WASSW School Social Worker of the Year
The School Social Worker of the Year is an honor given to those who are outstanding in the field and recognized by their peers and colleagues. WASSW has a long history of giving this award to those past and present who have made contributions ranging from direct practice to state and national leadership.
Oct. 14, 2011
It is my honor to have nominated this year’s recipient of the Washington Association’s School Social Worker of the Year: Elise Dalke Petosa.
Elise graduated from the University of Washington’s School of Social Work in 1991 and immediately began her career as a family support worker for the Seattle School District. After two years, she joined the Tahoma School District in Maple Valley, WA, as a school social worker where she remained for the next seven years.
Very quickly into her career, she decided to share her passion for the profession by joining the WASSW board in 1998. She first served as the program chair for two years. Since 2000, she has maintained the role of president for WASSW. This in and of itself is an incredible feat. Since 2000, Elise has given countless hours of her time to this organization, guiding us through difficult times and serving as a sound promoter of our profession to all who will listen...or not!
For the past twelve years, Elise has worked for the Evergreen School District in Vancouver, WA, and is currently in her 4th year at her second school. Elise has also served as an active member of her union, advocating for school social workers and counselors as the budget cuts have been considered.
Elise is a high-energy individual, as most of you know. Despite her own health challenges, she maintains a busy and varied schedule as she balances the needs of her building with those of WASSW. One of her proudest accomplishments is the evening tutoring program she helped start up in two low income apartment buildings. One evening a month staff provide reading and crafts for the children and their families. As a true systems-trained social worker, Elise saw a need and creatively found a way to meet that need.
I have worked with Elise as a fellow board member for several years. She is organized and committed to our profession and WASSW. We couldn’t have asked for more in a president. She describes herself as having “passion” for our profession and we see that in every effort she makes on behalf of this organization and the students we all serve. When one gives as much as she has it is only fitting to acknowledge her with our award for excellence. It is my pleasure to present to you, the 2011 Washington Association of School Social Worker’s School Social Worker of the Year, Elise Dalke Petosa.
Submitted by: Ann Waybright MSW
Vice-President WASSW
School Social Worker
Bethel School District
Spanaway, WA
253-683-5270
The School Social Worker of the Year is an honor given to those who are outstanding in the field and recognized by their peers and colleagues. WASSW has a long history of giving this award to those past and present who have made contributions ranging from direct practice to state and national leadership.
Oct. 14, 2011
It is my honor to have nominated this year’s recipient of the Washington Association’s School Social Worker of the Year: Elise Dalke Petosa.
Elise graduated from the University of Washington’s School of Social Work in 1991 and immediately began her career as a family support worker for the Seattle School District. After two years, she joined the Tahoma School District in Maple Valley, WA, as a school social worker where she remained for the next seven years.
Very quickly into her career, she decided to share her passion for the profession by joining the WASSW board in 1998. She first served as the program chair for two years. Since 2000, she has maintained the role of president for WASSW. This in and of itself is an incredible feat. Since 2000, Elise has given countless hours of her time to this organization, guiding us through difficult times and serving as a sound promoter of our profession to all who will listen...or not!
For the past twelve years, Elise has worked for the Evergreen School District in Vancouver, WA, and is currently in her 4th year at her second school. Elise has also served as an active member of her union, advocating for school social workers and counselors as the budget cuts have been considered.
Elise is a high-energy individual, as most of you know. Despite her own health challenges, she maintains a busy and varied schedule as she balances the needs of her building with those of WASSW. One of her proudest accomplishments is the evening tutoring program she helped start up in two low income apartment buildings. One evening a month staff provide reading and crafts for the children and their families. As a true systems-trained social worker, Elise saw a need and creatively found a way to meet that need.
I have worked with Elise as a fellow board member for several years. She is organized and committed to our profession and WASSW. We couldn’t have asked for more in a president. She describes herself as having “passion” for our profession and we see that in every effort she makes on behalf of this organization and the students we all serve. When one gives as much as she has it is only fitting to acknowledge her with our award for excellence. It is my pleasure to present to you, the 2011 Washington Association of School Social Worker’s School Social Worker of the Year, Elise Dalke Petosa.
Submitted by: Ann Waybright MSW
Vice-President WASSW
School Social Worker
Bethel School District
Spanaway, WA
253-683-5270
