School Social Workers are part of a multidisciplinary educational team that helps address the needs of students and their families. Students are referred to school social workers by parents, administrators, school counselors, and teachers.  Students receive assistance to help them overcome issues with self-esteem, social skills, depression, anxiety, anger management, and much more. Because of their specialized education and training, school social workers are adept to address the social and psychological issues that can block academic progress.  Through student screening, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention and prevention programs, they help young people overcome the difficulties in their lives, and as a result, give them a better chance to reach their full academic and personal potential.

The School Social Workers in North Tonawanda are licensed mental health professionals who are trained in many areas and therapeutic approaches including autism and attachment related disorders, play therapy, cognitive behavioral and brief solution focused therapy, trauma informed care, family counseling, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, and crisis management.  

At the high school, Karen Dillon, LCSW and Kim Capriotti, LMSW work full time addressing the academic, social, and emotional needs of both special education and regular education students.  As Field Educators, they provide social work interns from various colleges the opportunity to integrate and apply the social work theories, skills, and values they are learning via coursework in a practice setting.  

• School Social Work Association of America

• National Association of Social Workers