Greetings, fellow School Social Workers!

It has been an honor to serve as the President of the Tennessee Association of School Social Workers (TASSW) during my first year. Together with the TASSW Executive Board, we've diligently worked behind the scenes to rebuild and strengthen our organization, ensuring it aligns with our mission to support and empower school social workers across Tennessee.

As I approach my final year in this role, I am committed to furthering our vision. Our primary goal is to increase TASSW membership and ensure that current members remain actively engaged. To achieve this, I would appreciate your support and commitment.

Upcoming Initiatives

• Expanded Learning Opportunities: We are planning to offer professional development sessions beyond our annual conference. These will focus on our core ethics and values as school social workers, providing valuable resources to enhance our practice.

• Fall Conference: Stay tuned for details about our upcoming fall conference. This event will provide a significant opportunity for networking, learning, and collaboration among school social workers across the state.

• Advocacy and Support: In light of the escalating political climate, it's crucial to remember the importance of our work and purpose. TASSW will continue to advocate for policies that support our profession and the students we serve.

Call to Action

Your involvement is vital. Here's how you can contribute:

• Renew or Join TASSW: Membership is affordable and supports our collective tassw.wildapricot.org

• Engage Actively: Participate in our events, share your experiences, and contribute to discussions. Your voice strengthens our community.

• Spread the Word: Encourage colleagues to join TASSW. A larger, more active membership amplifies our impact.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us at tassworg@gmail.com.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our profession. Together, we can continue to make a positive difference in the lives of students and families across Tennessee.

Warm regards,

Dr. Ashley Johnson, Ed.D, LSSW
President, TASSW

 

Hi. My name is Delaina Kinnison and I am honored to be the Vice President of TASSW. I have been in the social work field for 12 years and 3 ½ of those have been focused on school social work. When I was in college, I didn’t know social work was a career and when I found a friend on my hall who told me about it, I immediately switched my focus. I’ve worked with Youth Villages, Big Brothers Big Sisters, in a family homeless shelter and then a Veteran’s home during COVID. My social work journey has helped build who I am today.  I love spending time with students and helping them process through life and understanding themselves better. I am excited to be the head of the conference committee. I love to organize and help things have a flow. I am excited to see how TASSW grows over the upcoming years and the connections we will build as social workers throughout the great state of Tennessee. 

-Delaina Kinnison