Lisa Marie Sokolowski’s Story: A Life of Compassion

In the realm of social work, where resilience meets empathy, Lisa Marie Sokolowski stands out as a beacon of hope. Her story is one of perseverance, passion, and a lifelong commitment to uplifting others—a journey fueled by her own experiences of adversity. 

The Roots of Compassion
Lisa’s story begins in Syracuse, New York, where she was raised by a single mother battling illness while they faced the harsh realities of poverty. “I was the child of a social worker’s caseload,” Lisa reflects, recounting how the kindness of a few key figures—her social worker, a teacher, and a college professor—shaped her future. These individuals believed in her potential and helped her see beyond the struggles of her environment.

From carrying food packages home from school to feed her family, Lisa’s early experiences instilled in her an unwavering resolve: to help others as she was once helped. This mission would later become the cornerstone of her career.

Finding Her Calling
Though she initially wavered on her career path, Lisa’s foray into social work began serendipitously. After years in the restaurant industry, she applied for a case management position at the Salvation Army. To her surprise, she got the job—and with it, a newfound purpose.

Her first role involved working with pregnant and parenting teenagers. “I just fell in love with social work,” Lisa shares. “It felt incredibly rewarding to make a difference in people’s lives.” Over a decade, Lisa expanded her expertise, serving people experiencing homelessness, managing a food pantry, and eventually providing family therapy through Functional Family Therapy (FFT).

Balancing Dreams and Realities
Lisa’s journey was far from linear. Juggling multiple roles as a mother, a student, and a full-time social worker, she exemplified the resilience she now encourages in others. She completed her Master’s in Social Work at Syracuse University, often working nights and weekends to fulfill her internship requirements while raising her family.

Despite the challenges, Lisa thrived, advancing into roles that allowed her to explore different facets of social work—from school social work to supporting adults with mental health challenges to substance use treatment.

Impacting Lives, One Student at a Time
Today, Lisa works with high school students grappling with serious mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Her role is both clinical and holistic: she provides counseling, advocates for students with individualized education plans, and connects families to critical resources.

“No kid is bad,” Lisa asserts. “Every child has potential, and it’s our job to help them see it.” Her philosophy is rooted in strength-based practices, integrating techniques like distress tolerance, journaling, and even yoga to help students navigate their emotions. Whether helping a student graduate against all odds or securing addiction treatment for a struggling teen, Lisa’s work exemplifies the transformative power of care and creativity.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Hope
Beyond her individual contributions, Lisa is a planner, an advocate, and a community organizer. She collaborates with therapists, educators, and families to create systemic change, ensuring her students have the support they need to succeed.

Her story is a testament to the profound impact one person can have—not just by overcoming their own struggles, but by using those experiences to light the way for others.

Finding Community and Transformation: A Journey with the SWEET Institute:
On her relationship with the SWEET Institute, Lisa explained:

“My relationship with the SWEET Institute began as a chance discovery that quickly turned into a transformative experience. Like many in our field, I needed continuing education hours to maintain my credentials. When I first got my degree, this wasn’t a requirement, so navigating the world of CEUs felt overwhelming. Initially, I scrambled to find options—traveling to live seminars, sifting through self-studies, and receiving offers in the mail that were either irrelevant or unaffordable. It was frustrating and isolating. Then one day, the SWEET Institute popped up on my Facebook feed. At first, I ignored it. But eventually, curiosity led me to click, and I’m so glad I did.

What I discovered was a platform unlike any other. Not only was the convenience incredible—learning from home, even in my pajamas—but the depth of knowledge and the expertise of Dr. Dubin and Dr. Sidor blew me away. Their passion, warmth, and dedication made me feel like I had finally found my professional home. I immediately started recommending SWEET to colleagues and friends. I even told a newly minted social worker, ‘When the time comes, this is where you’ll want to be.’

What sets SWEET apart is the community. The kindness, thoughtfulness, and shared sense of purpose among everyone involved are unmatched. Even something as simple as the WhatsApp group, has created a space where I feel supported and connected. SWEET is more than just continuing education; it’s professional, it’s personal, and it’s transformative. I’m deeply grateful for this organization and for the remarkable leaders who guide it. SWEET is, without question, the best.”

The Heart of Social Work
When asked what drives her, Lisa responds with humility and gratitude: “Helping others is what I was meant to do. It’s where I find my greatest joy.”

In Conclusion:
Lisa Marie Sokolowski’s journey reminds us that the greatest rewards often come from serving others. Her life, shaped by adversity and sustained by resilience, is a powerful example of how compassion can transform not only individuals but entire communities. For Lisa, social work isn’t just a profession—it’s a calling, a mission, and a lifelong labor of love.

I have been a social worker for nearly 25 years. I currently work for OCM BOCES in Liverpool, NY, where I oversee and coordinate a high school program for students from multiple component school districts across three counties. My role focuses on helping high school students discover a path to successful graduation—especially those who may not have found one otherwise.

I have been happily married for 24 years. My husband and I are the proud and grateful parents of three wonderful daughters, aged 17, 19, and 21. Family time is one of my greatest joys, and we cherish these moments as our children grow up so quickly. With two daughters in college and our youngest in her senior year of high school, life is always exciting.

Outside of work, I am actively involved in my church, where I hold various roles, and I also serve on the board of our local library.

In my spare time, I love listening to Taylor Swift, going on coffee dates with friends, and spending time with my “boys”—Sammy and Rocky, our beloved family dog and cat.