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ESSENTIAL THEN. ESSENTIAL NOW. ESSENTIAL FOREVER.
Essential Then. Essential Now. Essential Forever.
1906–2026 | Honoring Our History. Advocating for Our Profession. Securing Our Future.
For more than a century, school social workers have quietly transformed the lives of children.
Long before the words mental health, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed schools became part of everyday educational conversations, there were professionals walking alongside students and families—bridging the gap between home, school, and community. They were known as Visiting Teachers, but their work reached far beyond classrooms. They understood a truth we continue to live today: students learn best when they feel seen, supported, and connected.
That was our beginning.
Those early pioneers laid the foundation for a profession rooted in relationships, advocacy, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. Over the decades, our title evolved, but our purpose never changed.
Today, we proudly stand as School Social Workers—trained mental health professionals, systems thinkers, crisis responders, relationship builders, and advocates for equity and belonging. We don't simply respond when challenges arise. We help create conditions where students, educators, families, and schools can thrive. Every intervention plan, every family partnership, every safety assessment, every restorative practice, every mental health service, every collaborative team meeting, and every student who discovers hope because someone believed in them represents the work of Missouri school social workers.
Essential Then. Essential Now. Essential Forever. is more than this year's theme. It is our story. It honors where we began. It celebrates who we are. And it challenges us to shape what comes next. As our profession continues to evolve, so must our voice. This year, we are choosing to intentionally strengthen our professional identity, confidently communicate our expertise, and advocate for the indispensable role school social workers play in Missouri's educational system.
As the President of SSWAM I really want us to embrace that Advocacy begins with understanding our own value and Leadership begins with owning our expertise. If nothing else, I want to strongly encourage you to lean into both of your truths: (1.) Yes, you are a mental health practitioner and (2.) Yes, you connect home, school, and community. Your (1.) is a part of your professional evolution in which you identify and proudly share this space with other school-based mental health professionals while standing in your own specially trained uniqueness/ likeness & your (2.) is your foundational truth that sets you apart from other professionals and the way you “connect” these three entities today is a part of your evolution as well. With your head held high, both can (1.) and (2.) can be true!
Together, we envision a future where Missouri school social workers are recognized not only as essential members of educational teams, but as trusted district leaders whose knowledge, ethics, and leadership help shape the future of public education. A future where our professional identity is clearly understood, our expertise is consistently valued, and our contributions are reflected in the systems we help lead. That future is not built in a single legislative session or by one individual. It is built every day—in our schools, in our communities, in our relationships, and in our willingness to tell our story with confidence.
As we celebrate more than a century of service, let us also embrace the responsibility of carrying our profession forward.
…from Visiting Teachers... (THEN)
...to Mental Health Professionals... (NOW)
...to Missouri DESE certified educational leaders. (FOREVER)
We were Essential then. We are Essential now.
And together, we will ensure school social work remains Essential Forever.
Signed,
Ebony
2026 MISSOURI SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR: Debbie Griffith Fujinami LCSW, MSW, CTRP-C
The School Social Work Association of Missouri is proud to recognize Debbie Griffith Fujinami as the School Social Worker of the Year, honoring an exceptional practitioner whose compassion, leadership, advocacy, and commitment to the whole child exemplify the very best of school social work.
As the School Social Worker at Edison Elementary in St. Joseph, Missouri, Debbie is a trusted and essential presence within her school community. Colleagues describe her as an anchor whose calm presence, expertise, and genuine care create stability for students, families, and staff. Whether supporting a student through a difficult moment, helping an educator navigate challenging behaviors, or connecting a family with essential resources, Debbie leads with empathy, resourcefulness, and an unwavering belief in every student’s potential.
At the heart of Debbie’s practice is a whole-person philosophy. She understands that academic success cannot be separated from mental health, physical well-being, family stability, and belonging. Her work addresses these interconnected needs through social-emotional and behavioral support, family advocacy, resource coordination, and opportunities that build confidence and resilience. As a certified POUND instructor, she has even extended this commitment to wellness through after-school programming that provides students and staff with opportunities for physical activity, stress relief, connection, and self-expression.
