My name is Janet Palas and I am the School Social Worker at Nokomis Montessori School, North and South Campuses. I have worked at Nokomis Montessori School since 2011. My favorite part of my job is working with the students, observing their enthusiasm and their kindness toward each other, and seeing their progress over the school year. I provide support to PreK through 5th grade students who receive special education services. I support social emotional learning with the special education students, provide crisis intervention, and help families connect with community resources.  I have worked for St. Paul Public Schools for 15+ years. I received a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.  I am licensed by the Minnesota Board of Social Work as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and by the Minnesota Department of Education as a School Social Worker. When not at school, I enjoy doing outdoor activities with family and friends and reading good books. I can be reached by phone at 651-744-2891 and by email at janet.palas@spps.org.