Mr. Ethan Sansolo

Hi everyone! My name is Ethan Sansolo and I am the School Social Worker at North Haven Middle School. This is my tenth year working with such incredible students and peers!

I am a graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University where I earned my BSW and went on to achieve my MSW at Syracuse University in 2006. Shortly afterwards, I completed work for my social work licensure (LCSW).

I have been collaborating alongside the amazing staff at NHMS for five years this September. In addition to my time spent in North Haven, I have had a variety of experiences consisting of clinical settings (Wellpath IICAPS and Boys and Girls Village), educational outplacement (High Road School in Wallingford) and mental health private practice. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in North Haven working with the 6-8th population helping to enhance the social/emotional learning of my students. I work with students both in and out of the classroom, individually and in groups utilizing a variety of modalities (CBT, DBT, play therapy, etc.).

On a side note, some of my favorite interests consist of reading, movies, spending time with my amazing family/friends, swimming and of course video games!

My email address is [email protected] and can be reached by phone at 203-239-1683 Ext. 7057. Please reach out with questions, thoughts and information. I look forward to working with you :)

What Does A School Social Worker Do?

A. The goal of each School Social Worker is to provide every student with the opportunity to develop to his or her maximum potential.

B. As part of a coordinated system of Student Services, School Social Workers assist students in making better use of their school experience. The services primarily address the needs of those students experiencing social, emotional and behavioral difficulties in the school setting. These difficulties may be presented as poor academic achievement, lack of motivation, difficulty remaining focused on tasks and truancy (not attending school).

C. A School Social Worker works cooperatively with teachers and other school personnel regarding the needs of groups or individual students.

D. A School Social Worker will assist with connecting individuals with supporting services involving the student, family, school and community.

Some Examples of Support

School social work is a specialized service for helping students who experience difficulty in effectively using school resources. The primary aspects of social work in schools include casework, group work, collaboration, consultation, and utilization of community resources. The school social worker also serves on school committees, participates in teacher and/or parent discussion groups, and plays a role in community activities pertaining to student’s welfare.

Definitions

Working with Groups is a way of serving school children through small groups in order to bring about desired changes in participants. The school social worker synthesizes the skills and understanding of individual behavior, which constitutes casework service with the skills and knowledge required for the use of group dynamics and processes. Examples of groups facilitated by the school social worker are social skills, anger management, self-esteem, parenting, attendance, divorce, etc.

Collaboration is a procedure in which school social workers work with other professionals to serve a given client i.e.: individual, group, community, etc. The professionals communicate and coordinate their respective efforts.

Consultation is provided by school social workers in the helping process. School Social Workers may advise, guide, and provide on-going support to school and agency personnel. In addition, school social workers may seek input from others to solve problems.

Utilization of Community Agencies involves the use of non-school services when the problems encountered by a student stem from areas that are not directly the responsibility of the school. In this case the school social worker helps parents and students avail themselves of appropriate outside agencies. The school social worker should be familiar with community agencies and know how to effectively use them.

Some of those with which the School Social Worker typically has a close relationship are listed:

211 - Crisis Services

Department of Children and Families

Other private counseling or mental health agencies

Resources for Students + Families

https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/31-tips-boost-your-mental-health

https://www.helpfullinks.org/helpfullinks/index.cfm?catID=2 -

https://childmind.org/article/behavioral-treatment-kids-anxiety/

Community Agencies

https://www.cliffordbeers.org/

http://www.childrenscenterhamden.org/

http://www.northhaven-ct.gov/government/town_departments/departments_(a_-_d)/community_services/index.php