Roseville Middle School social worker wins regional recognition

ROSEVILLE — Every day, Roseville Middle School social worker Danielle Lewis works to make a positive impact on students.

“The goal is to create a safe and healthy environment for the students,” Lewis said. “It’s finding the right social and emotional support and creating a space for them to be who they are.” 

Lewis primarily works with students who have an individualized education program, known as an IEP. For her commitment to the profession, the Michigan Association of School Social Workers named Lewis the 2023-2024 School Social Worker of the Year for Region M — Macomb County.

Members of the MASSW Region M and several district administrators, including Roseville Middle School Principal Christopher LaFeve, recognized Lewis during a brief presentation in the school media center on the afternoon of Feb. 16. Also present were Lewis’ husband, Darius, and their children, Darielle, 13; Darius Jr., 12; and Daniel, 5, who are students in Roseville Community Schools. A few Roseville Middle School students also came by to congratulate Lewis.

“I appreciate everyone coming out and for your support. I’m overwhelmed,” said Lewis, who received flowers and a plaque. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be recognized. I feel there are so many deserving social workers.”

Lewis’ nomination highlighted “commitment,” “professionalism” and “collaboration” as some of her outstanding qualities as a social worker.

“Danielle exhibits the characteristics of a lifelong learner who is consistently attending professional development opportunities including recently becoming a trauma informed schools trainer,” her nomination form states.

Several people nominated Lewis for the award, including LaFeve, Kment Elementary School Principal Donovan Stec, school psychologist Les Deskins, Roseville Middle School parent Donna Whitmore, and Roseville Community Schools Director of Special Education Teresa Tomala.  

“She’s engrained herself in everything we do here,” LaFeve said. “She’s always involved, in the hallways, in the lunchroom. She has connections with all the different kids. She’s amazing.”

Lewis has worked as a social worker in the district at Roseville Middle School and also at Fountain and Kment elementary schools. She’s also worked in other locations in Macomb and Wayne counties as a school social worker and administrator. She currently is the board president of the MASSW Region M.  

“We are very proud of Ms. Lewis,” said Daniel Krsteski, awards chair for the MASSW Region M. “As our new president, she’s really taken it to the next level and gone above and beyond her role.” 

Lewis also will be honored at the MASSW Region M meeting Feb. 29. All the regional winners will now be considered for State Social Worker of the Year. The MASSW is a professional organization in Michigan dedicated to the advocacy and support of school social work services. There are 11 regions in total. 

Lewis is being honored in time for National School Social Work Week, which is scheduled for March 3-9 this year. National School Social Work Week celebrates school social workers across the country by highlighting their role in helping students meet academic, social and emotional challenges.