Lakewood Elementary school social worker Alyson Gold was born and raised in Dearborn Heights. She earned both her undergraduate degree and Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Before joining AAPS, Gold worked in a variety of mental health settings for children, including a residential treatment center and two therapeutic day schools.
She and her husband, Chris, lived in Portland, Oregon, and the Chicago suburbs before returning home to Michigan in 2021. They now live in Ann Arbor with their two daughters, who also attend AAPS.
Principal Airess Stewart notes that Gold is an integral part of organizing our social emotional and wellbeing supports at Lakewood.
“From planning our Winter Giving program to support our families, to helping our students throughout the school day, Alyson approaches everything with patience, flexibility and collaboration,” says Stewart. “She builds trust with our students and families through her genuine compassion. We are grateful to have her part of the Lakewood community.”
What does a typical day look like for you as an elementary school social worker?
Every day looks a little different as an elementary school social worker, which is one of the reasons I enjoy this job. My time is often split between meeting with students to build social/ emotional skills, helping students calm and regulate when they have tough moments, and collaborating with staff about ways to support our students.
What made you decide on this career?
I’ve always enjoyed working with kids, and I really like the routines and rhythms of the school environment. My parents both had jobs where they were helping others, and I saw how much they supported family members as well, so Social Work seemed like a natural fit for me.
How do you help young children who might not have the words to express what they’re feeling or experiencing?
A lot of kids (and even adults) have a hard time finding the words to express themselves, so I try to find a way to connect with them so they feel more calm and comfortable. I make a lot of picture visuals that I use with students to give them other ways to describe how they feel. It also helps to have fidgets, stuffed animals, and calming items that students like to help them feel comfortable.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the students grow and change over their elementary years. It’s amazing to see the progress they make, and to help them build skills that will hopefully stay with them as they get older.
How do you take care of your own mental health while supporting so many students and families?
I try my best to do something I enjoy every day. Somedays, it’s listening to a podcast on my way home or watching the Great British Baking Show with my family. It helps to have great co-workers to talk to after tough days, and to focus on a few small tasks at a time instead of the never ending to-do list!
How do you spend your summers?
I spend a lot of time outside in the summer. I like to swim, run, bake, and work on our garden in the summer. I’m usually taking my kids to different activities around town, and we always make at least one trip to Lake Michigan.
What do you like most about working at Lakewood?
I really love the community at Lakewood. I enjoy working with the students, and all of the staff are caring, supportive, and dedicated. I love that it’s a smaller environment where you can get to know so many of the students.
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