School social workers in county recognized

The San Diego County Office of Education recently honored five San Diego School Social Workers of the Year, with two receiving special awards for their work.

The winners were recognized at an event that included guest speakers from the county office and the California Association of School Social Workers, and a keynote address from San Francisco school social worker Patrick Mulkern.

The inaugural event was launched to highlight school social workers, who are trained mental health professionals. They provide direct and indirect services to school administration, staff members, students and families, including crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, teacher consulting, home visits and parent workshops.

The San Diego School Social Workers of the Year are:

• Elementary school: Christopher Walsh, district social worker, Vista La Mesa Academy, Lemon Grove School District

• Middle school: Maria Al-Shamma, school social worker, Rancho Minerva Middle School, Vista High School, and Vista Adult Transition Center, Vista Unified School District

• High school: Lisa Read, school social worker, Steele Canyon High School, Grossmont Union High School District

• Administration: Tracy Schmidt, director of integrated student supports, Escondido Union School District

• Intern: Kristina Estes, social work intern, multiple school sites, La Mesa-Spring Valley and Escondido Union High School districts

• Trailblazer Award: Steve Manos, retired school social worker

• Light Award: Jenée Peevy, program specialist, San Diego County Office of Education

The Trailblazer Award honors an individual who has paved the way for future generations in the profession to grow and develop. The Light Award was given for continued dedication to the profession.

San Diego County has about 70 school social workers in 17 school districts as well as interns from universities who provide social, emotional and mental health services.