Ilisa Henderson was named the 2025-26 School Social Worker of the Year on March 6 during a surprise announcement at Spaugh Administrative Center. Henderson serves Dorothy J. Vaughan Academy of Technology at Parkside and Irwin Academic Center.

A New Jersey native, Henderson has been a social worker for 25 years. She has been a social worker with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for five years, also serving at Parkside Elementary, Chantilly Montessori and Mallard Creek High.

“To me, social work means standing beside students and families during difficult times, removing the barriers that keep children from showing up and succeeding, and helping to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and reach their full potential,” Henderson said. “School social workers are essential in our buildings – we work as part of a team. We collaborate with students, families, educators and the community to support our students.”

Yvette Watson, School Social Work program manager, said school social workers are critically important to the academic, behavioral and social and emotional success of students because of their unique training.

“School social workers take a holistic approach, utilizing systems theory to ensure access to appropriate resources and support, and they advocate for students through collaboration with internal and external partners,” Watson said. “I am honored to work with our 132 social workers who support all schools in our district. They work tirelessly to make meaningful connections with students and families to foster academic achievement.”