Lansing USD469 Employee Spotlight: Rebecca Davis, Social Worker
Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of our district. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Rebecca Davis, Social Worker
Question: How long have you worked for Lansing USD469?
Answer: 6 years
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: Hello, my name is Rebecca Davis, she/her pronouns and I am a LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker). I have worked as a school social worker in secondary public education for 14 years total, 6 of those years in Lansing. Like all the staff at USD 469, I wear many hats. In general, my primary responsibilities include providing social and emotional support to students, families, and staff. I help address challenging issues that create obstacles to learning. In addition, I am a member of our district’s mental health team. As a team, we strive to provide leadership in developing policies and interventions throughout the district as it relates to mental health. Also, we continue to build support services for our families, like our district food pantry and clothing closet. At LHS, I am a member of the guidance department, the KESA PLC for SEL, the sponsor for LHS’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) and co-sponsor of LHS’ Multicultural Student Union (MSU), I teach monthly mental health lessons in health class, served as a Practicum Instructor for my KU social work student(s), and am the liaison between Lansing USD469 and the community MH provider, The Guidance Center for the School Based Clinician (SBC) Program.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: Helping students discover their own unique strengths and potential which leads to increased self-esteem.
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: I am sure this is cliche however I have had so many, big and small it is hard to pick just one. It warms my heart when students who didn’t speak to anyone learn to advocate for themselves, when students who have been through horrible experiences but after the healing process, came out owning their story and now identify as survivors, when students develop self-esteem and increase their own self-care, and when students want to drop out but decide to believe in their own ability to graduate, to see their pride as they walk to their diploma is PRICELESS!
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: I love to dance, sing, travel, read, and spend time with my friends and family.
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: In 1982, I won a city-wide watermelon seed spitting contest in Coldwater, MI.
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: YOU are one of a kind and no one on this planet is special like YOU! Learn from every opportunity you are given. Understand that everyone makes mistakes. Believe in yourself and know that you are loved!
STRATEGIC PLAN: Positive Culture - Develop incentives to assist in recruitment/retention of all staff.