CWLA CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

CWLA is celebrating 100 years of leadership in creating and advancing standards of practice, advocacy, and information sharing to enhance the well-being of families, children, and youth. We want everyone to join in our 100th anniversary celebration!

CWLA’s 100th anniversary is prime opportunity to remind key opinion leaders and the general public about the contributions that CWLA, its members and partners have made to the shared goal of improving outcomes for children and families who are vulnerable—and to reenergize commitment and support for CWLA’s work.  As we move forward into the challenges of our second century, CWLA needs to continue to have a significant and robust presence. When we all work together—public sector representatives, private sector representatives, professionals, advocates, communities, caregivers, parents, and more—we can advance excellence and ensure that children, youth, and families have all they need to succeed and flourish.

Join the CWLA movement.  There are many ways you can support us as we move into our next 100 years of service:

  • Membership is available for agencies, organizations, associations, schools, professionals, caregivers, and anyone concerned about the safety, permanence, and well-being of children and youth. Become a CWLA member today!
  • Connect with a CWLA member agency in your local community. Find out how you can support their work with children and families who are vulnerable, and share input about the future direction of service needs and opportunities for community engagement and collaboration.
  • Follow CWLA on social media and share our content. You can help promote increased visibility for the needs of children and families who are vulnerable, and the incredible work being done by child and family service agencies, advocates, caregivers and more. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
  • Look for CWLA Press’ soon to be published 100th anniversary series of essays on key issues in child welfare practice and policy by leaders in the field. Visit CWLA Publications to learn more about our professional books, peer-reviewed journal, seasonal magazine, and award-winning children’s books.
  • Advocate for CWLA’s Legislative Agenda, which supports critical programs and funding for children and families. Visit CWLA’s Action Center which lets you easily connect, anytime, with your Members of Congress to make your voice heard on key issues.
  • Donate to CWLA to help us continue our legacy in the coming century as we strive to improve the lives of children and families who are vulnerable. Help us build brighter futures and ensure that children and families flourish. Give in memory of or in honor of friends and family, share our cause with family and friends, and invite people to join you in supporting our efforts.

TAKE A LOOK AT CWLA’s HISTORY

CHECK OUT OUR ANNIVERSARY ESSAYS

CWLA 100TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE ROSTER

Thank you to our 100th Anniversary Committee members for their dedication of time and energy in helping us celebrate this important milestone.

David Caprio
CEO, Children’s Friend
Founding CWLA Member Agency

Carnitra White
Director, Anne Arundel County Dept. of Social Services
Current CWLA Board Member

Andrea Bartolo
Strategic Initiatives, Massachusetts Dept. of Children & Families
Former Staff

Anayra Tua
Executive Director, Proyecto Nacer, Inc.
Current Board Member

April Curtis
Chair, Foster Care Alumni of America Board of Directors
Former Board Member

Dana Wilson
Assistant Professor, Morgan State University School of Social Work
Former Staff

Donna Pressma
CEO, The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey
Founding Member Agency

Doug Waite
Division Chief, Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrics, Bronxcare Health System
Current Board Member

Eliza Cooper
Parent Partner
Supporter

Emilio Benitez
Retired CEO, ChildNet, Inc.
Current Board Member

Faith Roessel
Board President, Association on American Indian Affairs
Former Board Member

Gayle Watts
Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Aid Society of Alabama
Founding Member Agency

George Ford
Executive Director, Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards
Retired Member Agency CEO

Georgia Boothe
VP, Child Welfare and Family Services, Children’s Aid
Founding Member Agency

Irene Clements
Executive Director, NFPA
National Partner

Jim Purcell
CEO, Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies
Member Agency

Joan Poliak
Vice Chair, Board of Trustee, Casey Family Programs
Former Board Member

Joe Costa
Chief Executive Officer, Hillsides
Current Board Member

Joel Levine
Executive Director, Harris County Protective Services
Member Agency CEOs

Joey Orduna Hastings
CEO, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
National Partner

Julie Springwater
Executive Director, New England Association of Child Welfare Commissioners and Directors
Current Board Member

Kathy Briar-Lawson
Professor, Dean Emeritus, University at Albany
Supporter

Kevin McGuire
Commissioner, Westchester County Department of Social Services
Founding Member Agency

Krisztina Ford
CEO/President, All Faiths
Current Board Member

Larry Liederman
Controller, Supporting Strategies
Current Board Member

Lynda Arnold
Retired Director, NRCITCW
Fomer Staff

Marilyn DeMontrond
Past President, Harris County Protective Services
Current Board Member

Marty Scherr
The Campaign for US Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
Former Staff

