Carie Brooks and Kerri Vollmer, two Rogers School District employees, were honored this month as the top social worker and school counselor in Arkansas by their respective professional associations.
Brooks, a licensed clinical social worker, was named the 2025 Arkansas School Social Worker of the Year by the Arkansas School Social Work Association. Vollmer, a school counselor at Rogers High School, received the 2025 School Counselor of the Year award from the Arkansas School Counselor Association. Both awards were announced in May at separate state conferences.
The recognition places Brooks and Vollmer among the most accomplished in their fields statewide. The Arkansas School Social Work Association cited Brooks for her work developing student support systems and improving access to mental health resources across the district. According to the association, she has helped implement trauma-informed practices and coordinated multiple community partnerships to expand student services.
Vollmer was recognized for her leadership in college and career readiness initiatives at Rogers High School. The Arkansas School Counselor Association highlighted her role in increasing student participation in dual credit courses and her work to ensure equitable access to post-secondary planning resources.
“These awards reflect the quality of our staff and the commitment of the Rogers School District to support the whole child,” said Scott Karr, superintendent of the Rogers School District. “Carie and Kerri exemplify the dedication and expertise that make a real difference in our students’ lives.”
Brooks has worked in the district for more than a decade, focusing primarily on elementary-level interventions and family engagement. She holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Arkansas and is a licensed clinical social worker. Vollmer has served as a school counselor for 18 years, the last eight at Rogers High School. She earned her master’s degree in counseling from John Brown University.
Each year, the Arkansas School Social Work Association and Arkansas School Counselor Association recognize one individual from across the state for outstanding contributions to student success. Nominees are evaluated on professional practice, leadership, advocacy, and collaboration with educators and families.
Statewide Recognition with Local Impact
Brooks and Vollmer’s awards come during a period of increased focus on student mental health and college readiness in Arkansas. State-level initiatives, such as the Arkansas Counseling and School Social Work Grant Program, have provided funding for districts like Rogers to expand support services. The district now employs 12 social workers and 16 school counselors across its 13 schools.
“We’ve made it a priority to invest in both academic and emotional support,” said Karr. “Having professionals like Carie and Kerri on our team makes that investment meaningful.”
Brooks has been instrumental in launching district-wide social-emotional learning (SEL) programs and has worked closely with local nonprofits to bring mental health services into schools. Vollmer has led efforts to align counseling practices with state standards for college and career readiness, helping increase the number of students completing college applications and financial aid forms.
The recognition from the state associations also highlights the growing role of school-based support staff in Arkansas. According to the Arkansas Department of Education, the state has added more than 200 school social workers and counselors since 2020, with support from federal pandemic relief funds and state grants.
As part of their recognition, both Brooks and Vollmer will represent Arkansas at national conferences later this year. The Arkansas School Social Work Association will send Brooks to the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) annual conference in July. Vollmer will attend the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) conference in July as the state’s representative.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by my peers,” said Vollmer. “But the real reward is seeing students succeed — whether that’s graduating, going to college, or just feeling supported during a tough time.”
Brooks echoed that sentiment. “This award belongs to the whole team,” she said. “We work together to make sure every student has what they need to thrive.”
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
