At the heart of King Elementary School, Amanda Esterly is a force of empathy and resilience, working to ensure that students and families feel seen, heard, and supported. As we celebrate Social Work Appreciation Month and Women’s Appreciation Month, we take a moment to recognize Amanda’s impact, not just through the tangible resources she provides, but through the trust she builds and the lives she uplifts every day.
Amanda’s path to social work may have started as a high school research project, but what began as an assignment quickly turned into a calling. A simple online quiz led her to explore the field, and what she discovered resonated deeply. “Something wound up clicking for me,” she reflects. That instinctive connection eventually led her to Messiah University and Temple University, where she deepened her understanding of advocacy and human connection. Today, she is a valued member of the School District of Lancaster, where she integrates social services into education, ensuring that every child receives the care and support they need to thrive.
Having lived in Lancaster City for nearly seven years, Amanda felt drawn to SDoL’s commitment to holistic student care. “Public education provides such an amazing opportunity for children to receive not only academic skills but also health, social and emotional learning, safety, and more,” she says. That belief in education as a gateway to comprehensive well-being fuels her passion for school social work, making her an invaluable resource for students and families navigating life’s challenges.
Creating a Safe Space for Students and Families
While securing food, housing, and clothing for families is a fundamental part of her role, Amanda finds the most meaning in the moments when students or parents express that they feel safe and cared for. It is in those interactions when a child trusts her enough to open up, or when a parent thanks her for being a steady presence, that she feels the true weight of her work. “A large part of the reason why I do what I do is that I see so much value in positive human connection,” she shares.
One of the most memorable moments in her career came when a parent, facing an incredibly challenging situation, confided in her. They were struggling with financial insecurity and unsure how to provide for their child. Amanda worked swiftly to connect them with resources, securing food, housing assistance, and support services, but what the parent expressed gratitude for the most was Amanda’s presence. “I don’t feel alone in this anymore,” they said. That moment reaffirmed Amanda’s belief that while access to resources is essential, the feeling of being heard and supported can be just as impactful.
The Daily Motivation and the Importance of Boundaries
Her daily motivation stems from the students themselves. “Children crave and thrive off of healthy, positive relationships with caring adults,” she explains. Being a trusted adult in a child’s life is both a privilege and a responsibility, one that she approaches with intentionality. She recognizes that, while her role is to give support, it is equally important to maintain boundaries for her own well-being.
“The culture of social work is shifting toward better honoring boundaries and the needs of professionals, and I’m grateful for that,” Amanda says. The emotional weight of social work can be significant, but she embraces the importance of self-care, knowing that she can only be there for others if she also takes care of herself.
Amanda also understands that showing up for others means ensuring that she has the emotional and mental capacity to do so. She takes time for herself, whether it’s through professional peer support, mindfulness, or simply allowing herself space to recharge. This awareness is something she hopes to pass on to future social workers, that taking care of oneself isn’t an afterthought but a necessity in sustaining a meaningful career.
Acknowledging and Elevating the Role of Social Workers
Amanda’s work is a reminder that social workers are not just problem-solvers, they are advocates, educators, and steadfast supporters of those in need. She takes pride in SDoL’s recognition of Social Work Appreciation Month, something she had not experienced in previous roles. The district’s commitment to assigning a social worker to each school is, in her view, a rare and forward-thinking approach, reinforcing the importance of integrated support for students.
This recognition extends beyond a title change. When SDoL officially renamed Student and Family Resource Specialists to Social Workers, Amanda saw it as a step toward greater understanding and respect for the profession. “This title change might not seem like a big deal to those outside of the field, but for us, it’s meaningful that the education we’ve obtained, the credentials we earn, and the licensure we pursue are explicitly acknowledged,” she says.
The impact of this recognition is far-reaching. By calling social workers by their rightful title, SDoL affirms their expertise and commitment. It also helps break down misconceptions families may have about social work, fostering stronger, more trusting relationships between social workers and the community.
Advocating for Equity and the Future of Social Work
Looking to the future, Amanda hopes to see continued progress in gender equity within social work. She acknowledges the disparity in leadership roles and encourages young women entering the field to take advantage of internships and field placements to find their niche. “It’s such a broad field with so many opportunities, so don’t feel rushed to find your place,” she advises.
As a strong advocate for marginalized populations, Amanda also hopes to continue challenging the narrative that helping professions are primarily for women, while leadership roles are predominantly occupied by men. She believes in pushing for more representation across all levels of social work, ensuring that future generations see a field that values expertise, compassion, and diversity in leadership.
Her advocacy extends beyond gender equity, she is passionate about ensuring that all social workers, regardless of their background, are empowered to lead and create systemic change. Whether it’s through mentorship, speaking out about industry-wide issues, or simply setting an example through her work, Amanda strives to be part of a movement that fosters inclusivity and fairness in the field.
A Community That Cares
As we celebrate both Social Work Appreciation Month and Women’s History Month, we recognize professionals like Amanda Esterly—women who uplift others, advocate for the most vulnerable, and redefine what it means to be a leader. Her work at King Elementary is a powerful example of the difference one person can make, proving that compassion and connection can change lives in ways that statistics alone can never capture.
Amanda’s colleagues and students know firsthand the warmth, care, and advocacy she brings into every interaction. Whether it’s helping a family find stability, offering a child a safe space to share their emotions, or simply showing up as a steady presence in the lives of those she serves, Amanda embodies the kind of support system that every school community needs.
Her story is a reflection of the thousands of social workers who pour their hearts into this profession, often without the recognition they deserve. By sharing her journey, we hope to shine a light on the essential role social workers play in education and beyond.
Thank you, Amanda, for all that you do for the students, families, and community of SDoL. Your work does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for the impact you make every single day. You are not just a social worker—you are a guiding presence, a trusted advocate, and a source of hope for so many.