Celebrating Dr. Jazell Thomas: A Friend of School Social Work

The Hazelwood School District proudly celebrates Dr. Jazell Thomas, coordinator for counselors and social workers, the recipient of the 2026–27 Friend of School Social Work Award from the School Social Workers Association of Missouri (SSWAM). Established in 1980, the School Social Workers Association of Missouri was founded by volunteer school social workers who saw the need to advance, grow, and strengthen the profession. Volunteer school social workers from across the state still govern SSWAM today. 

A proud Hazelwood East High School graduate from the Class of 1987, Dr. Thomas has dedicated 29 years to serving HSD. For her, this recognition is not simply a personal honor—it celebrates the school social workers who advocate for students and families every day. “To advocate for social workers is to advocate for our students in HSD,” Dr. Thomas shared.

Hazelwood school social workers Zabrina Grisby and Simone Minner nominated Dr. Thomas, recognizing her commitment to strengthening the profession and supporting the people who serve students.

Grisby, a 20-year HSD school social worker and SSWAM Region 1 representative, praised Dr. Thomas's advocacy at both the district and state levels. “Dr. Thomas does a phenomenal job supporting and advocating for social workers in Hazelwood School District, not only for the district but also on a statewide level.”

Minner, a 21-year HSD school social worker, highlighted Dr. Thomas's dedication to professional development and her advocacy for students, families, staff, and social workers. “She’s always been an advocate for the people here in Hazelwood—for the children, our students, our families, staff, and definitely us as social workers.”

Both social workers emphasized that Dr. Thomas helps to ensure that the unique role and expertise of school social workers are understood and valued.

Dr. Thomas believes the heart of school social work is relationships. Social workers build trust by being present in students' everyday lives and partnering with families to understand their needs. “They don't assume. They ask parents what they need.”

That philosophy extends beyond individual schools. HSD social workers collaborate with community organizations and partners to connect families with resources addressing needs such as housing, food, transportation, health care, and attendance.

Dr. Thomas describes this approach as empowerment rather than simply assisting: “That's a partnership—not handing to, but being in partnership with people.”

Dr. Thomas also encourages communication, collaboration, and self-care among the professionals who support students: “You can't give from an empty cup.”

Her colleagues' recognition reflects a shared appreciation for a leader who consistently advocates for the profession while keeping students and families at the center of the work.

As Dr. Thomas reflects on nearly three decades in Hazelwood, she remains committed to learning and growing alongside her colleagues, smiling and emphasizing, “I am proud to be in partnership with them, and I continually learn new ways to support our families in HSD after 29 years.”

Congratulations to Dr. Jazell Thomas on this well-deserved honor and on her continued commitment to strengthening school social work and supporting the entire Hazelwood community. 

Dr. Thomas closes with, “We are one HSD with amazing social-emotional support, led by our school social workers.”