Ms. Sonia Padial, School Social Worker
spadial@lexcs.org
Hello. My name is Sonia Padial and I am the school social worker for Southwest Elementary Global Academy (SWEGA) and Pickett Elementary School. I hold a bachelor’s of social work (BSW) and am currently working to complete my master’s in social work (MSW) in May 2022. I am passionate about helping students succeed in the classroom as I believe a great education is the key to success in life. Eliminating barriers to learning as early as possible in a student’s academic career only serves to increase the likelihood of academic success. In May 2021, I completed my internship for my master’s degree in social work (MSW) as a school social worker in the rural parts of Chatham County, North Carolina. I have a special interest in how trauma can affect learning, attendance, and behavior along with finding ways to implement trauma informed practices and embed strategies in the school setting to create a trauma sensitive culture in which all children and staff feel safe and supported. I also believe empowerment, self-determination, and presumed competence are key components to successfully work with children and families in the school setting.
Furthermore, as the mother of two boys with exceptional abilities who are now in college, I have 20 years of lived experience advocating for my kids and have learned how to navigate many different systems in North Carolina. Additionally, growing up in a military family that moved every three years has allowed me to develop cultural competence that enables me to serve many diverse populations across different socioeconomic backgrounds.
While I hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from North Carolina State University, I believe that my life experiences and internship have provided me a wealth of information and intangible assets that cannot be taught in any classroom such as wisdom, thinking outside of the box, seeing/identifying an entire issue, understanding sensory issues, finding strengths, an ability to truly empathize with others and understanding empowerment. Some other highlights about me include:
- Spanish
- Case Management Skills
- Experience with the IEP Process
- Understanding brain injuries/the Return to Learn Concussion Protocol
- Advocacy for mental health reform
- Interactions with many systems in North Carolina
- Member PAIMI Advisory Council-Disability Rights NC
Ms. Padial's Website
