The Minnesota School Social Workers Association proudly announces the selection of Sharron Feichtinger as the School Social Worker of the Year for 2008. Sharron has been a school social worker at Owatonna High School for the last 15 years. Prior to working for the Owatonna School District, she served as a social worker for Rice County Child Protection and as a social worker licensing foster homes and day care homes for Anoka County. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Hawaii.

Sharron has been recognized by her professional peers for her remarkable contributions to the community of Owatonna High School. She is the coordinator of the Pre-Assessment Team and the 504 Building coordinator. She is the facilitator of SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) for the Owatonna District and teaches classes for graduate credit to staff within the district. For many years she has been the Advisor for Mixed Roots, the Owatonna High School student-run group that embraces diversity and provides awareness and leadership opportunities for students who wish to promote respect and tolerance. She recently passed on this responsibility to another staff member at OHS. She acts as co-Advisor for the student-run group, Latino Unidos. Sharron also collaborates with Big Brothers/Big Sisters as an advisor for the student Peer Helpers. In addition, she is involved in the community as a member of the Steele County Child Protection Team, has been a member of the Community Chemical Health Advisory Board, and on the Board of Advisors of the Women’s Resource Center of Steele County.

However, beyond her resume of activities and accomplishments, it is the impact that Sharron has had on individual students, parents, and staff members that stands out. According to School Counselor George Lambaere, she is “warm, gentle, caring and kind”. He adds that “Sharron has a unique sense of humor, a beautiful outlook on life, and empathy for others that never lapses”. Vicki Berdan, another School Counselor, noted that in Sharron’s work with students, “her focus is always on responsible choices and healthy relationships.” She said that “Sharron helps students make positive behavior changes that improve their ability to succeed not only at Owatonna High School, but also in their personal lives”. In line with her interest in supporting students in making good choices, Sharron has done classroom presentations on mental health issues and healthy vs. unhealthy relationships in three courses: Health, Women’s Health Issues, and Career Explorations.

Elizabeth Svenby, the Assistant Principal, emphasized that Sharron is never short on time to sit down and listen to students. “Her students have the utmost respect for not only her position at Owatonna High School but also for her as an individual”. Another colleague observed that Sharron makes genuine connections with students and described Sharron as the only healthy adult that some of the students have in their lives. She was also described as a mentor to many.

The staff at Owatonna High School also has experienced her understanding and support. The Language Arts teacher, Georgia Brenden, said: “her caring also extends to the staff because sometimes the wheels move too slowly for those of us in the classroom. Sharron is always close offering help and lending support”. Additionally, her colleagues described Sharron as a team player whether working with the counseling staff, teachers in the building, other social workers in the district, or mental health providers in the community. Her presence in individual encounters as well as in groups makes a significant difference.

As a way to summarize, Margo McKay Brockberg, a counselor, says it best. “Sharron has the energy of a fresh college student and the wisdom of a seasoned professional…she is one of the most incredible professionals that I have ever had the opportunity to work with”.

This fall Sharron will be recognized for her exceptional skills and inspiring leadership at the Midwest School Social Work Conference in St. Louis, MO on September 18th and again at the Minnesota School Social Workers Association Conference on October 1st. Please join us as we celebrate the contributions of School Social Workers throughout Minnesota as exemplified by the outstanding service of Sharron Feichtinger.

Congratulations can be sent to Sharron at:

Wow! Sharron we are proud to have you as a member of MSSWA and grateful for your calling as a school social worker! Congratulations!

MSSWA selects one of our members each year as School Social Worker of the Year.
Nominations are received from principals and special education directors.