The Minnesota School Social Workers Association proudly announces the selection of Nancy Williams as the Minnesota School Social Worker of the Year for 2025. Nancy has been a school social worker for the Owatonna school district since 1993. She has worked in nearly all of their buildings in the past 32 years and is currently the Lead Social Worker for the district social work department and works at the high school. Nancy earned her BSW from Bemidji State University in 1992. She received her Masters in Social Work from the College of St. Catherine/University of St. Thomas in 2001. Nancy has also earned her LICSW and provides supervision to many social workers seeking their clinical licensure. Nominator Kory Kath, Principal wrote, “ Ms. Williams is an individual who cares for all students and wants to help them in their quest for success in life. Students are naturally drawn to her because they see her dedication to their growth and a common interest in them as people and not just students. She pushes students to think for themselves and to honor all conversations so we emerge stronger and more focused as a student body.”
Nancy’s co-worker, Casie DeVos, School Social Worker shared that “Nancy brings a steady, thoughtful approach to her work. She is knowledgeable, responsive to the needs of others, and has a strong ethical framework.” She also shared that Nancy organizes the Owatonna High School Husky Pantry, which provides needed food, clothing, hygiene and school supplies for students in need, especially those who have been identified as homeless. Additionally, Nancy advises the SHOC(Students Helping Others Choose) group, SHOC students make a commitment to be alcohol, vape and drug free for their high school years and are educators to younger students in the districts about the dangers of chemicals on developing minds. SHOC students also share important information with peers and younger students about ways to manage peer pressure and get support for mental health instead of using chemicals. Nancy is a strong advocate for prevention and early intervention work. The SHOC program’s mission fits right into this approach. Nancy is actively involved in the Steele County United Way as part of their volunteer committee, she is the lead school support staff for Steele County Toys for Tots, she brings her knowledge and expertise to the Steele County Mental Health Collaborative and has taken leadership positions with From the Heart, and Owatonna Huskies Tackle Cancer, raising over $600,000 over the years for families in the Owatonna area and state impacted by cancer.”
‘Over the years, Nancy has always served and supported special education.” Susanne Schroeder, Retired School Social worker and colleague notes and additionally shares that “She provides an environment of safety and positive regard for students that is essential in social work. Nancy has a unique and steadfast ability to connect with students and their families in a meaningful way, assisting everyone around her to reach their full potential. Nancy’s manner of building relationships makes people feel cared about, respected, heard and appreciated.” In addition Susanne notes that “She has an infectious, wonderful laugh that brings joy to those around her.”
Susanne Schroeder also shares, “Nancy has been the lead social worker for the twelve members of the social work department for the last several years. In this role, she has advocated for the administration to support the continuation and expansion of social workers in the district, requested and helped arrange ongoing training for school social workers, and been a resource in the expansion of Third Party Billing in the schools.”
Nancy has also been an active member of her community and state outside of the Owatonna School District. She has served as a board member for nonprofit agencies in her community. She has worked as an adjunct professor with Concordia St. Paul College in the Masters in Education cohort, teaching Family Systems and Children’s Mental Health courses. She has been a Region 1 Representative for the Minnesota School Social Workers Association for over 10 years and has supported the recognition committee as well as presenting her work on Teaching Early Warning Signs on the MSSWA website.
MSSWA is excited to acknowledge Nancy Willliams and her dedication to the profession. Her knowledge, her support for her colleagues, her commitment to students and advocacy to the families she serves makes her our Minnesota School Social Worker of the Year for 2025!
Kory Kath’s words sum it up best. “She has a great grasp on the importance of the work and will draw knowledge from all sources to guarantee our students have the best learning environment and that she is a strong advocate for the resources and interventions to make it happen. Ms. Williams has a very optimistic approach to life and this leads others to want to make a difference.” Congratulations Nancy!!
