Student and Family Wellness

Getting to Know TARA PROM

As Mississippi Heights school social worker Tara Prom considers what advice she may offer to students and families as they deal with challenges, asking them to reach out and talk to a supportive person is at the top of her list. “The past year has been full of change and uncertainty. This may feel really uncomfortable and people may feel anxious. It’s always helpful to talk to someone during these times.”

I love helping others! My passion is to make a difference in the lives of students and families, and the best part of my job is making connections and seeing students grow and change.

Facilitating Open Dialogue

Prom spends some of her time talking—and even more time listening—in her school social worker role and as a WatchDOGS coordinator at MHES. She is also the Unity Day coordinator for the entire Sauk Rapids-Rice School District. These roles allow her to facilitate environments of open dialogue among people. This work is not always easy but is essential in easing stress and helping people feel heard and is a fulfilling part of her job.

 “In families, each person should be able to talk about their feelings. And the adults need to make sure adult problems are just that—challenges for the adults—so kids don’t end up feeling overwhelmed.”

An Extensive Background

Her extensive education and experience are supportive of this kind of work. Prom has a bachelor’s degree in social work from the College of Saint Benedict and a master’s degree in social work from St. Cloud State University. She has extensive training chemical dependency, children’s mental health and trauma.

Before her position in the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, Prom worked at St. Cloud Children’s Home as a youth counselor, at Effective Living Center as a chemical dependency counselor, at Lutheran Social Service as a therapist and in the Royalton School District as a school social worker. In addition, she serves on the Minnesota School Social Workers Association board.

In her free time, Prom enjoys watching sports, crafting and spending time with her many family and friends who live in the area. Prom was born and raised in St. Cloud. She attended St. Mary’s Cathedral in elementary school and Apollo High School. She is a proud, lifelong central Minnesota resident and is happy to be raising her two sons here. Her three brothers and their families and her parents also live in the area.

Prom is happy when students and families reach out to her for help. “I love helping others! My passion is to make a difference in the lives of students and families, and the best part of my job is making connections and seeing students grow and change.”