Mental Health and Well Being

Connect with the School Social Worker 

Support is available during the school year.  If you wish to connect, please leave a voicemail for Lori Nicolai at (507) 645-7409 x303 or send an email to nicolail@district195.org

Greetings!

My name is Lori Nicolai, a School Social Worker, joining the Randolph School team beginning in the fall of 2018.  I grew up in nearby Hampton, Minnesota, the oldest of six children.  Growing up in a large family and living in a small, rural town in the midwest gave me a passion for interacting with people and working hard. After graduating from Randolph High School in 1989, I obtained my Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work from Winona State University.  I began my Social Work career in Watertown, Wisconsin at a residential facility for people with mental illness. I returned to the Twin Cities metro area to pursue my Master of Social Work Degree from the University of St. Thomas and College of St. Catherine while working full time.  In 1999, after completing graduate school I worked with birth parents in the Adoption Unit of Lutheran Social Service.  Beginning in the fall of 2005 through the spring of 2018, I was a School Social Worker for Goodhue County Education District in Goodhue and Red Wing Schools. The best part of this field is the variety of people and opportunities it affords.  I call two acres in the country outside of Hampton, home. Socializing with family and friends is my favorite because I take so much pleasure from interacting with people.  I delight in being "auntie" to six adorable nephews. I spend as much time as possible outdoors; gardening, camping, golfing, walking my dog, Jep, or sitting on my deck or next to the fire.  I am fond of playing board games, crafting (making them or shopping for them), and watching movies. I'm outgoing, generous, energetic and love to laugh.

It is it truly a pleasure to be working in the community in which I was raised.

Please feel free to call or email with any questions or concerns you have:

(507) 645-7409 (ext. 216)

nicolail@district195.org

Today's students face many social and emotional problems that interfere with their ability to do well in school and inhibit their progress toward becoming happy, successful and productive citizens.

Children are affected by what is going on around them and depending on environment and experiences can have difficulty completing their school work, sustaining relationships, and processing feelings in a positive way.

School social workers are a link between home, school, and the community. They help students and their families to find the resources they need; including food, housing, medical care, clothing, counseling, domestic abuse support and many others.  If your family needs something, please call.  

Social Work time can benefit children with Individual Education Plans (IEP). Whether receiving special education services or not, students may benefit from ongoing or short term support for a variety of reasons (see list below).  Social Work time is during school hours, in small groups or individually, depending on need. 

- anxiety - conflict resolution - emotional regulation - attention/focus - anger management - grief/loss - study/organization skills - family change (separation, divorce, step-families)

- friendship/social skills - positive behavior - military child support - concerned persons (i.e. living with family member struggling with addiction) - bullying - mental health

Please feel free to call if you want more information or to talk about your student