“In tough times, the biggest reward is in making sure that those who take care of others are recognized and appreciated,” said Dr. Raul Garcia, a bilingual school psychologist and the leader of the UFT Social Workers and Psychologists Chapter.

Nearly 1,300 attendees gathered online and at union headquarters on Jan. 16 to do just that, celebrating UFT Clinicians Appreciation Day with a mix of professional development, networking, community building and, for the first time, an awards ceremony.

Marking the event’s 20th anniversary, the chapter honored two standout members: UFT Social Worker of the Year Rebecca Romeo and UFT Psychologist of the Year Elizabeth Sanson. Sanson, a bilingual school psychologist at P368 @ P120, a District 75 program in Brooklyn, is known for orchestrating a marching-band parade to celebrate Autism Awareness Week. Romeo, a school social worker at PS 46 on Staten Island, organizes coat and toy drives and ensures every child at her school has a Halloween costume each year.

“I’m still in shock,” Romeo said of receiving the award. “This validates the work that I do and how important it is to the community.”

After the awards ceremony, Dr. Ray W. Christner, a nationally certified school psychologist, delivered a lecture about unhealthy media device use and their impact on young people. The topic resonated with Romeo, who works with 5th-graders she described as “COVID kids” whose entire schooling had been shaped by “social media and being online.”

Ashley Mendez, a bilingual school psychologist at PS 146 in East Harlem, said the presentation reinforced her desire to partner with families to reduce screen time and build children’s interpersonal skills. “I learned that just having a conversation goes a long way,” she said.

The day also offered opportunities for connection. Mendez discovered she was seated next to a social worker with whom she had corresponded over email. “It was nice to finally meet her,” said Mendez. “Meeting other clinicians is important for collaboration and community.”

Sanson appreciated the chance to exchange ideas with colleagues she had never met before. “I’m learning about what they’re doing at their schools,” she said. “You get ideas from that.” For example, one clinician shared how she uses short soap opera scenes — where facial expressions are exaggerated — to help District 75 students recognize and mimic emotions.

“It feels like a reunion,” said Naomie Placencio, a school social worker with the Committee on Special Education for District 10 in Manhattan. “With all that unity and positive energy, it’s like Thanksgiving.”

Garcia said the event continues to evolve each year. “This is the first time we’ve given awards, something we’ve wanted to do for a long time,” he said. “We want to make sure that everyone in the union, regardless of their title, feels appreciated.”

As fellow members stopped to congratulate her, Romeo reflected on the value of the union in supporting clinicians. “We pay our dues for a reason,” she said. “Members need to lean on the union because the union is going to support you.”