Ms. Kari Black is one of the new social workers at OHS this year. She has been in social work for about 10 years. Ms. Black is one of the three social workers at Owatonna High School. She started her social work career at Lakeville North High School then went back to school to further her schooling and licensing. 

Ms. Black is originally from Northfield, Minnesota and lives with her fiance, three cats and two dogs. Black didn’t always know she was going to be a social worker. She had done insurance for years and decided it was time to start something new. Ms. Black said, “I didn't go home and say ooh insurance is so exciting.” 

Ms. Black has a bachelor's degree in environmental studies, social work and philosophy. She said, “I felt like I needed more schooling to be competent at my job.” She then earned her masters from Ohio State and is currently going to school for her licensed drug and alcohol certificate through Winona.  

Ms.Black enjoys the newness of the school and environment. The new spaces are something that is new for everyone and it will take time to get used to. Ms. Black said, “my favorite part is having a nice office and a door that locks.” Coming from a small charter school with only around 122 students, it has made a big difference to have the little things such as getting her garbage taken out and her room vacuumed by a janitor.

Owatonna stuck out to Black when she had started looking for open jobs. Black said, “I heard great things about the school and great things about the program.” Being able to interact with other social workers and counselors is something that Black also enjoys about the building and district. Students can find Ms. Black in room 210.