Rooted in Experience, Ready to Grow: How SSWAA 2025 ignited my new beginning in student well-being

Leaving behind my 15-year career in education to begin an entirely new path was equal parts exciting and terrifying. But in a twist of perfect timing, the first full work week in my new role aligned with the SSWAA National Conference, making what could’ve seemed like a leap into the unknown feel more like coming home.

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As the former Director of Social Work and Trauma-Informed Schools for Metro Nashville Public Schools, this trip to Atlanta offered a meaningful opportunity to connect with fellow school social workers from across the country, and reflect on my past experience. 

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Working for a district with 160 schools and over 81,000 students, I understand firsthand the immense challenges social workers face to provide meaningful, sustainable support amid expanding student needs. That’s why, going forward in my new role as Executive of District Partner Success at Sown To Grow, my background will be vital to helping educators develop systems and structures that build a culture of belonging where students can be their authentic selves and express what they need to thrive. 

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Equipped with these perspectives, I attended the 2025 National Conference ready to embrace this transition, and set the trajectory for my future impact in the student well-being space. Here are my key takeaways from the event:

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Top-of-Mind Conference Themes & Ideas

Despite spending over 25 years in school social work, child trauma, and child welfare roles, the opportunity to learn and grow through SSWAA is truly endless. Here are the consistent themes I observed throughout the conference, and tips for how to integrate the frameworks in your own school or district:

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ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) Session Highlights

With more than 50 sessions available throughout the four-day event, these two below were among my favorites of those I was able to join. In case they were also on your list but you couldn’t attend, here are my quick recaps:

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Unhoused Youth: One District’s Journey to Breaking Barriers and Creating Systemic Change

‍Presenters: Lori Carmack, MSW; Laura Grier, BA, Student master's in counseling; and Mackenzie Kelly, MPA

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Empowering Minds: Utilizing an Intersectionality-Based Approach to Address Mental Health Issues in Minority Students  

Presenter: Dania Martinez, MSW

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Finally, there's one last resource I wanted to share here—Click below to check out the slides from the session where I co-presented!

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Final Thoughts, and Future Goals

Full of gratitude, I left Atlanta with a renewed sense of purpose for my professional journey. The SSWAA conference theme, Unite to Ignite, echoed deeply as I reflected on my career transition. 

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With a lived past rooted in educational support and advocacy, and a future full of opportunity to merge my experiences, I’m inspired and—dare I say—ignited, to leave a legacy of lasting impact.

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Interested in connecting about student well-being in your school or district? Feel free to email me at Monica@sowntogrow.com, or find me on LinkedIn.