RwCw/viewform?usp=header

Know a school social worker? Want to help spread the word?
Feel free to share this post!

03/04/2026

⭐School Social Worker Highlight⭐

Today we celebrate Matthew Hughes, LICSW who works as a school social worker in North Kingstown!

Matthew says that his favorite part about being a social worker is the ability to make a difference in a child's life. His favorite social worker memory is supporting a student to achieve graduation! 🎓

His advice for future social workers...."make sure you have a strong work/life balance".

Thank you Matthew for all that you do for our profession! You are appreciated!

03/03/2026

School Social Worker Highlight!

Help us in celebrating Kirsten Hanrahan, LICSW, a school social worker for Portsmouth School Department.

Kirsten says her favorite part of being a school social worker is: "I appreciate the lens I bring to the high school setting. I value the students, families, teachers, and staff I work with in order to best support student mental health and academic achievement. I enjoy meeting with students individually, in groups, and communicating with families and other providers to support student's individual goals, process situations, and enhance coping skills and building of tools for life long successes."

When asked what her favorite memory as a school social worker Kirsten says: "Working at the high school level, I love when students have success and overcome mental health obstacles to end school year's successfully and graduate!"

When asked what advice do you have for future social workers Kirsten says "Keep advocating, showing up with your social work expertise, and students will see the authenticity of your support."

Thank you Kirsten for all that you do for our profession!!!

03/03/2026

Happy Social Work Month, and more importantly School Social Work Week!! Please look for highlights on RI's own school social workers!

Join us in being highlighted and complete this form here!!