33 Y.O. Social Worker Gets Busted For Posing As A High School Student For An Entire Year

There’s an old saying that everyone has a “glory days” story; for many, high school was that peak. It was a carefree time in our formative years, marked by first crushes, cringeworthy fashion choices, and an ever-present undercurrent of drama. 

For most, it’s a time best remembered fondly (or selectively). Who among us hasn’t daydreamed about going back, armed with all the wisdom we have now, ready to ace that geometry test and navigate the social minefields like a pro? 

It’s a fun fantasy, but one that’s quickly dismissed because, let’s face it, adulthood has its perks: no curfews, no homework, and the sweet freedom to eat dessert before dinner.

But what if someone took that daydream too far? What if, instead of brushing off the thought, they acted on it and decided that returning to high school was exactly what they needed to mend old wounds or relive what they felt they’d missed? 

Imagine sneaking past the principal’s office, blending in with kids half your age, all while leading a double life your friends know nothing about. Sounds like the plot of a wild teen drama, right?

Well, for 33-year-old Shelby Hewitt from Canton, Massachusetts, this was reality. In a move that defies logic (and a lot of laws), she pretended to be a teenager and attended high school for an entire year.

33-year-old Shelby Hewitt pulled off the ultimate hoax by masquerading as a 13-year-old high school student for over a year

Hewitt didn’t just stroll into one school with a flimsy disguise and hope for the best. No, she went all in. Her job gave her access to everything she needed to create a convincing fake identity as a teen in DCF (Department of Children and Families). 

Using false identification and carefully crafted backstories, she enrolled in three separate high schools in Boston.

When individuals feel disconnected from their current life circumstances, they may engage in behaviors that seem irrational to others. Dr. Brene Brown, a leading researcher on vulnerability and belonging, discusses how the desire for connection can sometimes lead to misguided decisions.

In her work, she emphasizes the importance of fostering genuine connections in our lives. To prevent such situations, professionals should encourage open communication and emotional honesty, helping individuals find fulfillment in their current roles rather than through extreme measures.

The year-long tale of deception has left authorities baffled.

Boston Police Department

At Jeremiah E. Burke High School, her alias was 'Daniella,' a supposedly 13-year-old foster kid who had survived human trafficking and couldn’t read or write. Talk about dedication to the role. 

Hewitt expertly balanced her “teen” life with vacations and adult friends on the side. And yes, she even got braces and joined a basketball team for good measure. Just your average double life, right?

The million-dollar question is: why? The answer is as bizarre as the scheme itself. According to friends and her attorney, Hewitt’s motivations trace back to grief, trauma, and—wait for it—a psychic reading. 

Shelby Hewitt managed to balance her high school act with an adult social life, leaving friends none the wiser.

Sharon High

After losing her mother, Hewitt sought comfort in an unconventional way. A visit to a psychic convinced her that revisiting her youth would heal her past traumas.

Hewitt took this quite literally, and that was how that chapter of her life—and one strange year—began. Between December 2021 and February 2023, she carried out this scheme while working as a social worker for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.

But this real-life twist wasn’t without consequences. Hewitt’s charade came crashing down with a slew of charges that would make anyone’s head spin: three counts of forgery, one count of uttering (circulating counterfeit money), identity fraud, and much more.

Shelby Hewitt sits beside her lawyer, Timothy Flaherty, as she faces the courtroom spotlight after her mind-boggling charade. (NBC Boston)

NBC Boston

Understanding Identity and Youth Culture

Dr. Dan Gilbert, a well-known psychologist and happiness researcher, emphasizes that our identity is often shaped by our experiences, particularly during adolescence. His research indicates that individuals may seek to relive their high school years due to nostalgia, which can sometimes lead to unhealthy behaviors.

In this case, the social worker's actions reflect a deeper longing for connection and acceptance often felt during high school. Understanding this phenomenon can help professionals address similar behaviors in clients by focusing on healthier means of self-exploration and acceptance.

Her lawyer, Timothy Flaherty, pointed out that Hewitt has dissociative identity disorder (DID), a diagnosis formerly known as multiple personality disorder, which might explain her drastic behavior.

Hewitt has pleaded not guilty to her laundry list of charges. As she awaits trial at the end of the year, one thing is certain: this isn’t your typical high school drama. 

Whether driven by mental health struggles, trauma, or just a wild plot spurred on by a psychic’s advice, Hewitt’s story serves as a reminder that truth is often stranger than fiction.

Healing Approaches & Techniques

The situation highlights a critical need for emotional support among professionals. Experts like Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond stress the importance of creating environments where individuals feel safe to express their emotions and thoughts. By fostering a culture of openness, schools and workplaces can help prevent similar incidents.

Moreover, encouraging mentorship and peer support systems can provide individuals with the validation they seek, reducing the urge to revert to previous identities. Building these supportive frameworks can ultimately lead to healthier emotional outcomes for everyone involved.