Michael Bloom
Retired Attorney
Supporter

Nancy Burmaster
Executive Administrator, Lena Pope
Member Agency

Nancy Christian
CEO, The Florence Crittenton Agency, Inc.
National Partner

Phil Acord
CEO, Chambliss Center for Children
Member Agency CEO

Rachel Gouin
Executive Director, Child Welfare League of Canada
 National Partner

Ramona Denby-Brinson
Associate Professor, University of NV-Las Vegas
Supporter

Rhonda Sciortino
Author
Supporter

Richard Klarberg
Retired President and CEO, Council on Accreditation
National Partner

Sarah Saint Laurent
State Youth Coordinator, Rhode Island Dept. of Behavioral Healthcare
Current Board Member

Sharon Pierce
President and CEO, The Villages
Member Agency CEO

Thomas Johnson
President & CEO, Family Matters of Greater Washington
Founding Member Agency

Vicky Kelly
CWLA Board Member
Current Board Member

Yaridis Garcia
Community Planning Manager, Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County
Current Board Member

Christine James Brown
CEO

Alan Vietze
Fellow

Eileen Mayers Pasztor
Trainer & Curriculum Developer

John Sciamanna
Vice President, Public Policy

Julie Brite
Director, Administrative Services

Julie Collins
Vice President, Practice Excellence

Marlene Saulsbury
Director, Publications

Rachel Adams
Editor

Shaquita Ogletree
Practice and Policy Associate

CWLA 100TH ANNIVERSARY CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN

As CWLA celebrates 100 years, we are thrilled to recognize the exceptional commitment of individuals, organizations, and corporations who serve as champions for children and those who work on their behalf.

The CWLA 100th Anniversary Champions for Children Awardees were nominated by their peers for their contributions to promoting child well-being and advancing the field of child welfare. The nominations highlighted the outstanding work, dedication, and commitment of all the awardees to advance excellence and innovation in serving children and families who are vulnerable.

We are grateful for the efforts of these role models in contributing to our shared goals of improving outcomes for children, youth, and families and helping them all to succeed and flourish.

Philip Acord, President and CEO, Chambliss Center for Children

Annamarie Appel, Volunteer Peer Reviewer, COA

Bailey, Vista Maria

Karen Birchette, Residential Behavioral Health, ChildNet, Inc.

Michael Bloom, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Cheyenne Branscum, Educator and Foster Parent

Brant Family and Children’s Services Former Board of Directors – Paul Whittam, Kevin Hodge, Jeff Jones, Anne Marie Connelly, Harry Emmott, Susan Holyome, Kim Ann Laush, Vernon Payne, Evan Sault, Leslie Telfer, and Scott Williams

Katharine Briar-Lawson, Dean Emeritus and Professor, University of Albany School of Social Welfare

Maria E. Burgos, Deputy Division Director, Foster Care and Adoption Services, Children’s Aid

Nancy Burmaster, Executive Administrator, Lena Pope

California State University Long Beach, School of Social Work

Debra Candelora, Advocacy, Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families

David Caprio, President and Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Friend

Children’s Bureau of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Pamela Cochran, Staff Training, ChildNet, Inc.

Adam Cole, Partner and National Leader, BDO

Eliza Cooper, Parent Partner

Danelle Danzer, Family Resource Specialist, Child and Family Services

Angelique Day, Associate Professor, University of Washington

Teresa A. DeCrescenzo, Former Executive Director, GLASS

Ramona Denby-Brinson, Professor and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Ohio State University, College of Social Work

Jinnel D’Hereaux, Training, Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families

Brenda Donald, Director, District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency

Michael Dunphy, Associate Administrator, Catholic Charities of Baltimore

Brandon Ellis, CEO and Partner, Ghost Note Agency

Dennis D. Embry, President and CEO, Paxis Institute

Vincent Espino, Youth Advocate, New England Youth Coalition

Ann Marie Foley Binsner, Executive Director, CASA Prince George’s County

Fostering Families Today

Fostering Media Connections

Fox 11 News, Los Angeles, CA

Karen J. Freedman, Founder & Executive Director, Lawyers for Children

Raelene Freitag, Manager of International and Special Projects, Evident Change (formerly NCCD’s Children’s Research Center)

SuEllen Fried, Founder, Prevent Child Abuse Kansas

Jocelyn Gainers, CEO, The Family Recovery Program

Kaysie Getty, Youth Programming Advisor, New Jersey Department of Children and Families

Deborah J. Glick, Member, New York State Assembly

Carlota & Juan Gonzalez, Foster Parents (25 years and active)

Austin Griffiths, Assistant Professor, Western Kentucky University

Vernita A. Grimes, Kinship Parent and Trainer

Bill Hammack, Board Member, Kingsley House

Bruce Hardy, Volunteer Peer Reviewer, COA

Jessica Harris, Youth Advocate, New England Youth Coalition

Catherine and Gerald Hart, Foster Parents (25 years and active)

