March is Social Work Month and this year’s theme is “Empowering Social Workers.” It’s a special time to celebrate social workers for all the work they do.
Social workers face many challenges when working with individuals and families. Social workers often deal with homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, suicide risks, and finding appropriate placement or resources for elderly and/or disabled. These are just a few of the issues social workers tackle.
Social workers are uniquely qualified to handle these societal troubles. They enter the profession because they genuinely want to help others. They go through years of education, training, and supervision so that they can do the delicate but important work of meeting people where they are and helping them achieve their goals.
The social workers at Amberwell Atchison are no different. At Amberwell Atchison, we have two full-time social workers and three PRN social workers. Each of our social workers has years of experience and great skills to assist those they serve. Below you will see the list of our social workers and learn a little more about them.
Katie South – Manager of Social Services
Where you obtained your degree: I received my Bachelor’s in Family Studies and Human Services from Kansas State University and Master of Social Work from Washburn University.
How long you have been in social work: 15 years
Areas you have worked in: I started my career at DCF completing child abuse and neglect investigations. I worked in this role for 7 years. I then moved to hospital social work and have worked in this area since.
What you like most about your profession: Every day is different with diverse challenges. I enjoy meeting patients and families and working with them to establish services that will assist them and provide more assistance and care to them when they are discharged. I enjoy educating patients and families on the services that are available to them and setting these up as needed.
Tamala Simmons – Amberwell Health at Home Social Worker
Where you obtained your degree: Bachelor of Social Work Missouri Western State University and Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri
How long you have been in social work: 30 years; Consulting social services in LTC –15 years; Amberwell Atchison – November 2023
What you like most about your profession: The diversity of people that I get to work with and help. Hearing the stories of people’s lives. Being able to offer options or resources to help people through rough times. Being a support not only for the patients but also help for their families.
Brandi Asher – PRN Social Worker
Where you obtained your degree: Bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Missouri Western and Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri
How long you have been in social work: 7 years
Areas you have worked in: While in Social Work, I have worked in the areas of hospice, long-term care, and community services/casework with Catholic Charities.
What you like most about your profession: I love being able to get to know my residents and families, listen to their stories, and help them navigate aging and healthcare options.
Kate Werring – PRN Social Worker
Where you obtained your degree: I received my bachelor’s degree in Sociology from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, in 1972, and my Master of Social Work in 1983 from the University of Kansas.
How long you have been in social work: 52 years! My first job in social work was in 1972, working for Catholic Charities in New York City. It was a fascinating learning experience. I learned a lot, every day! After I completed my master’s degree in 1983, I began working at The Guidance Center, a community mental health center. I worked there as a therapist and an administrator until the end of 2016, when I retired. A year later, I returned on a part-time basis and continue to work there. In 2017, I began to work PRN for Amberwell as a social worker, primarily working in home health and hospice. So now, though I am supposed to be retired, I have two jobs!
Areas you have worked in: I have worked in adoption, foster care, mental health services and home health/hospice services. I also supervise LSCSW candidates who are pursuing clinical social work licensure.
What you like most about your profession: Every day is different, and every client situation is different. Being present for people who are struggling has always been a part of my work though this looks different in each situation. I have learned a lot from the people whom I have served and their families, and I treasure this. I appreciate their resiliency and creativity, while helping them make important changes.
Aggie Asher – PRN Social Worker
Where you obtained your degree: Bachelor’s degree Social Work, St. Mary College, Leavenworth, KS 1978 and Master of Social Work, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 1989
How long you have been in social work: 46 years
Areas you have worked in:
Emergency Services in Kansas City, KS, Catholic Charities. Served people who were experiencing crisis in the areas of housing, utilities, medical needs including prescriptions, supplies, domestic violence.
Medical Social Worker Trinity Lutheran Hospital, Kansas City, Mo. Provided social work services in the Departments of Pulmonary Care, Med/Surg and Orthopedics.
Medical Social Worker Amberwell Health Atchison. Provided social worker services in the area of Emergency Care, Maternal Care, Inpatient Care, Primary Care, Health at Home, Infant and Toddler Program, and Senior Behavioral Health Services. Served on community boards including Atchison Area Community Foundation, Atchison Community Health Clinic, and The Guidance Center. Assisted with the development of Live Well Live Atchison, a health community initiative.
What you like most about your profession: I have served people in the happiest and the saddest times of their lives. It is an honor to be part of that journey. I am always impressed with the courage, faith, and resilience that people have in different situations and to be able to provide guidance and support when needed. I am touched and inspired by the Atchison community’s desire to improve the quality of life of all members. I have truly enjoyed working with the medical and hospital staff throughout the years and being a part of the team.
