Ruth Schwartz School Social Worker of the Year Award
Ruth Efron Schwartz was a School Social Worker who bettered the profession of School Social Work. She believed in the importance of School Social Workers as well as helping the children and families in her care. Ruth was a founding member of the New York State School Social Workers’ Association (NYSSSWA). She was responsible for picking the organization’s colors i.e. blue to encourage students to reach for the sky, and white to encourage School Social Workers to be pure and true in their work with children. In her honor, the Ruth Schwartz Award is given each year to an exceptional School Social Worker. The award reads “in appreciation to your commitment to the field of school social work and your dedication to the children and families we serve.”
Please consider nominating that very special School Social Worker who has best exemplified the profession of a School Social Worker. Someone who is dedicated to the children and families we serve, has over the years started new programs and incorporated innovative techniques into their practice, has gone above and beyond an already overwhelming job description and who has been outstanding in advancing the School Social Work profession.
(Please note: Since this an award given by NYSSSWA, candidate must also be a current NYSSSWA Member! Contact member.services@nyssswa.org to check.)
If you would like to nominate a remarkable School Social Worker, stay tuned.
2025 Awardee: Michelle Mellon
Michelle has dedicated over 20 years to the Camden Central School District and has been a long time active member of NYSSSWA. She noted: “I’d like to take this opportunity to publicly and humbly thank the Association for the honor of being chosen as this year’s School Social Worker of the Year. Those people who know me, know that I’m not one who is comfortable in the spotlight and I was taken aback by the announcement at the State Conference. I want to take this opportunity now to say that each and every one of us School Social Workers are worthy of this distinction, as we all come to work everyday, giving our all, and then some, working in the best interest of our students and families. We are in this field because we care, sometimes too much. So to everyone who reads this, keep doing the great work that you do and know that you are appreciated even if it feels like sometimes you are not. Thank you.” Michelle Mellon Read More.
2024 Awardee: Jenna Poinan
Jenna works for the Alexander Central School District. Her superintendent noted that, Jenna is a “standout candidate for recognition.” She has created social emotional curriculum to help students regulate their emotions; communicates resources for families (WIC, HEAP, SNAP, Care Solace, Pathstone); connected families to OPWDD services; provides 1 to 1 trauma-informed, evidence based counseling to students; consults with teachers on behavioral issues; presented to students regarding suicide prevention; and connected students with LGBTQ supports outside of the school mental heath team. In every aspect of her work Jenna exemplifies compassion, dedication, and professionalism. Her unwavering commitment to the well-being of students, staff, and families makes her truly deserving of the Ruth Schwartz School Social Worker of the Year Award.
2023 Awardee: Kim Jones
Kim Jones is a School Social Worker at the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, Buffalo Public Schools PS 192. Kim is one of those SSW who is tireless and always looking for ways to reach her students and families. She initiated a Kindness Project for her school and is also responsible for bringing “Therapy Goat Day” to her school that not only includes bringing in goats to the school but a whole day filled with self care stations. According to a colleague: “Kim is the Gold Standard for social workers. She works so efficiently that if you aren’t watching, you would have no idea all of what she accomplishes. She works on all three levels of social work – Macro, Mezzo, and Micro – and integrates these components seamlessly throughout a single school day.” Students and families are lucky to be touched by her dedication and care. Read more.
2022 Awardee: Jacqueline “Jackie” Sanchez Young
Jackie Sanchez Young works for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns and has been described as a consummate professional who genuinely has a passion for working with children and families. According to colleagues she is authentic, genuine, and compassionate, and these characteristics transcend all situations. She spends every minute of her day supporting students, families, and staff members, and develops strong relationships with everyone she encounters. Jackie pours her heart, knowledge and all of the resources she has into meeting the needs of students, staff, families and the community. Read More.
2021 Awardee: Kristina “Tina” LaMendola
Tina LaMendola is a very dedicated School Social Worker who epitomizes the role. She is always stepping outside of her regular routine to better herself, the students she serves, school staff and the School Social Work community. She is tirelessly innovating to meet the needs of her students-running after school support groups which teach coping strategies, and involving the students in school wide mental health initiatives. She always seems to meet students where they are regardless of the situation, and this student-centered approach plays a crucial role in the overall success of our students. The connection that she has with students results in her being quite skilled at identifying students’ needs as a whole. Read More.
2020 Awardee: Edith “Edie” Schwimmer
Edith Schwimmer is an exceptional clinician, fierce advocate for students and families, conscientious and collaborative colleague and incredibly valuable member of our school, community and profession. In addition to working with the students and families in her cohort, she participates in several building and district wide committees, runs a parent group for those with students on the spectrum, coordinates an annual fundraiser for families in need and is the de facto leader of the social work department. She is extremely committed to School Social Work as a field and has recruited, mentored and supported new people and positions throughout her time in the district. Her professionalism, skill, empathy, warmth, sense of humor and passion are remarkable and she epitomizes the potential and powerful impact a school social worker can have in an educational environment. Read More.
2019 Awardee: Paul Dischiavo
This year, Paul Dischiavo was selected as the 2019 recipient of the Ruth Schwartz School Social Worker of the Year award. Paul has spent the last two decades dedicated to the Mohawk Valley Region, his community, and his profession. He began his career as an elementary School Social Worker in the Sauquoit Valley Central School District and he remains there as the leader of the School and Wellness Community. His principal, Mark Putman describes his as “a constant wealth of knowledge who is student-centered and brings a much-needed perspective in how best to help students to be successful.” Read more.
2018 Awardee: Joan Conti
Peg Barrett and Tim Hummell award Joan Conti with the 2018 Ruth Schwartz School Social Worker of the Year Award.
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2017 Awardee: Jaye Murray
Julie Beatrice awards Jaye Murray with the 2017 Ruth Schwartz School Social Worker of the Year Award.
Being a School Social Worker in New York City is a daunting experience. School Social Workers bare the responsibilities for making sure there is dignity for all races and identities and genders as well as tech, show moral integrity and demonstrate human compassion for that which is right as we work alongside educators for a child’s right to an education. Jaye Murray, serves as the Executive Director of the Office of Guidance and School Counseling for the New York City Department of Education who guides School Social Workers through this process. She is a veteran social worker of over 25 years whose work has included community based family, individual and group counseling, private clinical practice, substance abuse counseling, programming for children of alcoholics, supervision and School Social Work. Read more.