Assisting classmates with homework, cheering on teammates or simply lending a listening ear, Madison Klingerman grew up wanting to support others…however and whenever she could.
So, influenced by people who showed her what compassionate care really looks like, a career as a mental health and social work professional was a natural fit.
“I’ve seen how often people hold their struggles inside and how powerful it is when they finally feel heard and understood,” she said. “Mentors, colleagues and professionals I admired had a way of making others feel seen without judgment and hopeful without pressure. They reminded me that meaningful change doesn’t always come from big breakthroughs, but from showing up consistently, asking good questions, and building trust.”
Klingerman is the new social worker at Cleveland School. In the role, she will work closely with school counselors Shanna Roloff (for grades K-8) and Megan Peterson (for grades 9-12) to make sure students get the support they need…from every angle.
Her position is entirely funded by the Minnesota Valley Educational District (MVED).
A new chapter in student support
Over the past few years, Cleveland Public Schools has remained steadfast in a singular mission: ensuring its students have the emotional and mental resources they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. The journey towards this goal began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, said superintendent Dustin Bosshart.
“When the state offered specific funding dedicated to creating new mental health roles, then superintendent Brian Phillips and the rest of the school’s leadership team acted quickly. They recognized that our youngest learners needed a dedicated advocate, leading to the successful addition of our elementary school counselor.”
Now, by utilizing specific mental health funding provided to the school’s Special Education cooperative, MVED, the current leadership team took the next step in its mission by adding a social worker.
“Rather than allowing these state funds to go unused and be returned, we chose to invest them back into our hallways," Bosshart said.
The decision to go with a social worker came after extensive discussions within the school’s leadership team.
“We identified key areas where our students could benefit from deeper community outreach and specialized behavioral support,” Bosshart said. “While the school’s counselor provides essential academic and emotional guidance within the school setting, a social worker allows the school to strengthen the bridge between home, school and community resources. A social worker will also provide targeted interventions for students facing complex challenges and ensure that every student has a personalized support system behind them.”
Adding a social worker is a win for students, their families and the school, Bosshart said.
“We are proud to see these resources at work, and we know our students will continue to benefit immensely from this expanded team of professionals.”
About Klingerman
Klingerman grew up in nearby Nicollet and went to school there. Current Cleveland fifth grade teachers Katie Wolf and Connor Theis were her kindergarten teacher and eighth-grade teacher respectfully. She graduated from Nicollet Public School in 2022.
From there, she went on to Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in social work. She completed her internship/practicum at Sibley East Elementary School in Gaylord.
“One of my proudest moments was graduating college,” she said. “Walking across the stage, I felt a mix of excitement, relief and gratitude knowing all the hard work, late nights and challenges had led me to that day. Seeing my family and friends in the audience, cheering me on, made the moment even more special. They had supported me through every step of the journey. In that moment, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment and connection, and it reminded me how much the people around us can shape and inspire our successes.”
She chose a role at Cleveland school because of the close relationships that are a part of a small school and because the school is committed to meeting students at their level and supporting their entire needs.
“Coming from a small school, I experienced firsthand how powerful close relationships and a strong sense of community can be. Teachers, staff, and classmates truly knew one another, and that environment made it easier to feel supported, noticed and encouraged to grow. Those experiences shaped how I view education and the importance of connection in helping students succeed, both academically and emotionally.”
The school’s commitment to meeting students where they are and supporting the whole child aligns closely with her own values, she said.
“I was excited by the chance to be part of a district that recognizes mental health, advocacy, and connection as essential parts of education. Being able to help students feel seen, heard, and supported, especially in a larger school system, is what motivated me to choose Cleveland School and continues to inspire my work every day.”
Duties at Cleveland School
While the school counselors focus on academic guidance, course planning and helping students navigate school-related challenges, Klingerman complements them by addressing social, emotional and mental health needs.
“Working together is all about teamwork and clear communication,” Klingerman said. “By bringing our different skills and perspectives together, we can support students in a well-rounded way, helping them stay on track academically while also nurturing their emotional well-being, resilience, and confidence to succeed both in school and in life.”
“We are thrilled to have her join our team and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students and families,” Roloff said.
Specifically, Klingerman will work directly with families to connect them with community resources and will collaborate closely with Le Sueur County staff to ensure our students have access to available opportunities and voluntary supports.
She will also manage most of the school’s attendance data and family outreach communication. This includes discussing barriers to school attendance, enforcing the attendance policy and reinforcing the importance of education along with the legal requirements associated with school attendance.
In addition, she will assist with weekly scheduled social skills small groups for students in grades 4-6 and weekly mental health check-ins for students in grades K–12.
“At Cleveland Public Schools, my role as a mental health practitioner and social worker is all about supporting students’ well-being so they can thrive both inside and outside the classroom,” Klingerman said. “Every day looks a little different, and that’s one of the things I love most about this work. Some days I meet with students individually to provide counseling or help them work through challenges like stress, anxiety or conflict. Other days, I might facilitate small groups focused on social skills, coping strategies or building confidence. I also work closely with teachers, families and staff to ensure students have the resources and support they need to succeed. This can involve connecting families with community services, collaborating on behavioral or academic plans, or helping staff address the social and emotional needs of their students.
She said her goals at CHS go beyond just one-on-one sessions.
“I’m passionate about helping create a school environment where every student feels supported, included, and empowered. I hope to develop programs and initiatives that strengthen mental health, social-emotional learning, and resilience, so students can thrive both in school and in life.”
When she is not at Cleveland school, Klingerman enjoys reading, spending quality time with family and friends, and being out in nature whenever she can. She also likes relaxing to a good TV show. “Gilmore Girls” and “Grey’s Anatomy” are two of her favorites.
“These hobbies help me recharge, stay grounded, and bring my best self to the students and community at Cleveland School,” she said