Attend in-person and virtual workshops, earn CEUs, and grow your skills through quality training tailored to school-based practice.
MSSWA represents school social workers at the state level, promoting mental health services, safe learning environments, and equity in education.
MSSWA provides resources, advocacy, and professional development to strengthen school social work practice across Minnesota.
Opportunities are available in committees, events, mentoring, and advocacy initiatives. There’s a place for everyone to get involved.
MSSWA reviews nominations and selects individuals to be honored for outstanding contributions to school social work and student well-being across Minnesota.
Upcoming Events! l 📣 4/23: April Educate & Elevate - "Spill the Tea on ADHD" 📣 11/15,16: Fall Conference 📣
MEMBER HIGHLIGHT
Rachel Perez
School Social Worker at Woodcrest Spanish Immersion and Centerview Elementary School
Spring Lake Park School District 116
What is one thing you love about working with students?
Being in two elementary schools, I can hardly go a day—let alone a few moments—without smiling faces and funny moments from the kids. I’m also often inspired by the conversations and connections these young students bring forward. We never know what kids may be facing in their lives, and I feel privileged to be someone they can talk to when the time feels right for them. I enjoy being able to provide a space where they can bring their worries forward and talk through ways to navigate them. It can feel overwhelming at times because of the number of situations that come up, but I’m always grateful to have this role within the school system.
What is one moment in your career that reminded you why this work matters?
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During these last couple of months, as the injustice of ICE presence in our communities has felt especially strong and the inequity in access to education has become so apparent, it has served as a bold reminder of how important it is to be able to do the work I do with students and families in my role as a school social worker.
If you had a walk-up song when you arrived at school each morning, what would it be?
I don’t know if it's a real song, but Dory’s song from Finding Nemo “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming, swimming, what do we do we swim!” It’s kind of like a coping skill!
Favorite self-care activity after a long day at school?
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I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with the gym, but I always feel better if I go. Otherwise, spending time with my family in the evenings is really important to me—when I’m able to be present for my kids, it’s a rewarding experience as a working mom. Other times, it’s as simple as a good bowl of cereal, a relaxing shower or bath, or a lighthearted series or movie to help me unwind and keep me going.
Favorite snack hidden in your desk drawer?
Some kind of fruity candy or a Bloom Energy Drink (my new favorite drink )
Lightning Round
Coffee, tea, or something else? Iced Coffee or Bloom Energy Drink
Morning person or night owl? Neither. I love sleeping but Saturday mornings when everyone else is sleeping in, if I had to choose!
Favorite weekend activity? Family Gym Time followed by Eating Out
Dogs or cats? Don’t make me pick - I love them both - but I do have 3 cats!
What gives you hope in schools right now?
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The community of people in and around our school systems who continue to show up with care and commitment to our kids and their futures is always astounding to me. It can feel hard, frustrating, and overwhelming at times—especially when there aren’t always immediate solutions or when the complications surrounding a child are significant. But when I focus on the passion that exists within this community for the kids we serve, it gives me hope.
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR
Nancy Williams
Nancy Williams has served the Owatonna School District as a school social worker since 1993 and is currently the Lead Social Worker for the district as well as serving students at Owatonna High School. She earned her BSW from Bemidji State University in 1992 and her MSW from the College of St. Catherine/University of St. Thomas in 2001. She also holds her LICSW and provides supervision for social workers pursuing clinical licensure.
Throughout her career, Nancy has supported students across nearly every building in the district and has been a strong advocate for prevention, early intervention, and community partnerships. She organizes the Owatonna High School Husky Pantry, advises the SHOC (Students Helping Others Choose) group, and actively participates in community initiatives including Steele County United Way, Toys for Tots, the Steele County Mental Health Collaborative, From the Heart, and Owatonna Huskies Tackle Cancer, which has raised more than $600,000 for families impacted by cancer.
In addition to her district leadership, Nancy has served as a Region 1 Representative for the Minnesota School Social Workers Association for over a decade, contributed to the MSSWA recognition committee, and presented on early warning signs of mental health challenges. She has also taught Family Systems and Children’s Mental Health courses as an adjunct professor at Concordia St. Paul.
Nancy’s leadership, dedication to students, and commitment to advancing the field of school social work have made her an outstanding professional and a deserving recipient of the 2025 Minnesota School Social Worker of the Year award.