Vittoria Nicole Irwin

2027 Behavioral Health Professional of the Year
Social Worker at John G. Leach School

Vittoria Nicole Irwin brings nearly two decades of social work experience and a deep commitment to family advocacy to her role as School Social Worker at John G. Leach School. With a Bachelor of Social Work from West Chester University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, she built her career through a combination of clinical excellence, compassionate care, and strong community partnerships.

Before joining Colonial School District, Vittoria served as a Lead Clinician and community liaison at Child Guidance Resource Center, where she supported children and families while working toward her Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential. She later spent a decade as a Hospice Medical Social Worker, helping families navigate some of life’s most difficult moments with dignity, compassion, and guidance. Her professional background also includes service as a Social Worker Union Representative and presenter for the National Organization for Women, where she spoke about the importance of self-care for working mothers.

At John G. Leach School, Vittoria is dedicated to supporting the whole child. She works closely with students and families to help meet both emotional and practical needs, especially for medically fragile students. Her efforts have included securing important resources such as home and bathroom modifications, ADA-accessible ramps, durable medical equipment, and connections to community organizations that provide food assistance, caregiver support, enrichment opportunities, and more.

Inside the school community, Vittoria leads groups focused on mindfulness, seated yoga, book discussions, science exploration, hygiene, and body awareness. She also supports older students through transition planning and post-secondary preparation, helping ensure every student’s future is approached with care, dignity, and intentional support. In addition, she actively contributes to PLCs, ITLs, and School Success Plan meetings, bringing an advocacy-centered voice to schoolwide growth and planning.

Vittoria’s professional philosophy is rooted in the belief that everyone is worthy of kindness, dignity, and support. She believes in seeing each person for their humanity and strengths, rather than defining them by circumstances, diagnoses, or barriers. Her work is driven by the conviction that no one should have to face life’s hardest moments alone, and that when students and families feel truly seen and supported, their potential is limitless.

She also lives out Colonial’s Power of WE by being bold, inclusive, and authentic in her work each day. Vittoria grounds her practice in the Social Work Code of Ethics and in a strong commitment to inclusion, advocacy, and belonging. She shares that one of her greatest inspirations came from a student whose joyful and welcoming spirit continues to shape how she builds community and honors every child’s worth.

Outside of school, Vittoria continues her heart-work through a private grief counseling practice. She is married to her college sweetheart, is the proud mother of three children, and enjoys spending time in coffee shops with a cold brew and a good book.