Office of Academics
School Social Workers
School Social Workers are licensed mental health staff who meet the state requirements to practice social work in the school setting. The School Social Worker role provides collaborative support with the goal of promoting overall mental and physical wellness of students. They consider family culture, student abilities, student independence, life adjustments, social, emotional and academic needs to foster positive growth. School social workers are prepared to provide a variety of services here at Rochester Public Schools.
Some of these services include, but are not limited to:
Collaboration with families
Consultation with school personnel
Support for students’ social, emotional, behavior, & mental health needs
Crisis intervention
Counseling & support groups
Grief support
Suicide prevention
Safety planning
Mandated reporting follow up
Parent/family engagement
Advocacy & support for homeless/highly mobile students and families
Referrals to school programs & community agencies
Screening & Assessment
Assist in self determination
Explore barriers to attendance challenges
Coordination of community agency services
Bridge transitions throughout a student’s time at Rochester Public Schools
Department of Student Supports
These services may be provided directly or indirectly for students receiving their education through RPS.School Social Workers assist in identifying unmet needs and help make referrals to appropriate resources. This role serves as a compassionate liaison between the students’ school, home and community environments.
Meet Our School Social Workers

Akilah Sharif
Social Worker
Dakota | Gibbs

Amanda Meyer
Social Worker
Friedell RAIL

Ann Halloran
Social Worker
Franklin

Awing Mayor
Social Worker
Bishop

Brittany Vega
Clinical Social Worker
John Adams

Chantel Robertson
Social Worker
Sunset

Doreen Christensen
Social Worker
Churchill | Hoover

Henrietta Hemmesch
Social Worker
John Marshall

James Liebl
Social Worker
John Adams

Jenna Retterath
Social Worker
Bishop

Jenny Chonis
Social Worker
Century

Juan Vasquez
Social Worker
Mayo

Krista Moore
Clinical Social Worker
ESC Phoenix | MSRF

Lea Joner
Social Worker
Willow

Margaret Hallock
Social Worker
Jefferson

Melissa Clark
Social Worker
Dakota

Nicole Marosek
Social Worker
Overland

Teri Nelson
Social Worker
Hoover ELS | Mighty Oaks ELS

Alicia Lamphear‐Willette
Social Worker
Overland

Angela Ellsworth
Social Worker
Hoover

Annika Peterson
Social Worker
ESC Phoenix

Bonnie Kassen
Social Worker
Washington | Von Wald

Brittany Kowalewski
Social Worker
Overland

Cheryl Kliewer
Social Worker
ESC Phoenix

Erin Prinkkila Okins
Social Worker
Bamber

Hilary Horob
Social Worker
Franklin

Jasmine Bissell
Social Worker
RALC

Jennifer Davis
Social Worker
Elton Hills

Jolene Becher
Clinical Social Worker
LEAP

Kari Jakobson
Social Worker
Gage

Kurt Njos
Social Worker
Mayo

Leah Mattern
Social Worker
Kellogg

Martha Riad
Social Worker
Lincoln

Miriam Goodson
Social Worker
Hoover

Rebecca Senne
Social Worker
Bishop | Mayo

Tonya Rein
Social Worker
Pinewood | John Adams

Alyson Tointon
Clinical Social Worker
Hoover

Anika Erickson
Social Worker
Gage

Aryn Karstens
Social Worker
Friedell RAIL

Bonnie Moeckly
Social Worker
Willow

Carrie Jones
Social Worker
Longfellow

Clarissa Carlin
Social Worker
Riverside

Hannah Busebee
Clinical Social Worker
Riverside

Jaimi Smiley
Social Worker
John Marshall

Jean Dwire
Social Worker
Sunset

Jennifer Obermueller
Social Worker
Kellogg

Joli Mancilman
Social Worker
Century

Kerry Goihl
Social Worker
Gibbs

Laura Foote
Social Worker
Riverside

Lindsey Lawler
Clinical Social Worker
ED Academics

Melinda Lange
Social Worker
Folwell | Hoover ELS

Nicole Wibstad
Social Worker
RALC

Sara Rich
Social Worker
Online - Elementary

Xee Xiong
Social Worker
Overland