Debbie’s influence also extends beyond her school. As an active leader within SSWAM, she advocates for school social work at the local, state, regional, and national levels. Her contributions have included service on Missouri DESE task forces, advancing school-based mental health initiatives, supporting SSWAM conferences and professional development, mentoring fellow professionals, and providing clinical supervision to social workers as a way of giving back to the field.
Across the many recommendations submitted on her behalf, one message was remarkably consistent: Debbie shows up. She shows up for the student who needs a safe person, the family facing barriers, the educator searching for another strategy, and the profession she has devoted herself to serving.
SSWAM proudly celebrates Debbie Griffith Fujinami as our School Social Worker of the Year—a practitioner, advocate, mentor, and leader who embodies school social work at its best: meeting needs, removing barriers, building relationships, and creating opportunities for students and families to thrive.
2026 MISSOURI FRIEND OF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK OF THE YEAR: Dr. Jazell Thomas
The School Social Work Association of Missouri is proud to recognize Dr. Jazell Thomas as the Friend of School Social Work of the Year, honoring a leader whose advocacy, encouragement, and commitment have strengthened the school social work profession both within her district and across Missouri.
Dr. Thomas serves as the Coordinator for Counselors and Social Workers in the Hazelwood School District, where she provides leadership and support to School Counselors, School Social Workers, and Home School Communicators. Throughout her work, she has demonstrated a deep understanding of the unique role school social workers play in supporting students’ academic success, mental health, social-emotional development, families, and school communities.
More than a supporter of the profession, Dr. Thomas has been an active champion for its growth. She has expanded opportunities for training and professional development, encouraged school social workers to fully utilize their specialized skills, provided mentorship and guidance, and helped create a professional culture where practitioners feel valued, connected, and empowered in their work.
Her advocacy has also extended beyond the district level. As a contributor to the development of the Missouri Framework for School-Based Mental Health, Dr. Thomas brought an important voice to conversations about comprehensive school mental health services. Throughout that work, she demonstrated a clear understanding of both the collaborative nature of school-based mental health and the distinct expertise and contributions school social workers bring to multidisciplinary teams.
Dr. Thomas is equally intentional about celebrating the people behind the profession. From recognizing School Social Work Week and Month to supporting participation in professional trainings, SSWAM activities, and networking opportunities, she consistently demonstrates that advocacy is not only about acknowledging the importance of school social work—it is also about investing in the professionals who do the work.
Approachable, collaborative, and deeply committed to students and families, Dr. Thomas exemplifies what it means to be a true Friend of School Social Work. Her leadership has helped strengthen practice, build community, elevate the profession, and ensure that school social workers have both a voice and a champion at the table.
SSWAM proudly celebrates Dr. Jazell Thomas for seeing the value of school social work, supporting those who serve, and using her leadership to help the profession continue to grow throughout Missouri.
Tammy
Thank You for serving as an essential member of our Board over the years. While you may not have an official role with us this year we value your contribution and always welcome your expertise.
Kristina
Thank you for your commitment to the Board and advocating for under represented areas in MO. While we not have you join us formally, we hope that you stay connected.
Amanda
Congratulations: "SSWAM SEL STIPEND": WINNER!!! We acknowledge that when districts can’t provide needed support items, you often step in with your own funds. Thank You for all you do!
Summer Board Meeting/Retreat
The School Social Work Association of Missouri (SSWAM) Summer Board Meeting and Retreat met in Jefferson City, MO to provide an opportunity for board members to reconnect, reflect, and intentionally prepare for the 2026–2027 school year. The retreat centered on strengthening SSWAM internally while ensuring that our work continues to support, represent, and advocate for school social workers throughout Missouri.
Summer Delegate Assembly
The School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) Delegate Assembly brought together school social work leaders and state representatives from across the country in Alexandria, Virginia, to strengthen the profession through collaboration, leadership, advocacy, and connection. As Missouri joined this national conversation we had an opportunity to learn from other state associations, exchange ideas and strategies, discuss challenges affecting school social workers, and consider how state and national organizations can work together to advance the profession.
