May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, and at SDoL, we are proud to highlight the people who make our district such a welcoming and inclusive place. This week’s staff shoutout goes to Kim Nguyen, School Social Worker at Lafayette Elementary, whose personal journey and commitment to students bring meaningful impact every day.
A dynamic role rooted in connection
If you ask Kim Nguyen to describe a typical workday, she’ll tell you that no two days are the same. Her role as a school social worker at Lafayette ES defies routine and is shaped daily by the evolving needs of students and their families. One morning might start with attendance outreach or a parent meeting; by midday, she may be helping students navigate emotional challenges or coordinating with teachers to address classroom dynamics. Some days bring urgent needs, crises at home, language barriers, or families in need of immediate community resources.
“There’s no such thing as a typical day,” Kim says. “But what stays constant is my intention to build trust and support students and families through whatever challenges they’re facing.”
Her work requires a mix of advocacy, problem-solving, and deep listening. Whether it’s ensuring a student feels safe at school, helping a family access food assistance, or simply being a reliable, understanding presence, Kim’s approach centers on relationships. “At the heart of everything I do is connection, those personal bonds are the key to meaningful support.”
From Lancaster roots to a lifelong mission
Kim has been part of SDoL for five years, and her journey here is deeply personal. Born and raised here, she is the daughter of Vietnamese and Chinese immigrants who rebuilt their lives in Lancaster after significant hardship. Her father arrived in the United States as a refugee following the Vietnam War, and her mother immigrated from China. Their love story, beginning with handwritten letters exchanged between countries, eventually brought them together in Lancaster, where they started a family.
“My parents have shaped so much of who I am,” Kim reflects. “They worked incredibly hard and made huge sacrifices to give my brother and me a life filled with opportunities they never had. I think about their journey often, especially when I’m working with families who are navigating similar experiences.” Kim credits her parents as her biggest inspirations and guiding forces. “Even when I was rebellious or difficult, their love and support never wavered. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them, and I try to carry their strength and values with me in everything I do.”
While Kim was part of a close-knit Vietnamese community through her family’s involvement with a Buddhist temple, her educational experience looked different. She attended Hempfield School District, where she was one of very few Asian American students where she often felt caught between her cultural heritage and her desire to fit in with her peers.
“Growing up, I often felt caught between two worlds,” she explains. “At home, we spoke Vietnamese and Cantonese, celebrated cultural traditions, and followed customs that were very different from what my classmates knew. I remember wanting to fit in so badly, sometimes even feeling ashamed of the things that made me different. But as I got older, I learned to embrace my identity and now, it’s a central part of who I am and the work I do.”
Discovering her calling
Kim’s path to social work wasn’t immediate. While she knew early on that she wanted to work in a school setting, she wasn’t drawn to traditional teaching. It was during her time at Kutztown University, where she majored in Psychology, that she took an introductory social work class, and everything changed.
“It just made sense to me,” she says. “I realized that social work was exactly what I was looking for: a way to be part of a school community, support students and families, and help solve problems in real time.”
Kim went on to earn her Master of Social Work from Millersville University and became both a Licensed Social Worker and a Certified School Social Worker in Pennsylvania.
Representation matters: being a familiar face for students
Representation isn’t just a concept for Kim, it’s something she lives and breathes every day. As one of the only Asian staff members in her building, she is acutely aware of how important it is for students to see themselves reflected in the adults who support them. A big part of Kim’s passion comes from wanting to be the kind of role model she didn’t have growing up.
“I want my students to see someone who looks like them and who understands their experiences,” she shares. “So many of my students, especially those from immigrant families, carry huge responsibilities,” Kim says. “They translate for their parents, care for younger siblings, and juggle the expectations of two cultures. Those are pressures I remember so well from my own childhood. When they come to me and say, ‘You get it,’ I can honestly say, ‘Yes, I do.’”
Her fluency in Cantonese and Vietnamese allows her to connect with families in ways that go beyond language. “It’s not just about translating words, it’s about understanding the fears, hopes, and challenges that come with being in a new country and navigating a system that can feel intimidating.”
Kim is also a strong advocate for mental health support. “In many Asian cultures, mental health isn’t something that’s openly acknowledged,” she explains. “I want my students to know that it’s okay to feel anxious or overwhelmed, and that we can work through it together. It’s about making sure every student knows they are not alone.”
Her goals for the future are simple but meaningful: continue deepening her relationships with students and families, and stay grounded in the community she loves. “I’m looking forward to the day when I see my current students walk across the graduation stage. That’s the kind of full-circle moment I live for.”
AANHPI Heritage Month: recognition and gratitude
For Kim, AANHPI Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and honor the resilience and richness of her community’s histories. “It’s powerful to see our stories and contributions recognized,” she says. “When I see even small things, like a commercial that features an Asian family, it makes me feel like we’re being seen. That matters.”
This year’s AANHPI Heritage Month carries additional weight, as it marks 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War, a moment that shaped her family’s history. “I think about my grandparents and parents a lot this time of year,” Kim shares. “Their courage and sacrifices brought me to where I am today, and I am incredibly thankful.”
Kim has a clear message for young people, especially Asian American students, who may be navigating their own paths: “Keep pushing forward. There will be challenges, and sometimes the work you do may feel invisible. But your presence matters. You have the power to make a difference just by being yourself and standing up for what you believe in.”
Thank You, Kim
Kim’s story is a reminder of the power of representation, the importance of community, and the impact of everyday advocacy. We are proud to have her as part of the SDoL family and grateful for the care and dedication she brings to our students, families, and colleagues every day. Thank you, Kim, for being a source of strength, understanding, and connection in our district and the incredible impact you make every single day.