Employee of the Month: Jennifer Hansen-Silva

Meet EA Social Worker Jennifer Hansen-Silva

How long have you been with EA? What roles have you had?

15 years; the last 5 as a Social Worker. I started off as a Transporter, then switched gears to become a Social Worker Assistant. After that, I stepped up to be the Office Manager at our Jackson office before becoming a Social Worker.

Please describe a particularly memorable or impactful experience in your EA career.

One of the most impactful experiences in my career has been witnessing the growth and transformation of youth over time, especially within the home environment. I’ve seen kids come into placement struggling with school, confidence, and stability, and then a year or two later, they’re thriving, doing well academically, building healthier relationships, and even starting to think about their future and college. Being able to watch that progression and know that the support, structure, and care provided played a role in that journey is incredibly meaningful. It’s a really special experience to see that kind of growth unfold over time.

What’s been the most challenging thing about working in your field? Has anything surprised you?

The most challenging part of this work is balancing the emotional weight that comes with supporting youth and families through difficult situations, while also managing the responsibilities and expectations of the role. It requires a lot of resilience and the ability to stay grounded. The most surprising part has been how impactful the small moments can be. Sometimes it’s not the big interventions, but simply showing up consistently, listening, and building trust that creates the biggest changes. Those small connections can truly make a lasting difference.

Do you have any advice for newcomers to social work, or those interested in pursuing it as a career?

My advice would be to lead with empathy, patience, and authenticity. This work is not always easy, but it is deeply meaningful. Stay open to learning, lean on your team for support, and remember that you don’t have to have all the answers, you just have to be present and consistent. Practicing self-care is essential to being able to give your best in this work. You need to care for yourself in order to care for and help others, and I truly cannot stress that enough. I have seen how easy it is for self-care to be neglected in this field, so please, please make it a priority.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I feel truly grateful to be part of EA and to do work that has a real impact on people’s lives. Being recognized is appreciated, but what means the most is being able to support youth and families in a way that helps them feel seen, supported, and valued.