Hello! I’m very excited to be a part of the team at Rushford-Peterson Schools! I graduated in 2004 with a Social Work Degree from Winona State University and have worked in the area of social work since. I live in Rushford with my husband and 2 children. In my role at R-P, I am able to provide individual and group skills-building with students as well as classroom guidance.

While the day-to-day tasks of a School Social Worker changes depending on the
needs of the students, some of the tasks are summarized below.

Students come to me through a variety of ways, including self-referral, teacher-referral and parent request. My main goal is to help students deal with any issue that is negatively impacting their academic/social progress. I meet with students individually and in groups to work on a variety of topics. Some of these topics include skills (friendship, coping, calming, emotion-regulation, conflict). Other tasks include assisting when a crisis occurs at school or home, referrals for various community and school services and participating in a variety of committees.

Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions! I will do my best to respond to you within 24 hours.

Kelly Smith, LSW

507-864-7786 #1009