2026 Social Work Month Voices: Danielle Monks, CADC, MSW, PEL

As the NASW celebrates 70 years of advocacy and advancement, this upcoming Social Work Month we want to continue to collect stories from across the profession. Read Danielle’s story and see how this year’s Social Work Month Theme, “Uplift. Defend. Transform.” resonates with them.

Danielle Monks, CADC, MSW, PEL

(She/Her)

Where did you get your degree(s)?

Moraine Valley Community College (CADC)

Aurora University (MSW & PEL)

Olivet Nazarene University (BSW)

Current occupation/practice area

School Social Worker

In what ways are you involved with NASW-IL?

Current Jane Addams District Chair

How did you choose the social work path? What inspired you?

During high school, I was dealing with struggles that shaped my life in significant ways, including becoming pregnant at 17 during my junior year. At one point, I seriously considered dropping out and joining the National Guard. My school social worker at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, Illinois, Ms. Wasserman, was one of the few supportive adults in my life at that time. She made high school bearable. She listened to me. She empowered me. She reminded me of my worth when so many others communicated the opposite. She inspired me. I remember telling myself that I wanted to be like her someday. Ms. Wasserman offered me options. She respected my autonomy. She let me choose. And in doing so, she showed me what ethical, strengths-based social work looks like in real time.

What are some of the essential skills needed to be an effective social worker?

Nonjudgmental: Being able to stay nonjudgmental while still recognizing both flaws and strengths is huge. We’re all imperfect and wonderful at the same time, and learning how to hold those things together, not as opposites, is an important skill in social work. Accountability: Another key skill is being aware of the impact we have on others and being willing to be accountable for it. Accountability helps the people we work with, but it also helps us—it builds trust, supports repair when something goes wrong, and strengthens us as practitioners and as people. Owning our mistakes and talking things through when needed models healthy communication and relationships. Kindness and understanding: Social workers who lead with kindness and understanding create spaces where people feel safe and supported. That kind of warmth not only helps others feel seen and valued but also gives us opportunities to learn, grow, and share wisdom when it’s needed most.

What changes or innovations do you see coming to the social work profession?

Accountability - I see social work accountability evolving in meaningful ways. It’s moving toward relational accountability, where we reflect on how our actions, words, and biases impact clients, colleagues, and communities. This approach encourages us to acknowledge mistakes, repair harm when needed, and model healthy communication. By cultivating an honest mindset, we create space for growth—not just in our own practice, but in the lives of our clients and in the culture and systems we are part of. It shifts us from fear-based accountability toward a learning-oriented culture, where reflection and improvement are expected and valued. Collaboration - I also see the profession improving collaboration. When social workers work together cohesively across teams, agencies, and communities, we have a stronger ability to model and build a culture grounded in love, respect, and cultural awareness. Expanding Perspectives- I see social work innovating through a deeper openness to different cultures, countries, and ways of being. In the U.S., there’s often a strong focus on perfectionism, materialism, and individual achievement, but other countries offer alternative values, such as community-centered living, balance, and collective well-being, that can inform our practice. By actively listening, learning, and staying curious about experiences and beliefs different from our own, we can better understand clients’ realities, challenge our assumptions, and co-create interventions that are culturally informed and responsive. This approach fosters empathy, strengthens relationships, and advances justice, equity, and respect across diverse communities. Ethics in Tech: Innovation in social work is emerging around the ethical and reflective use of technology. Technology can be incredibly helpful, as it provides access to information, connects clients with services, and, let's face it, makes our jobs a lot easier. At the same time, it isn’t neutral; it can shape attention, empathy, decision-making, and social connection, and even become a barrier to natural thought, reflection, and problem-solving. Social workers need to consider how digital tools influence well-being and whether they unintentionally reinforce isolation, distraction, or passive thinking. By approaching technology thoughtfully, we can guide clients, schools, and communities toward balanced, reflective use that supports growth, critical thinking, and human connection.

Does the 2026 SW month theme "Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform." resonate to you? Is it already integrated in your work?

This theme is really timely for social work. I think we need to be proactive in uplifting and shining a light on the good in the world, especially for those whose strengths might not be recognized. Part of our role is defending and empowering people who need it and providing support to help transform unhelpful patterns into ones that create positive change. In school social work, this shows up every day in helping students navigate challenges, highlight their potential, and provide the tools and guidance to grow in healthy, constructive ways.

Words of wisdom for someone considering the SW profession?

If your goal is to help people, support those who are in need, provide wisdom, continually learn and grow, develop leadership, be creative, or guide others to a better path. This is for you. And thank you for being here.