- Park
- Homepage
FSPS Celebrates School Social Work Week - March 7-13, 2021
FSPS is proud to recognize its six school social workers for National School Social Work Week (March 7-13). The theme of the week is "Beacon of Hope: School Social Workers - Lighting the Way". School social workers are able to light the way, emphasizing the whole child and linking students and families with needed services. Take a moment to meet your FSPS school social workers below. #FSPSProud
Learn more about the great work of school social workers - download this PDF!
Did you know? Collectively, FSPS School social workers have 3,577 contacts (home visits, phone or at school) so far this school year!
Kessia Brown
Kessia Brown has been with our district for four years and primarily serves the following schools: Ballman, Chaffin, Cavanaugh,
Pike, and Tilles. Ms. Brown received her Bachelor's of Social Work from the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville. Her favorite part of being a social worker is getting to build relationships with staff, students, and families. One interesting fact about Ms. Brown is that she has three younger sisters and they are at least 11 years apart. Ms. Brown enjoys spending time with her childhood friends and their children.
Melinda Hyatt
Melinda Hyatt has been a Fort Smith Public School Social Worker for eight years. Ms. Hyatt received her Bachelor's in Social Work from the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville. Interacting with the families and communities is what she enjoys most about being a social worker. She primarily serves the following schools: Ramsey, Fairview, Euper Lane, and Barling. When Ms. Hyatt is not at work, she enjoys spending time reading and working in her garden. She shares her compassion with animals, as she has rescued two deaf dogs.
Rebekah Coursey
Rebekah Coursey is in her first year as a Fort Smith Public School Social Worker. She recently received her Master’s of Social Work from University of Arkansas - Little Rock. Ms. Coursey primarily serves the following schools: Southside High School, Carnall, Howard and Orr. While there are many things she enjoys about being a School Social Worker, what she enjoys most is working with students and their families to ensure they have every opportunity for success in their education and in life. When not attending a game or band concert for her children, Mrs. Coursey enjoys running, cooking, DIY projects and spending time with family and friends. Ms. Coursey spent the first 10 years of her career working as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant in the public schools before pursuing a Master's degree to become a Social Worker.
Elizabeth Kaylor
Elizabeth Kaylor has been a member of the Fort Smith Public School Social Worker team for the last 10 years. She received her Master's in Social Work from University of Arkansas - Fayetteville. Ms. Kaylor primarily serves the following schools: Trusty, Sunnymede, Woods, Beard, and Cook. Being able to work alongside students and families in our community every day is a highlight for Ms. Kaylor. When not at work, Ms. Kaylor likes to play bass guitar in her bands, spend time with her family, camp, craft, and read.
Nora Molinero
Nora Molinero has worked as a Social Worker in the Fort Smith Public School System for 17 years. She earned her Master's of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas - Pan Am. She primarily serves the following schools; Bonneville, Kimmons Junior High, Morrison, Spradling and Sutton. Making connections with families is the thing that she enjoys most about her job. While not at work Ms. Molinero enjoys spending time with her nieces, watching Netflix and shopping. One interesting fact about Ms. Molinero is that she would like to write a book one day and share her work and life experiences.
Henry Burris
Henry Burris has worked for the Fort Smith School District as a Social Worker for 28 years. Mr. Burris holds a Specialist in Education degree from Northeastern University - Tahlequah. He primarily serves the following schools: Northside High School, Darby Junior High and Belle Point. Mr. Burris enjoys the challenges that come with being a social worker and helping to make a difference for the students he interacts with on a daily basis. Mr. Burris enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, working on his cattle farm, hunting and fishing, and traveling as time permits. One interesting fact you might not know about Mr. Burris is that he has a very healthy appetite for eating good food!