NEW SOCIAL WORKER SUPPORTS STUDENTS, PROVIDES TOOLS BEYOND CLASSROOM
ox Chapel Area
FOX CHAPEL AREA SCHOOL NEWS
NEW SOCIAL WORKER SUPPORTS STUDENTS, PROVIDES TOOLS BEYOND CLASSROOM
W hen Fox Chapel Area School District welcomed social worker Jamie Heffler in August, it gained someone whose journey was shaped by life experience, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping others.
Her journey to social work was anything but linear.
After graduating from Shaler Area High School and Edinboro University with a bachelor’ s degree in communications, Ms. Heffler began working in sales at radio stations in Pittsburgh. While she enjoyed the work, it didn’ t take her long to realize something was missing.
“ I absolutely loved it, but I never really felt fulfilled,” she says.
During that time, she began nannying for several families in the area. Today, some of the children she once cared for are students at Fox Chapel Area High School, something she finds special.
One conversation during her days as a nanny stayed with her, she says. A father from one of the families she worked for encouraged her not to wait to pursue the future that she wanted.
“ He told me,‘ Three years will pass regardless. It is up to you what you do in those three years that matters.’”
Not long after that, a deeply personal loss helped clarify her calling.
“ In 2011, I lost my best friend to suicide, and that changed everything for me,” Ms. Heffler says.“ I always felt like I was supposed to do more to help others, and losing her set everything in motion.”
10 FOX CHAPEL AREA
She returned to school, earned a master’ s degree in social work from California University of Pennsylvania, and is now a licensed clinical social worker. She lives in Millvale with her husband, who works in the drug and alcohol field, and their five cats.
In a school setting, social workers provide mental health support, help connect families with outside resources, and serve as a bridge between home, school, and community providers. They also facilitate small groups focused on topics such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, bullying, and mental health awareness.
“ Social anxiety has increased, and many students are forming friendships online rather than with the people sitting next to them in school,” Ms. Heffler says.“ Helping students find healthy balance and connection is really important.”
She says that for her, the most meaningful moments often come quietly, such as when a student who may have been hesitant to seek help begins to trust the process.
Ms. Heffler says she is especially grateful for the strong sense of support that defines the Fox Chapel Area community.
“ The students and staff here are incredible,” she says.“ We are fortunate to have principals, teachers, counselors, staff, and school resource officers who truly care about our students.”
Just as meaningful to her is the way the broader community supports one another.
“ It takes a village,” she says.“ And we have an amazing one.”