Social Workers = Superheroes! Holly Branam, LCSW, Youth First Social Worker at South Terrace Elementary in Posey County

Holly Branam is a Youth First Social Worker who is committed to making positive change in children’s lives. She fondly remembers her first introduction to the organization when she attended the Youth First Gala.

“I was new to the Evansville area and didn’t know anything about Youth First. I was so impressed by what they were doing in the schools and the community that I leaned over to my husband and told him this was an organization where I would like to work.  

I love working in the schools and being a part of making a positive impact on the lives of young children. Something I appreciate about Youth First is their drive to make sure services are effective. No one likes gathering data, but this helps to demonstrate that the programs and techniques that are utilized are making a difference in the lives of the children and families that we serve.” 

Holly currently works with elementary aged students in Posey County and loves to see their progress as they grow and mature.

“I work with a first grader who has a lot of difficulty managing his emotions. His first response when things do not go the way he expects things to go is to react in anger. At the beginning of the year these outbursts could last for close to an hour and the student was very difficult to redirect and calm. Two weeks ago the student had an outburst and we were able to work together through the hurt in less than 10 minutes. By the end he was tearful and able to talk about why his feelings were hurt. I was almost in tears as well watching him make this transformation as he was able to express his feelings appropriately.”

It is such a joy to watch children grow and learn and to be a part of the change when I can. Working as a school social worker has grown me as well. I am learning more ways to help kids in new and different situations, ways to support teachers in their challenging jobs, and ways to help parents navigate difficult situations.”