School Social Workers
At Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), every school has a dedicated school social worker ready to support students and families.
School social workers are integral members of each school community, playing a critical role in fostering student well-being and academic achievement. They bring a unique expertise in mental health, social-emotional learning, and systems support that enables them to address a wide range of issues affecting students and their families.
School social workers take an ecological approach to promoting student success by considering the whole child, their home life, school environment, and community. They build trusting relationships with students and families, creating safe spaces for students to express their needs, develop coping skills, and build resilience.
They are key advocates for removing barriers to learning and ensuring all students have equitable access to educational opportunities. These barriers may include, but are not limited to, truancy, mental health concerns, trauma, grief and loss, behavioral challenges, child abuse and neglect, violence, pregnancy, substance use, economic hardship, human trafficking, and special education needs. By providing direct support, connecting families to resources, and collaborating with educators and community partners, school social workers help students overcome challenges that might otherwise interfere with their learning and development.
In addition to their daily work within schools, school social workers serve as members of the district crisis team, providing critical support and immediate intervention during emergencies and traumatic events that affect students, staff, and families. School social workers are also champions of educational equity and social justice, working tirelessly to create inclusive, supportive school environments where all students feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential. They promote academic success, educational equity, and social justice for every student.
If you would like to speak with a school social worker, please contact your school directly.
More Information
If you have any questions about MPS school social workers, please contact:
Nicole Cain, MSW | Manager, School Social Work and Community Services
Email: cainn@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Phone: (414) 438-3416
Kristin Annen, MSW | Supervisor
Email: annenkk@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Phone: (414) 438-3670
Christina Hall, MSW, APSW | Supervisor
Email: grayc@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Phone: (414) 438-3617
Rebecca Longoria, MSW, APSW | Supervisor
Email: longorrd@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Phone: (414) 438-3618