Staff Spotlight: Carissa Warfield, Lake ESSC

By Brayden Cook '26

Every week throughout the 2025-26 school year, Granite City Community School District #9 will be highlighting a staff member for going above and beyond to give students a positive experience.

This week’s staff highlight is Carissa Warfield. 

Warfield has been a social worker for nine years and has been a part of GCSD9 for four. She is also the assistant cheerleading coach at Coolidge Junior High School.

Where did you go to school?
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Millikin University and my Master’s degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE).

What is the most rewarding part about being a social worker?
Being a school social worker has so many rewarding parts, but some of my favorites have been watching students achieve their highest goal of graduation when they once thought that may have never been possible. Getting a front row seat to see them overcome their hardest struggles is one of the most fulfilling aspects of being a social worker.

What is your favorite part about working at Lake?
Being the smallest school in the district, we have the opportunity to get to know our students on a personal level and really help them transform into who they are trying to become. The staff here are also one of a kind. Our team at Lake supports, encourages, and shows up for each other like family, and that is something I am so grateful to be a part of.

What is your favorite food?
Tacos!

What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Life is busy, so my favorite way to spend any free time is being with my family, especially my husband and kids. We love being outside and spending many of our summer days camping.

If you would like to nominate a deserving staff member, please email: information@gcsd9.net