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! Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to share that the Kansas School Social Work Association (KSSWA) is experiencing significant growth in membership and is increasingly recognized as a strong advocate for the school social work profession. We invite you to be part of this movement. Membership options are available for students, regular members, associates, and retirees. KSSWA serves as the state association dedicated to supporting Kansas school social workers by advocating for their needs at local, state, and national levels. Our collaborative Mental Health Awareness Day in Topeka, which involves school psychologists and counselors, exemplifies our commitment to this mission. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your career, your voice, ideas, and enthusiasm are invaluable. The networking and professional development opportunities KSSWA provides are exceptional! We are currently seeking a Membership Chair, Regional Representatives for the North East, North West, and South West Regions. Additionally, we have opportunities for student and faculty involvement on the Board for those enrolled and/or teaching at the collegiate and graduate level! If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to ksswa.ks.info@gmail.com. Our board is passionate, dedicated, and eager to make a meaningful impact this year for both our profession and the children, youth, and families we serve. It is an honor to represent you as the President of KSSWA, and I look forward to what we can achieve together. Warm regards, Tracie Chauvin, LSCSW | 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 |