Communities In Schools

The Ohio County Schools CIS program was implemented prior to the start of the 2022-2023 school year. The mission of CIS is to provide students with a community of support that empowers them to stay in school and achieve in life. It links educators with the community to bring local talents and resources into the schools and create a network that keeps students in school and engaged in learning. CIS offers specific services to students and their families to build a foundation for academic success. These services help schools connect struggling children with secure housing, medical care, food assistance, tutoring and other critical supports.

My name is Unique Murphy, and I am the Communities In Schools Site Coordinator and Social Worker for Wheeling Park High School. In 2018, I received my bachelor's degree in Social Work, while also completing two minors, one in Psychology and the other in Criminal Justice, all from Marshall University. Before returning to Ohio County Schools, I worked in the Belmont County school district as a School Based Social worker at both Bridgeport and Barnesville High schools. I also completed multiple internships for non-profit organizations, including Safe-At-Home and the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia. I have worked closely and in depth with many local resource organizations including CASA, NYAP, the DHHR, and many others. I am well versed in building lasting relationships with community members and local small businesses. I am excited to see our program blossom over the next few years.

I am a product of Ohio County Schools as well as a product of my environment, which is why this position is so important to me. I have many goals to achieve over the next four years and am hoping to assist in bridging the gap between our education system and our community and families, but my main goal as the Site Coordinator and Social Worker for WPHS, is to identify and provide support and resources to those students who are often, but unintentionally, overlooked.

I am Abby Pownall, the Communities In Schools Site Coordinator at Bridge Street Middle School. I am a product of Ohio County Schools, so I am thrilled to be back. I served eight years in the US Army Reserves and earned my Bachelor of Science Degree at West Virginia University. I studied Child Development and Family Studies with an emphasis on Family and Youth. I have worked at local non-profits prior to my role with CIS, including CASA for Children, Inc. and Youth Service System, Inc. I continue to serve as a local CASA volunteer which allows me to have a voice for children in foster care inside the courtroom. I have spent time working with Prevent Suicide WV and the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.

My goal at BSMS is to connect with students to help them achieve their goals inside and outside of school. I hope to bridge gaps between our school and community resources to ensure our families are receiving what they need.

My name is Morgan Tennant, and I am the Communities in Schools Site Coordinator and Social Worker at Warwood and Woodsdale Elementary School.

Until my junior year of high school, I attended Ohio County Schools, one of those being Warwood Middle School, so I am excited to be able to return! I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from West Liberty University in 2017 and immediately gained the role as a Service Coordinator for Northwood Health Systems servicing individuals with intellectual disabilities of all ages. I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work with a focus in clinical practice from Fordham University in 2020.

Following graduation, I started working as a therapist in a local residential facility servicing female youth 13-21 with significant trauma, adverse experiences, and behavioral issues and mental health issues. I then moved into an outpatient position with Wellspring Family Services where I had the opportunity to work with individuals of all ages. I am a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) and pride my role as Social Worker and the potential impacts I can have on individuals I work with.

My goal in my current position within CIS is to assist our local youth to create their own goals and be the best versions of themselves by achieving success in both their school and home roles. In order to do this, I find that it is imperative that children’s needs are met across the board, which can include connecting students and families with access to mental health services and resources, basic needs, academics, and improved relationships. Having social workers in schools is so beneficial because we can be a point of contact to connect youth in schools and their families to these community services, and I am honored to be able to support that need.

I’m Heather Weekley, Communities In Schools Site Coordinator for Warwood School.

I graduated from Bethany College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, and I am a Licensed Social Worker. I also have a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, specializing in law and corrections.

I bring more than 23 years of experience to Ohio County Schools. I have an extensive background working with children and families. Prior to becoming the Site Coordinator for Warwood, I was the administrator for an all-female juvenile residential treatment center and co-ed juvenile detention facility. I started my career working for nonprofits and spent half of it in public schools as a school social worker and truancy advisor.

I believe that Communities In Schools (CIS) is an essential part of our educational system. It helps bridge the gap between schools and communities. It brings a positive and caring adult into schools to build healthy relationships with the students and their families. CIS looks for those kids who potentially could slip through the cracks or are acting out as a cry for help. We become their safety net and aid with what the underlying problem is and help meet those needs.

Students have a lot to deal with in today’s society, and there is a tremendous amount of pressure on teachers to wear a multitude of hats. My goal is to collaborate with the community to help alleviate some of those stressors from students, families and teachers. I’ll help them meet their needs to ensure they have a brighter day and future.

I live in Wheeling, and I’m the mother of two sons - Tyler and Riley Weekley. Both boys are alumni of Warwood and Wheeling Park High School.