2015 SSW of the Year Awards
MASSW Continuing Social Work Month Recogonition
The Board of MASSW was proud to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of several honorees at the 2015 MASSW Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, October 29 at The Lansing Center. Lietenant Governor Brian Calley presented the 2015 School Social Worker of the Year Award to Jessica Buchheister, MASSW President and Region F member. Jessica has been a School Social Worker for nine years. Currently, Jessica works at West Middle School in Rochester Schools where she provides services to resource level students and the Emotional Impairment Categorical classroom. Jessica's contributions to the field are extensive and profound. Jessica was nominated by colleague Rhonda Tomei who wrote, “Jessica is incredibly passionate in her desire to educate, advocate, and make change in our school district towards mental health education and empowerment!”
The Honorable Tonya Schuitmaker, Republican State Senator from District 26 serving Allegan and Van Buren Counties, and the City of Kentwood in Kent County was awarded a 2015 Legislator of the Year Award. Senator Schuitmaker is a long-time advocate for mental health issues with an emphasis on early intervention and jail diversion, created flexibility for community mental health programs to provide mental health services to jail inmate, introduced legislation to make it easier for families to obtain care and treatment, supported legislation to create a STEM endorsement on high school diploma’s, and introduced a bill to reform Michigan’s truancy laws.
The Honorable Stephanie Chang, Democratic State Representative from District 6 serving parts of Detroit, Ecorse and River Rouge was awarded a 2015 Legislator of the Year Award. A member of the House Education committee, Representative Chang is a tireless advocate for disadvantaged students, Detroit schools, and for improving schools and access to education and services for all students. Representative Chang’s work and interest on the House Judiciary and House Criminal Justice committees is focused on justice and rehabilitation, commensurate with her belief that early education and intervention is the best way to reduce incarceration and keep children in school.
Chris McEvoy, Consultant for Behavior Support of Wayne RESA was awarded the 2015 Friend of Michigan School Social Work Award. For over ten years Chris has served as a phenomenal resource for school social workers and school districts to effectively address the behavior and emotional needs of students. Chris was instrumental in assisting school social workers and school districts in establishing effective and viable PBIS Programs. In addition Chris has provided direct consultation in the establishment of functional behavior assessments, behavior intervention plans and consultation regarding complicated behavior issues and suggested effective treatment strategies.
Dr. Ellen Hoekstra, Legislative Consultant from Capital Services, Inc. was awarded the 2014 Friend of Michigan School Social Work Award. Dr. Hoekstra worked tirelessly to advance the goals of school social workers and the clients they serve. Dr. Hoekstra is a respected lobbyist whose work exemplifies social work values. Dr. Hoekstra was instrumental in social workers achieving licensure and title protection in Michigan in 2005, ensuring standards of practice within the field.