Meet PLSD Social Worker: Melanie Poulson

Unite to Ignite: Celebrating Our Impact

National School Social Work Week Spotlight: Melanie Poulson, MSW, LISW

During National School Social Work Week 2026, Pickerington Local Schools is proud to recognize the professionals who help ensure students feel seen, heard, and supported every day.

For Melanie Poulson, MSW, LISW, her “why” is simple: students.

“I believe every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported,” she says. “When students feel safe and connected, they can truly learn and grow. Being part of that support system is what drives me.”

This year’s theme — Unite to Ignite: Celebrating Our Impact — reflects the heart of her work.

Pickerington Local Schools has three licensed social workers serving the District. Two are hired specifically as school social workers, and Poulson is currently the only social worker dedicated to direct, building-level student support across our District of more than 12,000 learners.

While district-level social work leadership oversees programs and systems of support, her role centers on working directly with students, families, and staff to respond to individual needs, provide crisis support, and remove barriers to learning. The scope of that responsibility is significant — and it underscores both the growing mental health needs of students and the importance of continued investment in school-based support.

As a school social worker, she supports students’ social, emotional, and behavioral well-being so they are ready and able to learn. She serves as a bridge between home, school, and community resources, collaborating closely with families, teachers, counselors, and administrators to ensure students have what they need to thrive.

There is no “typical” day. Some include individual sessions, family meetings, and staff collaboration. Others require crisis response or connecting families with outside services. Much of the work happens behind the scenes — coordinating resources, addressing attendance concerns, and advocating for additional supports.

What keeps her coming back each day?

“The relationships. Knowing that even one positive interaction can change a student’s day — or trajectory — keeps me motivated.”

For Poulson, student success goes far beyond grades. It looks like resilience, confidence, emotional growth, and connection. Sometimes, the impact is found in a simple moment — a student saying, “Thank you for listening,” or “I feel better now.”

She describes her approach in three words: compassionate, collaborative, student-centered.

As conversations about youth mental health continue nationwide, Poulson hopes the community understands that mental health is just as important as physical health. When we invest in students’ emotional well-being, we invest in their lifelong success.

This week, we celebrate Melanie Poulson and the meaningful work she does to unite support systems and ignite growth, resilience, and hope in the students she serves.