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ABOUT AGATE

What is a School Social Worker?

School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals with a degree in social work and licensed by the Minnesota Department of Education.

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We provide services related to a person's social, emotional and life adjustment to school. We are the link between the home, school and community in providing direct, as well as indirect services to students, families and school personnel to promote and support students' academic and social success.

So What Makes Agate Different?

Inspired by the agate rock, a known symbol of resilience, unique beauty, and layered strength, we help students tap into their inner strengths.

Image by Ian Talmacs

Our Mission

To ensure every Minnesota student has access to skilled social work support, empowering schools to build emotionally healthy learning environments.

Our Values

  • Integrity & Compassion – transparent, student-first practices

  • Collaboration – meaningful partnerships with educators & families

  • Growth – ongoing training, innovation, and professional excellence

Meet The Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

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Abby Refsland

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I believe that every student in the state of Minnesota should have access to school social work services and have an experience at school that is full of joy.

I believe that better student outcomes are linked to teacher well-being and a joy-filled, regulated school experience.

What I Do:
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and am also licensed as a School Social Worker.

I have been a social worker for over 20 years, most of that time was spent in schools as a school social worker and a special education coordinator, with some earlier career experience in hospital social work.

I currently supervise our team of 14 school social workers that support students from around the state of Minnesota.

I also coordinate Agate's professional development offerings and am working to support schools across the state with the new Third Party Billing and Medicaid Reimbursement for Mental Health in Special Education.

A Few Fun Facts:

  • My go to coffee order is an iced coffee with vanilla - it feels like a vacation on the way to work!

  •  I thrive when I have the chance to problem solve and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support students and school environments.

  • My bookshelf contains a lot of Bruce Perry, Lori Desautels, Deb Dana, Bessel van der Kolk and for fun, Kristin Hannah and so many home design and decor books.

  • I drive a minivan - so you can be assured that I am function over anything else : )


What You Can Expect from Me:
- Empathy and Compassion, always
- Transparency and Open Communication
- A commitment to improving school systems and creating environments for students to thrive

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Mandy Weinkauf

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

I bring over two decades of experience with school social work.

My skills in building connection and engaging with empathy enhance my ability to meet the moment, and amplify possibilities.

Supporting learners of all ages has been a life-long passion. I've worked for school systems, or in partnership with them, for over 25 years.

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​What I Do:

I am Agate’s professional development specialist, focused on providing quality learning opportunities that foster hope.

I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Licensed School Social Worker.

​​Whether providing direct support to students in K-12, teaming with families, interdisciplinary team members, and other stakeholders, coordinating programs, or coaching other educators, I engage with curiosity, dedication, and heart.

 

In addition to my work in K-12, I'm a therapist and professor, working to increase awareness of the impacts of trauma, and promote healing.

I thrive on partnering with educators and school systems, honoring unique experiences and strengths, and promoting sustainability and enhanced outcomes.

A Few Fun Facts:

  • If you can’t find me, check my backyard. I love being outside, enjoying the changes of season in my garden.

  • Music is my magic! It can support my focus, influence my mood, or motivate an impromptu dance party.

  • I wouldn’t be upset if I had to survive on only chips and guacamole for the rest of my life.

  • I crave learning. I consistently find ways to engage with multiple perspectives, including new research.

  • It fuels my soul to support people in gaining insight, awareness, or opening themselves up for possibility.

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