For Rashelle’ Brown, helping Cairo’s youth succeed isn’t just a job—it’s her calling. As a social worker for JAMP Special Education Services, Rashelle’ serves students in Cairo and Egyptian school districts, offering guidance, support, and resources to help them thrive in school and life. Her journey to this role has been filled with resilience, lifelong learning, and an unwavering commitment to her students.

Rashelle’s path to becoming a social worker began at an early age. A teen parent, she found herself volunteering in classrooms, helping children with academics, and realizing the profound impact one could have in shaping young lives. Determined to make a difference, she went back to school to pursue a Masters in social work, earning her degree at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. “I wanted to make sure kids had the support they needed,” she says, recalling the obstacles she overcame to reach this point.

Today, Rashelle’ works with students facing a range of challenges, from learning disabilities to social and emotional struggles. Her role as a social worker is more than just providing interventions—it’s about building connections that help students believe in themselves. “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the kids overcome the things that held them back,” she says. “Helping them learn how to cope with their emotions and return to their academics with confidence—that’s everything.”

Rashelle’s work is one part of the JAMP commitment to providing a team of professionals working together to help students. Working closely with teachers, psychologists, and administrators, individualized plans are created to meet each student’s needs. When a student begins to struggle, Rashelle’ and the team analyze the issues, collect data, and develop strategies that ensure both academic and emotional support. “It’s about building a team around each child,” she explains. “With the family, school, and our resources working together, we can help these kids reach their full potential.”

Rashelle’ emphasizes that every child’s journey is unique, requiring compassion and patience. She shares the story of a student she’s worked with since sixth grade. Initially struggling with social skills and academic performance, the student now excels in his classes, engages with peers, and dreams of a future that once seemed out of reach. “It’s one child at a time,” she says, “but when we work together, we’re a family.”

As a social worker, Rashelle’ focuses on students’ social, emotional, and behavioral issues. She provides critical social skills training and helps students with challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, and anger management. Each skill becomes a stepping stone, a “goal or objective” she sets for them to achieve. Her students learn to see these milestones not as limitations but as tools to build their future. “It’s about showing them that they can overcome obstacles,” she explains. “This is a stumbling block, not a stop sign.”

Her connection to the Cairo community only deepens her commitment. Rashelle’ grew up here, and today, her daughter, Queen, follows in her footsteps, working as a paraprofessional at Cairo Elementary while pursuing a degree in social work.

When asked to describe her work, Rashelle’ often returns to one word: family. She cares for each student as if they were her own, providing them with guidance, mentorship, and, most importantly, a safe space. “I tell my kids, ‘You’re my child now,and I will see you as my own’” she says with a smile. “I want them to feel loved and supported, knowing they’re safe to be who they are.Rashelle’ will always advocate for her students to ensure success.”

To Rashelle’, Cairo Elementary is a place of dedication, motivation, and care. Her love for the community and its children fuels her work, and she is determined to help them succeed, one student at a time. “These kids need to know they’re supported,” she says. “We want them to thrive so that, one day, they can give back to the community just like we are.”

For Rachelle’ Brown, her work is about creating a legacy of resilience, kindness, and hope. Through her dedication, she reminds the Cairo community that with teamwork, compassion, and unwavering support, their children can achieve anything.