03/16/2026
CFGALA continues to celebrate National Social Work month by honoring social workers in our community. Their hard work and dedication to serving children and families in New Hanover & Pender counties is unmatched. Weโre so lucky to have them!
Meet Stephanie Teachey ๐
I originally started off as an Elementary School major, but changed paths when a close friends went into the Social Work field โ I was drawn to the ability to help families not only in the school setting, but in all areas of life.
I graduated in May 2008 with a BSW and got my first Social Work job in October 2008 at Onslow County DSS with Permanency Planning. Unfortunately, being a DSS Social Worker had a bad reputation, so I told myself I would only work there for 2 years to get experience and then move on โ minus a 2 year stent with a private agency, I have been with DSS since. I started at New Hanover County DSS in January 2020.
My favorite part is seeing good things happen โ in this job that could mean a parent getting housing, a parent being sober for one month, a grandparent accepting help for a grandchild in their home, a kid passing a test in a difficult subject or a kid just going to school for a full weekโ in this job you have to praise the small victories!
One impactful story that has stuck with me is when I had a single teenage mother with a special needs child in her home. Mom was working full time and going to school โ trying to make ends meet at every corner. She herself had been in the system as a minor and wanted a better life for her child. However, she had become involved in the wrong crowd and that lead to the removal of her child. After the removal Mom could have gave up, instead she hit the ground running with her requested services, while also still participating in shared parenting daily with the placement provider. Mom maintained her housing and employment and was able to be successfully reunified with her child. It was very inspiring to see Mom take advantage of every resource given to her and not let this bump in the road derail their lives.
We are SO inspired by Stephanieโs commitment to children and families and how she honors integrity and resilience. ๐