Hello, thank you for visiting MacArthur’s Staff web page.  My name is Kelly TerHark, more commonly known as “Ms. Kelly” and I am proud to be one of MacArthur’s School Social Workers.  I am from Jacksonville, Illinois.  I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Illinois University and then a Masters degree in School Social Work from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.  In 1990, I was hired for my 1^st School Social Worker job with Decatur Public Schools and I haven’t left.  I have developed and nourished long lasting friendships and relationships here in Decatur and now call it my home. 

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.  While growing up, my most precious memories are of spending my summers on a lake. I try to spend as much time as possible on the water, boating, waterskiing or paddle boarding and kayaking.  If I can’t be on or near the water, I enjoy taking long walks, hiking, and long chats by a campfire or on a friend’s patio. 

Fun facts about me: 

• In 1983, I was chosen by my fellow contestants as “Miss Congeniality” at my home-town Morgan County Fair
• I have my motorcycle license
• I won Jimmy Buffet tickets at a hula hoop contest at the Illinois State Fair, I have a hula hoop in my office if anyone wants to practice
• I was honored as 2018-2019 Illinois Association of School Social Workers  “Social Worker of the Year”

I’m excited for the start of my 32nd year as a School Social Worker with DPS #61.  I look forward to meeting new students and their families and of course reconnecting with my former students, recent, and those whom I have been in contact with over the last 32 years.  I take pride in being an advocate, mentor and resource to our students and families.  I wish so much that we were back in school and seeing one another face to face.  Until then, please reach out to me by phone at 362-3158 or email at kterhark@dps61.org. 

Hope to see you in person soon.