Hey social worker friend. I see you.

Are you a compassionate social worker who longs to touch children’s lives but feels burned out by the demands of school social work?

Do you find that because of your high caseload and never-ending to-do list that you’re forever putting out fires instead of meeting with kids?

Maybe you want to throw in the towel because you feel inadequate about not getting things done and you worry people think you’re incompetent.

You put on a brave face for the outside world, but on the inside you feel overwhelmed, stressed, and like a failure.

I want you to know, I see you. 

What if I told you it doesn’t have to be this way?

I believe even the busiest school social worker can make a difference in children’s social emotional well-being.

Hi! I’m Yanique

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and former school social worker, trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, and Yoga Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I’ve spent most of the last 17 years working with children and families.

I believe when you’re drowning in responsibilities, the last thing you need is someone adding one more thing to your to do list. We get it. Our community motto is work smarter, not harder.

And yet, if you want to make a difference in children’s social emotional well-being and help them succeed in school and life, the time to start empowering them with social emotional skills is now.

I believe that with a few simple adjustments, even the busiest school social worker can feel confident and fulfilled about making a difference in children’s social emotional well-being–without sacrificing their mental health and self-care needs.

Featured in…

Credentials & Education

  • Master of Social Work-University at Albany
  • Trained in EMDR and Flash Technique
  • Trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy
  • Trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Trained in Yoga-Cognitive Behavior Therapy
  • Founder and CEO of Kiddie Matters-2014 to present

Now picture this…

Imagine…

  • Meeting with kids more frequently and enjoying building a positive relationship with them.
  • Showing up to sessions feeling confident and prepared with thoughtful lesson plans and individual session agendas.
  • Feeling confident and fulfilled that you’re making a difference in children’s lives and nurturing their social and emotional well-being.
  • Having a healthy work life balance and getting more time to focus on your mental health and self-care needs

Find fulfillment in the demanding life of a school social worker

Whether you’re a veteran school social worker on the brink of burnout or a newbie trying to figure things out, you’re in the right place!

When you join the Kiddie Matters community, you’ll get simple, evidence-based tips and tools to easily plan thoughtful counseling sessions so you can nurture children’s social emotional well-being, let go of stress, and enjoy meeting with kids again.

Get the Social Emotional Learning Toolbox!



When you feel like a failure...

I started my first year as a school social worker nervous, but ready to dig in. I had five years’ clinical experience with at-risk youth and felt confident I could handle my new role. However, one month in and I was drowning in responsibilities.

My administrators didn't understand my role and I was constantly asked to do things unrelated to social work. I had to resolve issues kids had on the school bus, monitor lunch periods, and cover the front desk during dismissal. This left little time for me to prepare for sessions. When I met with kids, I didn't have a solid game plan for how to help them reach their goals. Every day I questioned if I was making a difference.

I vented to my colleagues and they reminded me to prioritize what was in the best interest of the kids. This inspired me to find a better way to get things done.  I created a structured framework for planning individual and group sessions. This took the guesswork out of what to do when I met with kids. I learned to make the most out of whatever time I had with my kids. I know you can too!

You can make a difference in children's social emotional well-being starting now.

Need some quick ideas to empower kids with social emotional skills? Here are a few counselor favorites:

Best Guide for Teaching Kids the Decision Making Process + Free Printable
Stop Praising Kids + Do This Instead to Nurture a Growth Mindset
Empower Kids to Stop Being Hard On Themselves with This Simple Technique
80 + Self Care Ideas for Teens

Need low prep activities that kids will enjoy and participate in? Get our best-selling resources:

Self Esteem Small Group Lesson Plan + Workbook
How to Be Respectful Social Story
Emoji Feelings Identification Activities

Grab our Social Emotional Checklists for Kids + Teens to help you plan developmentally-appropriate lessons and sessions for your kids

What other counselors saying
“My students enjoyed using this resource. It was easy to use and all students were engaged by it. It was easy for me to prepare and my students keep asking me to use it again and again. Many thanks!”
-Jillian G
"Awesome resource for small group counseling on self-esteem! The workbook and the scenarios cards worked great and my students were really engaged!"

Kimberly M.
Counselor

Empower kids with the skills they need to succeed in life

Children are facing more challenges than ever. The time to nurture their social emotional well-being is now! Gain access to The Social Emotional Toolbox, an exclusive area full of free resources to empower kids with social emotional skills.

gain access now

Let's stay in touch!

  • You're not alone. We're in this together and I want to see you win. Feel free to send me an email. I promise I'll read it!
  • Join the Kiddie Matters Facebook Community, a safe space where you can find support and fill your cup.
  • We can also connect on Instagram or Pinterest where I share engaging counseling ideas that don't cost you time or money