Chattanooga, TN— This School Social Worker Appreciation Week, we are proud to spotlight Cnee’ Austin, Hamilton County Schools’ Social Worker for Pre-K, who supports students and families across multiple learning communities with compassion, consistency, and care.
Originally from Mississippi, Austin earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Mississippi and later completed her Master of Social Work with a focus on trauma-informed practice through the University of Denver. While studying as an undergraduate, she explored coursework in criminal justice and sociology, including a class on juvenile delinquency that sparked her interest in working with children. After speaking with an advisor about possible career paths, she discovered social work as a way to support children and families in meaningful ways.
After completing her graduate studies, Austin began her career at a residential treatment program in Mississippi, where she worked with children ages 5 to 17. There, she provided group, individual, and family therapy for children and young adults experiencing behavioral and emotional challenges.
Austin moved to Chattanooga in 2021 and began working as a therapist at East Brainerd Elementary. In 2022, she stepped into her current role as Hamilton County Schools’ Pre-K Social Worker and is now nearing her third year in the position.
Each week, Austin travels between several schools to support students through group sessions, individual support, and collaboration with teachers and staff. She also works closely with families to help students succeed both in school and at home.
“I always tell families we’re a village. I’m here for you. We’re working together to support your child.”
Part of her work involves connecting families with resources that help remove barriers to attendance and learning such as transportation challenges. Austin regularly shares community resources with staff and parents and works with families to help ensure students can stay enrolled and engaged.
For Austin, the most rewarding moments come from seeing students grow over time.
“Seeing a student I’ve worked with since August start turning their day around, and going from multiple incident reports to maybe only one, that’s a win,” she said. “When they start using the skills we practice, like taking deep breaths or not hitting, it shows they’re learning, and I praise that.”
Austin builds trust with students by being present and consistent. She spends time reading with them, playing during classroom activities, and making sure they know she is always available to listen and help. “I want them to know they can count on me,” she said. For families, she focuses on open communication through regular check-ins, phone calls, and conversations during school pick-up.
Looking back on her career so far, Austin is especially proud of helping shape the district’s Pre-K social work role. “This position is unique because I serve multiple schools,” she said. “Being able to grow the role and make it my own while having guidance and support has been really meaningful.”
Looking ahead, Austin plans to pursue her Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credential and hopes to continue growing support for Pre-K students and families.
Most of all, she hopes the students she works with remember that someone believes in them. “I know they’re young,” Austin said, “but I hope years from now they remember they had someone named Mrs. Austin who was hard on them sometimes, but who also showed them love.”
Thank you, Cnee’ Austin, for your dedication to Hamilton County’s youngest learners and their families. Your care and commitment are making a difference every day!