Tamica Hatchett, Placement Supervisor, Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois

Laura Heintz, Chief Executive Officer, Stanford Youth Solutions + Sierra Forever Families

Maria Herczog, Chair, Family, Child, Youth Association, Hungary

Victoria Hill, College Student

Hilltop Consultants, Georgetown University – Gaurav Asthana, Danielle Genovese, Lindsey Golotko, James Kim, Derek Walkush, and Kullen Yurchak

Elliott Orrin Hinkle, Youth and Young Adult Coordinator, Oregon Healthy Transitions

Michael P. Huesca, CEO, Paternal Opportunities Programs & Services Inc.

Susan Jacobs, Ambassador and Vice Chair, International Social Service USA

Brigitte Jolliet, College Student

Theresa Kaijage, Chair, Department of Social Work and Social Development, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University

John Kelly, Editor-in-Chief, Chronicle of Social Change

Roger Krome, CEO, Leidos

Gerald Mallon, Associate Dean for Research and Scholarship, Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College

Emily Jean McFadden, Retired Professor of Social Work, Grand Valley State University

Joseph Mbwambo, Information and Technology, ChildNet, Inc.

Joseph Montalvo, Support, Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families

Gina Moon, C3 Coordinator, Georgia Division of Family and Children Services

Lynn Moyer, Adoption Social Worker, Children and Families First

Agnes Leshner, Board Member, 4Mongomery Kids and former Director, Montgomery County Child Welfare Services

Andrew Levander, Vice President of Clinical Operations, Destinations For Teens

Maggie Lin, Founder, Foster Nation and Foster Care Counts

Kathryn R. O’Day, CEO, Gateway

Raymond Ortiz, Recruitment, Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families

Alfred G. Perez, Assistant Professor, Seattle University

Sharon Pierce, President & CEO, The Villages of Indiana, Inc.

Lisa Pion-Berlin, President & CEO, Parents Anonymous, Inc.®

Donna C. Pressma, CEO and President, The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey

Delia Pop, Director of Global Programmes, Hope and Homes for Children, United Kingdom

Marcus Rankin-Williams, Case Management, ChildNet, Inc.

Jennifer Rivera, Retention, Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families

Stacia and Luc Robitaille, Founders, Echoes of Hope

Chaska Rojas, Child Placement, ChildNet, Inc.

Heather Rowles, Executive Director-CEO, The Multi-Agency Alliance for Children

Andrew Russo, Co-Founder & Director, National Family Support Network

Peter Sakai, Judge, Bexar County

Karen Sammon, Volunteer Peer Reviewer, COA

Bryan H. Samuels, Executive Director, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago

Enidia Santiago-Arce and Nicholas Brown, Foster and Adoptive Family

SaySo Youth Board of Directors

Allison Seymour, WTTG-TV Fox 5 Washington, DC Morning News and Co-Host, WHUR Radio Show “Pay it Forward Project”

Marty Shannon, Retired Child Welfare Administrator, Utah Division of Child and Family Services

Kaleala Shaw, Youth Advocate, New England Youth Coalition

Christina Siemens, Executive Director, Tulsa Advocates for the Protection of Children

Gwendolyn B. Skinner, Vice President of Operations, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health

Kaitlin Smith, Co-Founder, Every Kid Deserves a Voice

Robin Smith, Foster and Homeless Youth Services Coordinator, Glenn County Office of Education

Jamie Sorenson, Director, Child Safety and Permanency, Minnesota Department of Human Services

Rita Soronen, President and CEO, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

Marla Spindel, Executive Director, DC KinCare Alliance

Cindy Stogel, Foster Care-Adoption Coordinator, Children’s Bureau of Southern California

Vera Stoulil, Vice President of Programs and Government Affairs, Boys & Girls Aid

Julie Taylor, Director, Department of Children & Family Services, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

Mark F. Testa, Distinguished Professor, School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Rob van Pagée, Founder, Eigen Kracht Centrale

Marty Vining, Division Administrator, Montana Department of Family Services

Gerard Wallace, Director, New York State Kinship Navigator

Sarah Wasch, Program Manager, The Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice, and Research

Zuline G. Wilkinson, Executive Director, Chester Eastside, Inc.

Eshele Williams, Consultant, Trainer, Life and Family Coach

William Wong, Professor, California State University Los Angeles and Social Worker, Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services

Nancy K. Young, Executive Director and Sidney Gardner, President and Senior Policy Advisor, Children and Family Futures

Special thanks to our partners for helping CWLA celebrate 100 years of service!