May Staff Spotlight

Kathi

Field Service Liaison, Family Service Specialist and Parent Aid

What is your role at Georgia HOPE?:

I am a therapi

My role at Georgia HOPE is an FSL and FSS and PA.

I lead and train a group of amazing contractors and review their notes to assure that we are ready for billing and have as few errors so DFCS has no reason to bump them back to us. I enjoy sending occasional awards to my contractors that are doing an exceptional job or who have made some great improvements!!  Praise is the best way of encouraging excellence.

What led you to Georgia HOPE?:

I came to Georgia HOI came to Georgia HOPE via Focus Counseling.  I arrived at Focus because of my working relationship with a former colleague   at Goshen Valley boys ranch.  I served as a house parent there for over 7 years.  When I stepped away from house parenting I wanted to be able to continue working with foster families but in a different capacity.  Living with 6 foster boys 24/7 can wear you down.  Lol

What would you say to someone that is struggling with adjusting to foster care?:

I had many kids come to me through the years struggling with being in care.  I would always assure them that everyone connected to their casa wants nothing more than to get them back home with their family.  But until that is possible we just want them to be able to be in a home with people who will love and support them while they are waiting.  I assure them that everyone is helping their parents do all they need to do so that when they are able to return… their home will be a safe and happy place for them.

Honestly, I love every aspect of my job.  Working with the bio parents and  encouraging them that they can succeed.  Working with these precious kids and just loving them and building relationships with them.

What do you enjoy most about your role at Georgia HOPE?:

Teaching parenting and giving a skill set to parents so they are not overwhelmed and equipping them to be the best parents they can be.

Teaching/training and supporting team members so that they can be the best at what they do because when we succeed the families we serve have a better chance to succeed!!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this company!!

If you’re struggling with substance abuse or would like to refer someone you know, we’d love to speak to you further. HOPE is here. Contact us today.