Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Carla M. Vorpahl has devoted over 20 years of her career to serving students as a school social worker in the Sheboygan Area School District in eastern Wisconsin. Carla's accomplishments are many. In her capacity working in schools, Carla:
- Formed and championed diversity and inclusion initiatives, such as a Hmong girls' student leadership group and the Harbor Program for students with mental health or special education needs
- Established a food pantry to serve her school community
- Was an important member of a collaborative team to bring free school-based mental health programs to Sheboygan
- Trained over 800 educators in trauma informed practices.
Though Carla's accomplishments are many, it is undeniable that her greatest gift is how she supports others. In the words of her school’s principal, “My confidence in Carla Vorpahl is unmatched as she moves people forward. She continually empowers those around her to work not only harder but smarter. I would follow her anywhere. So should we all."
She will be honored at the Midwest School Social Work Council Conference in Carmel, IN November 3-4, 2022 and again at the Wisconsin School Social Workers Association (WSSWA) Fall Conference November 10-11, 2022 in Green Lake, WI.
Congratulations again Carla on an extremely well-deserved award!
This item was submitted by Julie Incitti, MSW, APSW, School Social Work Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.