DEARBORN — Salina Elementary School social worker Rola
Bazzi-Gates was presented with the Social Worker of the Year Award for Region A
through the Michigan Association of School Social Workers May 6.

“It is a rewarding job in making a difference in
children’s lives and making them successful at school,” Bazzi said.  She has taught at Dearborn Public
Schools (DPS) for 13 years. The passion to help and work with children, and
make a difference in their lives, is what led Bazzi to pursue a career in
social work.

Rola Bazzi-Gates

“She is enthusiastic, charismatic and energetic. Her
lively spirit, positive attitude and “can do” approach to her job are
evident in all aspects of her professional life,” said retired Dearborn
school social worker Nancie Loppnow. Bazzi launched her career as a mental
health therapist and later clinical therapist at two local mental health
agencies.  During her career with
DPS she has provided guidance to students, teachers administrators, parents and
social work interns.

At Salina she coordinates the special education team, and is
a chairperson of several committees. But advocating for the parents in her
community is one of the many vital roles she plays. Bazzi teaches parents
effective discipline strategies through the Love and Logic and Parents Talk
Programs. At Salina she implements school-wide social skills, core values and
bullying programs. Bazzi has shared her expertise by supervising 17 social work
interns from various universities. In 2006 she was honored as Outstanding
Ancillary Professional Staff by Wayne County RESA and DPS. She is currently a
Ph.D. student at Wayne State University majoring in sociology with a minor in
social work.

“Rola has a positive attitude about anything she does,
and inspires others to be better professionally and personally,” DPS
Social Worker Mona Berry said.

Bazzi is married to Lieutenant Colonal Don Gates, and has
three children Ali, 18, Amanda, 5, and Adam three months old. Her husband is in
the Army Reserve and was deployed to Afghanistan on May 10.