Every day, during every passing period, students migrate towards their next classes. The weights of exams and assignments sit heavy on their shoulders, with stress plastered on their faces as they push through the crowds. But like a lighthouse in a sea of students, Ankeny High School’s social worker, Mary Kate Leister, helps guide students with a bright smile on her face.

Leister truly loves her job. She has “always wanted to [be a social worker at a] high school,” and Ankeny has been able to give her that opportunity. At her previous job, Leister felt she could not help kids, which was her whole reason for becoming a social worker. Now, Leister feels that “this is where [she is] supposed to be.“

Leister currently focuses on the students, with most of her workload involving case management. Essentially, she connects, or “guides” students to whatever resource they need.

“As a social worker, you kind of do like a little bit of everything, as long as it helps the student,” says Leister.

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Acting as an umbrella of a resource, Leister might help with anything from finding a therapist to affording groceries for the month. Such a wide range of duties leads to an extreme caseload, but helping others is something Leister loves to do, and according to Kelly Andrews, one of Ankeny High School’s counselors, Leister always delivers.

“[Leister does] whatever [she can] to help support our staff and our students. We’ve seen her do that… She’s jumped right in as if she’s been here for years and isn’t afraid to ask questions… She works so hard,” says Andrews.

Unfortunately, not everyone can get what they need. A lack of resources can put help to a halt, making Leister feel completely powerless. There are also other times when Leister herself just does not know how to help a student, usually if they are under unique circumstances.

However, that does not stop Leister from trying. Her attitude and work ethic led Andrews to liken Leister to Super Woman, a statement that could not be more accurate. She has an incredible scope of ability and determination to help others, making her one of Ankeny’s greatest assets.

Leister is also a licensed therapist.

Working as a therapist gives Leister a “much different level of skill when it comes to addressing mental health,” according to Ankeny High School principal Dr. Johnson. “She brings something that many in our building do not.”

Having a social worker with such in-depth knowledge of mental health has been invaluable for many students at Ankeny, giving them the opportunity to speak out about anything they are going through.

“Most of the kids who come to talk to me come because either they are experiencing something at home, an argument with a friend, they’re feeling kind of down, [or] they want to talk about mental health…” says Leister.

Leister prefers informal therapy to help these kids since most people are more comfortable having a conversation than “spitting things out” to no response. A feeling of ease goes a long way in therapy, helping others “work through any challenges they may be facing,” according to HealthCore Clinic.

“She’s just so dedicated to our staff and students to make this place better. It’s evident with how she interacts with everyone,” says Andrews.

However, students and clients are not the only ones thankful for Mrs. Leister’s support. Her incredible range of abilities, which includes a background in special education, has led many of the staff at AHS to rely on Leister.

Andrews says that “she’s fielding questions and situations and student help from all different angles. Similarly, if teachers are struggling with a student or really struggling in [one of] those aspects, she is one of our first contacts.”

Leister has also helped some of the staff on a deeper, more personal level.

“She’s a great listener, and she asks wonderful probing questions. Even as a friend, she’s helped me process through things that I have going on in my own personal life, and she genuinely cares,” said Andrews.

Leister is known for being extremely non-judgmental and for treating everyone around her with kindness. She is an extremely charitable person who is always willing to give up her time or money for the sake of others while wearing a bright smile.

“[Leister] is just so full of joy. She is bright, optimistic, kind, and one of the most generous people I have ever met,” says Andrews.

Leister’s countless positive attributes have made those around her genuinely love and appreciate her. Leister’s wittiness, creativity, and quickness to laugh are some of Andrews’ favorite parts of her, along with her positivity.

“I stop [to see her] just so I can say hi to her so I can get some of that positive energy,” says Johnson.

That positivity is Dr. Johnson’s favorite part about Leister. Leister’s attitude is infectious, brightening the moods of those around her. Since hiring Leister, Johnson has “yet to see her without a smile on her face.”

Johnson also appreciates Leister’s incredible initiative.

“I like that she is proactive. Before I can ask her about something, I will get an email regarding what I was going to talk with her about,” Johnson says.

Besides being an extremely hard worker, Leister is observant in nature. Her observations aid her in getting work done before it is asked of her, and noticing changes in others, which is essential for a therapist.

“Mary Kate is a noticer. She notices her energy, she notices people, [and] kids in the hallway [when] she is out in the hallway every single passing time, regardless of what’s happening,” says Andrews.

While standing in the hallway may seem small, it has a huge positive impact on those around her. Leister understands the importance of the little things, especially when it comes to improving the moods of others.

Andrews says that “[during] school counseling week, [Leister] got us all these gifts and fidgets.”

Johnson has a football fidget from Leister sitting on his desk, showcasing his appreciation of the gift.

More than just Johnson and Andrews appreciate Leister. All of Ankeny High School does.