Finding Home in Social Work: Sheridan LoCicero’s Journey with Valerie’s House

Finding Home in Social Work: Sheridan LoCicero’s Journey with Valerie’s House

For Sheridan LoCicero, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, School Social Worker, and Valerie’s House Group Facilitator, the path to social work was clear from the start.

Sheridan LoCicero at valerie’s house

"I feel I've always been into just selfless service," Sheridan shares. "Even since I was little, always wanting to just be the helper... Maybe teacher's pet some might say, but I always just want to lend that helping hand or be that person that can be the soundboard if you know they're going through a hard time."

That passion for helping others led Sheridan into the field of grief support and social work, where she now makes a profound impact both in schools and at Valerie’s House, a children’s grief center dedicated to grief counseling for kids and support for grieving families.

The Rewards of Social Work

For Sheridan, the work is deeply fulfilling.

"I definitely feel social work's rewarding, maybe not financially so much, but definitely in other ways," she says. "When you are able to help a student or family or kiddo here at Valerie's House, it's just so nice."

Working with students in the school system, Sheridan has seen how even small gestures make a difference. "Even if it's something so small as a pair of socks, knowing that it can help the student get through their day is just something that... I can't help but smile."

Valerie’s House: A Second Home

After a long day as a school social worker, Sheridan finds renewed energy at Valerie’s House.

"Coming here gives you that second wind or second energy," she explains. "So it's really just being able to meet the kids where they're at, have a good laugh, maybe a good cry—it's okay to feel."

The concept of embracing emotions is something Sheridan emphasizes in her work.

"I feel that 'it's okay to feel' is something that I've always preached," she shares. "Being able to allow ourselves to sit in our feelings and not be scared to do that, and not be scared to maybe ask for that help or support in doing so."

Moments of Transformation

One of Sheridan’s most cherished memories at Valerie’s House is seeing the growth of a grieving child.

"I'd say probably the transition from the second home to the home we're now in," she recalls. "Also then being able to see a transition of one of my Manatee girls from that house to this house and just seeing the complete transformation… She’s really flourished to become one of the group leads amongst her peers, whereas before, she maybe wasn't so open to even talking about her grief."

This transformation highlights the power of youth grief programs in providing children with a safe space to express their emotions.

A Social Worker’s Role at Valerie’s House

As a social worker, Sheridan values the core mission of Valerie’s House—meeting families where they are in their grief.

"If it's a day that you just need us to sit with you and you don't talk in group, that's okay," she says. "And if it's a day that you need us to really be helpful or maybe again, be that listening ear, we're here to do that too."

Sheridan believes Valerie’s House is an incredible place for social workers to get involved.

"I think Valerie's House, honestly, is a great place to join being a social worker," she says. "It does just encompass so many of the core values that we have—meeting clients where they're at, dignity and worth of the person, and just being able to be of service to people."

The flexibility of volunteering at Valerie’s House allows social workers to choose how they contribute.

"I've been at times doing four groups, eight nights a month," she shares. "So it really just allows you to handle what you can. And if you want to increase the nights or volunteer for other opportunities—like tabling events, princess parties, summer camps, or bringing your pet for therapy—it just really allows you to meet your needs as far as what you're able to give."

A True Home for Healing

More than just a house, Valerie’s House is a place of belonging.

"When I think of Valerie's House, it really is that homey feel," Sheridan says. "No matter what house they've been in—whether it's the first one in downtown Fort Myers, the second one in downtown Fort Myers, or now here off Veronica Shoemaker—no matter what location or how many families are a part of Valerie's House at any given time, it has that home and family feel."

At the end of every night, families at Valerie’s House gather for a closing circle, holding hands as a reminder that no one is alone on this journey.

"And I think that is just something that is just such a core for this," Sheridan reflects. "Yeah, we are technically in a house, but it truly is home."

Join the Valerie’s House Mission

If you're a social worker, grief counselor, or someone passionate about supporting grieving children, there are many ways to get involved with Valerie’s House. From volunteering to attending community events, you can be part of a life-changing support system for children and families navigating loss.

For more information about Valerie’s House and how you can help, visit ValeriesHouse.org.