SDCOE Names School Social Workers of the Year

More than 150 guests, clad in sneakers, suits, and dresses celebrated school social workers and the school social work profession at the annual awards program hosted by the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE).

During the fifth annual School Social Work Awards ceremony, 24 nominees were recognized, and seven individuals were honored for their work in supporting students and families and for their contributions to the school social work profession. The honorees are:

School Social Workers of the Year
Maria Al-Shamma – Oceanside Unified
Sandra Gonzalez – San Diego Unified
Bethany Young – La Mesa/Spring Valley
Rachel Barnes – Escondido Union
Claudia V. Castañeda Lopez – San Diego County Office of Education

Trailblazer Award
Amalia B. Hernandez – San Diego State University

School Social Work Intern of the Year
T.J. McAloon – San Diego County Office of Education (now at High Tech High)

Jenée Peevy Light Award
Lisa Moon – San Diego County Office of Education

“We are honored to recognize all of our school social workers and interns across the county and congratulate them on this achievement,” said Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, San Diego County superintendent of schools. “School social workers play an integral role in the school support team responsible for creating environments for students where they feel cared for and a sense of belonging, which is crucial for their success. It’s important we take a moment to celebrate them and all they do.”

The theme of this year’s event was Compassion in Action, Empathy in Every Step.

To reflect that theme, attendees were asked to wear sneakers and bring a pair of new or gently-warn sneakers to benefit youth experiencing homelessness. More than 100 shoes were collected and are being donated to the following schools and organizations: Juvenile Court and Community Schools, Monarch School, Alpha Project, Urban Street Angels, and Youth Assistance Coalition. 

In its fifth year, the School Social Work Awards program honors school social workers and social work interns for the work they do to support students, families, and communities. The Trailblazer Award honors an individual who has paved the way for future generations in the profession to grow and develop while the Jenée Peevy Light Award recognizes individuals for their support of school social workers.

“Thank you for your compassion and courage and unwavering commitment to every child who deserves to belong and thrive,” said Dr. Felicia Singleton, senior director, Whole Child and Community Design.

Reflecting the theme of the evening, Singleton likened school social workers to athlete Michael Jordan, who in his first year wore his Air Jordans despite being fined each game by the NBA for not being within the league’s uniform policy. 

“Like Jordan, school social workers have a legacy of challenging systems and don’t know how to say no,” she said.

School social workers focus on the whole child, linking students and families to community resources, and serve as a valuable voice as part of the school’s multi-disciplinary team while working to address and break barriers to academic achievement. They are trained mental health professionals who provide both direct and indirect services by working with school administration, school staff, students, and families to assist students with mental health concerns by providing a host of services that include crisis intervention, counseling for individuals and groups, consulting with teachers, home visits, parent workshops, and advocating for practices and policies that are equitable.

“Every day, we see students who struggle with challenges that extend far beyond the classroom. Some face poverty, trauma, mental health issues, or instability at home. In these moments, they don’t just need sympathy—they need someone to truly see them, hear them, and take action to support them. That’s where we come in,” said Jenée Peevy, the award program coordinator. 

"Being ‘compassionate in action’ means turning empathy into meaningful steps — whether it’s advocating for better resources, creating safe spaces for students to express themselves, or simply being a consistent, caring presence in their lives. It’s about walking alongside them, making sure they know they are not alone. As school social workers we embed empathy in every step, making students feel valued and supported, turning our compassion into real transformative change,” she said.

In San Diego County, there are nearly 180 school social workers and more than 100 interns from universities. SDCOE’s school social work services unit provides professional development and opportunities for school social workers to come together to discuss ways to support students and families across the county. SDCOE and districts partner with several universities to provide internships for students interested in a career in school social work.

The awards ceremony took place during National School Social Work Week, a nationwide recognition encouraging schools, districts, and communities, to acknowledge and recognize school social workers. Honoree photos are available on SDCOE’s School Social Work webpage.