Staff spotlight: Neiman Thompson, Eisenhower High School’s new social worker

By Eli Thimmesch
Sept. 23, 2025

Rising early and getting to school at 6:30 a.m., Thompson has time in the morning to plan out his day. “When I’m not meeting with clients, I do group sessions with our speech and language pathologist. We also have different meetings for the special education department.” With 49 students he has to see every week, planning out his day is crucial so every student can be seen.

“I try to give them that support, that guidance, and let them know that they have someone here who is supporting them.” Thompson said. His room in the counseling office provides a calming environment for students who need to sit and talk.

Thompson provides card games and coloring sheets when talking with students. “What we work on depends on the kid. If a kid doesn't know me that well, we stick to something basic. I have table games and coloring sheets in the cart.” Thompson tries to build a relationship with every student, “I take care to listen, so every coloring sheet is the interest of a kid.”

Thompson gives his students mindfulness worksheets and uses his personal iPad to take notes. Thompson said, “These worksheets go toward their goal of self-regulation, time management, and positive coping skills.” Having an iPad helps Thompson take notes during meetings and group sessions.