Take Five with Meg Dierna: School Social Worker at Lincoln Elementary

Take Five is a series that highlights some of the many members of the CPS community who are going above and beyond for our schools. If you know someone who is making a difference, nominate them to be featured here. 

For our very first Take Five feature of the 2025–26 school year, we’re excited to spotlight Meg Dierna, one of CPS’ incredible school social workers. This will be her fourth school year at Abraham Lincoln Elementary—a community she describes as “magical.”

As a school social worker, Ms. Dierna connects Lincoln students with the resources they need to be successful, and helps ensure social-emotional learning is embedded into every school day. She’s also committed to building connections and positive partnerships with her students’ families. 

“Meg Dierna is the essence of a social worker that goes above and beyond for her students and families,” says one Lincoln parent, Tania Sheikh. “Not only does she ensure the emotional safety of children in her care, she also is diligent in keeping families engaged and informed. We consider her family!”

In her school community, Ms. Dierna is known as someone who remembers everyone’s birthday, always takes the time to stop and talk to students, and is a fantastic collaborator. Above all, she is a passionate advocate for her students and an integral member of the Lincoln community. Learn more about Ms. Dierna below!

What is your favorite thing about your job?

It might sound trivial, but I love the small moments. We often get caught up in the hustle and bustle, but stopping to help tie a student’s shoe or open a milk carton can actually spark some of the most incredible conversations and the strongest bonds. I make sure to stay very present and involved around the school, so I know many more students than just the ones on my case load. That way, if I do start to work with a student more formally, I’ve met them many times and there’s already a relationship established.

What are some of your top goals for the new school year?

I’m the lead on Lincoln’s Behavioral Health Team, and one thing I really want to make sure we do this year is to keep an eye on kids who might typically fly under the radar. Some students appear okay on the surface, but as you get to know them, you realize they’re really struggling. My work on our school’s Culture and Climate Team is also really important to me. I want to empower students to share their perspectives and to feel a true sense of belonging in this community.

What advice would you give to a new school social worker?

Slow down enough to really be a part of your school. There can be a lot of urgency in our work, but some of the best moments that you’ll have with these kids are during times that could be seen as insignificant. There's always going to be paperwork and meetings, but there's not always going to be those perfect little moments with students that really make an impact. Also, make sure you take time for yourself. I know that if I don't take care of myself now, I'm not going to be able to do this job that I love so very much for the rest of my life. And that’s what I want to do!

What message do you want to send to your students?

Of course academics are important, but my students are much more than just their grades. They have so much to give to the world and the people they encounter. That’s what’s important to me. I also want to tell them that there's nothing wrong with being different. There are so many people in the world, but there’s only one you!

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I spend a lot of time with my two dogs—a wiener dog named Wilbur and a goldendoodle named Rufus. I love going to the lake, going out to eat, and listening to music on vinyl. I also have some grandma tendencies, so I love my Sudokus and my crosswords!