Naperville Resident Named Social Worker of the Year

Photo: Cathy Bertrand

Cathy Bertrand loves making a difference as a social worker at Indian Trail Middle School.

“I’m a clinical social worker so I can work elsewhere, but I chose to work in schools because education is the golden ticket,” Bertrand said.

The love of her job is one reason why the Illinois Association of School Social Workers has named Bertrand its 2015 Social Worker of the Year.

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She calls the award “very humbling,” and credits her success to the great team of staff, faculty and parents she’s worked with during her seven years in the role.

“It’s very nice to be recognized,” Bertrand said.

The award is given annually to an Illinois school social worker whose work in schools and communities exemplifies high-quality social work.

Indian Trail Middle School Assistant Principal Jennifer Archer wrote a letter nominating Bertrand for the award. Colleagues and parents also wrote letters to the association in support of Bertrand.

“She really gets the kids,” Archer said. “She’s level-headed and doesn’t let things rock her.”

She said parents talk to Bertrand about their own children and “that speaks volumes” about her work.

Education is important for success in life, Bertrand said. She sees many students who can learn but are facing poverty, peer concerns or mental health issues that can halt learning.

“I want to help students get through those roadblocks to education so they can pick up those things they need to be successful,” Bertrand said.

Christy Ernst, District 202 special education administrator, also wrote a letter praising Bertrand.

“It is such a well-deserved honor,” Ernst said. “She is very humble and an asset to our kids and we are lucky to have her.”

Bertrand will be recognized on Oct. 23 at a luncheon during The School of Social Worker 45th Annual Conference in Normal, Illinois.