Marelize Vergottini

Dr Marelize Vergottini has extensive experience in various fields within social work, however, it is her 11 years of experience in the education sector that have shaped much of her recent work and research. In 2018, Dr Vergottini completed her PhD in the field of school social work. Her research has contributed greatly to the understanding of social work in educational settings, particularly in how social workers can support the holistic development of children and youth within schools. During 2022, she was employed as a Senior Lecturer at North-West University, Vanderbijlpark Campus. She lectures undergraduate social work students but also serves as the program leader for a proposed Master's qualification in School Social Work as well as a short learning programme. Dr Vergottini continues to contribute to the field through her involvement in training postgraduate social workers who specialize in school-based practice. Her aim is to enhance their knowledge and skills, ensuring that they are well-equipped to address the complex challenges faced by students and educational institutions. She brings both practical expertise and academic rigor to her work, positioning her as a key figure in advancing the field of school social work in South Africa and beyond.