Child Welfare Worker Appreciation Week is an important occasion that recognizes the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to protect and improve the lives of vulnerable children and families. These unsung heroes often go unnoticed, but their work is essential in ensuring the well-being of children who are at risk of abuse, neglect, or other challenging circumstances. In this blog, we will explore why Child Welfare Worker Appreciation Week is crucial and discuss various ways in which we can recognize and celebrate these tireless advocates for children.
The Importance of Child Welfare Workers:
Child welfare workers serve as the first line of defense for vulnerable children who are exposed to dangerous or unhealthy environments. They play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of these children, often stepping in when situations become dire. Their efforts can mean the difference between a child facing a lifetime of trauma and a chance for a brighter future.
Navigating the child welfare system can be an incredibly complex and daunting task, even for adults. Child welfare workers act as guides through this intricate web of legal, social, and medical services. They help families understand their rights and responsibilities, connect them with necessary resources, and ensure that children receive the care and support they need.
Child welfare workers are champions for the rights of children. They advocate for a child’s right to a safe and nurturing home, access to education, healthcare, and protection from harm. They are often called upon to make tough decisions, but their primary concern is always the best interests of the child.
Child welfare workers don’t just remove children from their homes. They also work tirelessly to support families in crisis. They provide resources, counseling, and guidance to parents struggling with addiction, mental health issues, poverty, or other challenges. Their aim is to help families heal and reunite whenever possible.
Despite the vital role they play in our communities, child welfare workers often work behind the scenes and receive little recognition for their efforts. They face challenging and emotionally taxing situations daily, yet their dedication rarely makes headlines. Child Welfare Worker Appreciation Week is an opportunity to change that and give them the acknowledgment they truly deserve.
Ways to Recognize and Celebrate Child Welfare Workers:
Organize celebratory events in your community to honor child welfare workers. These events can include awards ceremonies, dinners, or picnics where they can relax and enjoy some well-deserved recognition. Local businesses and community organizations can sponsor these events to show their support.
A heartfelt thank-you note can go a long way in making a child welfare worker’s day. Encourage community members to write personal notes expressing their gratitude for the work these professionals do. You can collect these notes and deliver them as part of a special appreciation package.
Consider gifting child welfare workers with small tokens of appreciation. This could be as simple as a bouquet of flowers, a gift card to a local restaurant, or a personalized mug. These gestures show that their work is valued and acknowledged.
Elected officials and community leaders can make public statements of support for child welfare workers during this special month. Proclamations, speeches, or op-ed articles can highlight the importance of their work and emphasize the need for continued support and funding.
Child Welfare Worker Appreciation Week is a vital opportunity to recognize and celebrate the selfless individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting and improving the lives of vulnerable children and families. Their work often goes unnoticed, but it is essential in shaping a better future for our communities.
Key Assets Kentucky works in close partnership with Kentucky’s Department for Community Based Services’ Child Welfare Workers across the state and couldn’t do what we do without them! We partner to create a supportive and safe environment for a child or family through therapy, case management and in-home community support and we also partner to provide a community-based home environment for autistic youth who are in foster care. Whatever form this partnership takes here at Key Assets, one thing is for certain, we appreciate all Kentucky’s Child Welfare Workers and want to make sure they know that what they do is truly valued!
Trained and certified in Trama Informed Cognitive Behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral therapy
Provided individual and group therapy, specifically focusing on survivors of domestic violence and therapy with children
Over 20 years’ hospital setting and in-home hospice care experience
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Fun Fact(s): Presently, my favorite activities are spending time with my family members – especially my grandchildren, gardening, and bicycling
Trained to conduct ADOS-2 Assessments
In Training for EMDR Certification
Undergraduate degree in Clinical Psychology and a double minor in Veteran Studies and Social Intelligence and Leadership at Eastern Kentucky University. Master’s in Clinical Mental Health from EKU.
Loves working with teenagers and young adults and specializing in gender and sexuality issues.
Fun Fact(s): Originally from Philly. Loves going Shark Cage Diving and Rock climbing with her husband. Has an 8-year-old dog named Charlie and who is spoiled.
In Training for EMDR Certification
I received my Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Kentucky.
I have experience with medical case management at UK Good Samaritan Hospital as well as a psychiatric inpatient at Eastern State Hospital. My approach is person-centered but integrative.
Fun Fact(s): I’m originally from Southeastern Kentucky and I love the mountains of Appalachia. I enjoy working with all types of populations!
Trained to conduct ADOS-2 Assessments
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Criminology from Morehead State University
Master of Education in Counseling & Human Development from Lindsey Wilson College
Has over 25 years of experience providing mental health and substance use therapy services to primarily incarcerated individuals and adjudicated youth.
Fun Fact(s): Enjoys yoga, hiking, biking, participating in interesting adventures with her life partner, and spending time with Louie, “the coolest dog in the universe!”
I have over ten years of experience and further education working with families and children in their development and life fundamentals.
I truly think this field is my passion, and watching the growth is extremely rewarding for me!
I strongly believe that if we can make a difference in someone’s life in any way, we should go for it.
I hold my associate’s degree in early childhood education and hope to pursue my bachelor’s soon.
Fun Fact(s): I own my own metaphysical store! Entrepreneurship is also a strong passion of mine as well.
I have had a passion for helping others since I was a little girl. I’m thankful to be a part of this amazing team and for fulfilling my purpose of helping others.
I am currently enrolled at SNHU, where I am in the Human Services program. Pursuing my Bachelor’s degree.
I love spending time with my family.
Fun fact(s): I can sing! I’ve been singing in church since the age of 5.
I received both my bachelor’s degree and my master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a concentration in children and adolescents. I received my Master of Arts degree in clinical mental health counseling.
I enjoy working with all populations and ages. I have a passion for working with children and their support systems to assist them in reaching their goals.
I am an advocate for destigmatizing mental health care.
I have an integrative therapeutic approach, often using techniques from person-centered approaches, play therapy and mindfulness.
Fun Fact(s): I enjoy reading and playing video games. My favorite form of self care is meditation and using mindfulness strategies!
Certified Domestic Violence Advocate
In Training for EMDR Certification
Several years of experience helping victims of interpersonal violence, clients with substance use disorders, and children
Background in conducting gender-responsive and trauma-informed assessments
Fun Fact(s): She loves to cook for family and friends
5 years of experience providing therapy and mental health services in both inpatient and outpatient settings
Emphasis on motivational interviewing and nurturing a collaborative relationship with clients to address crises, ongoing life stressors, and symptoms of mental health diagnoses.
Preferred treatment modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Interpersonal Therapy
EMDR-trained
Passionate about working with the geriatric population, as well as survivors of trauma and individuals (of all ages) who experience depression and anxiety.
Fun Fact(s): A Lexington native, presently living in Berea, KY, who enjoys nature, crafting, and writing poetry.
Enjoys working with people in all stages of life, drawing on their strengths to move through life’s struggles and live fully in ways that once seemed impossible
Undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology
Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri
Fun Fact(s): I’ll choose a family hiking, camping, or hammocking adventure over a fancy dinner 8 out of 10 times, especially if all the kids, grandkids, and giant Labradoodle come along.
Undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Child & Family Studies from Eastern Kentucky University.
Over one year experience in case management, serving individuals and families of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances in a community-based setting.
Special interest in the vulnerable population.
Fun fact(s): I love football
Undergraduate degree in psychology from Kentucky State University and a Master’s in Education from Lindsey Wilson College
I have training as an Adlerian therapist who utilizes a CBT approach
I have a special interest in anxiety, depression, and suicide
I love to work with clients of all ages and populations
Fun Fact(s): I enjoy swimming for self-care and walking with my dog.
Undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with an emphasis in Family Social Services
Master’s degree in Applied Human Development and Family Sciences with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy
I enjoy working with individuals & families who have been impacted by abuse. I have a passion for assisting and supporting clients to reach their highest potential. I meet clients where they are and accommodate treatment based on individual therapeutic needs.
Fun Fact(s): I love to golf!
Several years of experience working with survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), identifying food deserts in Kentucky, and assisting families facing food insecurities. Enjoyed working with at-risk youth and hosting groups geared toward empowering teen girls.
TF-CBT trained
EMDR-trained
Interested in CPT, Art Therapy, utilizing ACEs, and trauma-informed care with diverse populations. Would like to help remove stigmas associated with mental health and eliminate barriers to service.
Passionate about the fact that healing from trauma can be powerful and positive for everyone
Fun Fact(s): An avid reader and absolutely loves relaxing at the beach
Undergraduate degree in psychology at UK. Master of Social Work at the University of Michigan.
I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I love working with children of all ages, their resiliency is inspiring!
Fun Fact(s): I have a VERY active puppy named Oaks! We love to spend time outside.
Undergraduate Degree in Psychology and Spanish
Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Kentucky
In Training for EMDR
Two years of experience working with adolescents and parents
Can provide therapy services in English and Spanish
I enjoy working with people of all ages and walks of life.
Fun Fact(s): I love trying new hobbies and foods. My favorite hobbies right now are cooking, weightlifting, pickleball, and reading.
Undergraduate degree in social work from the University of Kentucky, master’s in social work from the University of Kentucky
I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Systems Therapy
I have a special interest in LGBTQAI+ populations, transgender transitioning support and gender-related support, grief and bereavement
I love to work with clients of all ages
Fun Fact(s): I have pet reptiles including a turtle and several snakes
Over six years of experience as a case manager for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Expertise in helping victims of domestic violence
EMDR-trained
Likes working with people of all ages and developing solid therapeutic relationships with clients, providing a space where people can feel safe and heard to promote healing and positive change
Fun Fact(s): She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her (adorable) dog
Undergraduate degree in history from Asbury University.
Deep appreciation for person-centered work.
An avid reader of classical and fantasy literature.
Writer of stories.
Fun Fact(s): I prefer manual typewriters to computers by far
Currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree and has Undergraduate degrees in Anthropology & Criminology from West Virginia University
Special interest in PTSD and trauma care, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and foster parent support
I enjoy working with junior high and high school-age clients
Fun Fact(s): I love punk rock music, sewing my own clothes, and spending time at my family’s farm!
Undergraduate in Social and Criminal Justice from Georgetown College
Experience with case management from the detention center
Enjoys making various connections within the community for further collaboration of services
I love working with clients of all ages
Fun Fact(s): The beach is my happy place; I go as often as I can.
Undergraduate degree in psychology from Eastern Kentucky University
7 years of case management experience in the residential and community setting
I enjoy working with clients of all ages and am interested in gender-related support, ASD, and medically complex populations.
Fun Fact(s): I love to explore caves with my family and read anything fantasy. Avocados are my favorite food!
BASW from the University of Kentucky
10 years of case management experience
I enjoy working with clients of all ages
Fun Fact(s): I have 2 dogs and love to garden
Passionate about helping adults and children with all areas of mental health
Graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelors’s and the University of the Cumberlands with a Master’s.
Background in substance abuse treatment
Credentials: M.A., L.P.C.A., and T.C.A.D.C.