The Advocate

PARTNERS EDITION

Issue 29 | May 2023

A Message from

the State Child Advocate

Amanda F. Whittle, JD, CWLS

Thank you for reading the May 2023 edition of the Department of Children's Advocacy's newsletter.


There is so much to share this month, including eight new employees and two who have taken on new positions within the agency. Congratulations and welcome to all of you!


We also recognize our employees who received milestone awards for state service, as well as those who were honored with "superlative awards" during our annual Employee Appreciation Ceremony.


May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, and some of our FCRB members took advantage of that opportunity to strengthen the bonds with DSS workers and salute them for all the work they do.


We highlight new and existing volunteer GALs and celebrate the efforts our divisions who are out in the community raising awareness about the services we provide to improve the lives of children.


And we're also proud to share the launch of the DCA's new website. We hope you'll take a look and let us know what you think.

Have an item you'd like to share? Please send us your questions, concerns, and recommendations for future newsletters. We'd love to hear from you.

Movers and Shakers

Help us welcome the newest members of our team

and celebrate those taking on new roles and responsibilities!

Continuum of Care

Pee Dee Regional Program Director

Cassandra Hilton

Cassandra Hilton started a new position within the DCA on May 2, moving from GAL to COC. A native of Middletown, Connecticut, she has resided in South Carolina for almost 30 years and currently lives in Florence. She has one child. She is a licensed professional counselor who has worked with at-risk youth and children diagnosed with mental illness.


Cassandra earned her bachelor's in psychology from Francis Marion University and her master's in counseling from Webster University. She began her career in the banking and mortgage industry. She previously served in the U.S. Armed Forces during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and worked as a unit director for the Boys & Girls Club of the Pee Dee where she managed staff and oversaw daily operations for the after-school and summer camp programs.


Cassandra is excited about joining Continuum of Care because of the team-based approach it provides in meeting the needs of youth and family in our community. She looks forward to working and collaborating with others to continue to promote the efficacy of Continuum of Care.


Continuum of Care

Lowcountry Wraparound Facilitator

Ryan Johnson

Ryan Johnson started on January 16 in COC’s Lowcountry office. He has more than 20 years of experience working as a human services professional, primarily with South Carolina state agencies.


He earned his bachelor's in psychology from South Carolina State University, and he says he's excited to collaborate with community partners to carry out the Wraparound mission.


Ryan resides in Charleston with his wife, two children, and their dog, Milo. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, running, playing board games, listening to music, and watching TV.


Already making an impact, Ryan’s Wraparound Supervisor, Ashley Smith-Willis, praised him for the success he had at his first facilitated meeting:


"Ryan’s professionalism and many years of human service experience allowed him to gain the respect of the youth and professionals, which was evident in their teamwork and participation throughout their team meeting. Ryan received high praise from the youth’s father, who, prior to the meeting, felt that the youth would need to leave their home. But he is now hopeful that he has support and is willing to keep trying."


Continuum of Care

Upstate Wraparound Facilitator

Stephanie Placek

Stephanie Placek started on January 17 and works in COC’s Upstate office. She moved to Clemson, South Carolina, from northeast Ohio where she provided High-Fidelity Wraparound services as a care coordinator in Cleveland and the surrounding areas. She was ecstatic to find a similar position here in South Carolina.


Stephanie graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2019 with her bachelor's in social work.


She enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, a Ph.D. student at Clemson University, and their cat, Benny. She also likes exploring South Carolina, going out with new friends, and face-timing/calling friends and family from back home. She is excited to start working with families and serving the Upstate community.


Continuum of Care

Upstate Wraparound Supervisor

Spencer Simmons

Spencer Simmons started on April 3 in COC’s Upstate office. She previously worked in private practice providing individual and family mental health therapy, primarily for Medicaid clients.


Spencer graduated in 2022 with her master of social work degree from Louisiana State University. She earned her bachelor's in psychology from Clemson University. Previously, Spencer was a site coordinator for Communities in Schools, serving at-risk youth and families in the Upstate.


In her free time, Spencer coaches high school girls lacrosse and plays music. She also enjoys spending time with friends and family, walking around downtown Greenville, eating at new restaurants, and playing pickle ball.


Guardian ad Litem

Program Coordinator I - Orangeburg

Teiatra Davis

Teiatra Davis started on April 3 in the Orangeburg and Calhoun counties GAL office. While this is her first position with the state of South Carolina, she has an extensive background in healthcare (emergency services), communications, and administration.


She earned her bachelor's in communication from Coastal Carolina University in 2018 and recently completed her master’s in communication with a specialization in strategic communication in December 2022. Teiatra has a passion for writing, and has both print and digital publications of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and research.


In her free time, she supports and volunteers with Denmark Recreational Sports, which she has been involved with since high school. Her little brothers, godson, and her bunny, Flop, keep her on her toes!


Guardian ad Litem

Program Coordinator I - Florence

Destiny Robinson

Destiny Robinson started on April 3 in the Florence County GAL office. Born and raised in the Pee Dee area, she earned her bachelor's in psychology, with a minor in sociology, from Francis Marion University.


After graduation Destiny worked as a foster care case manager with the Florence County Department of Social Services for two-and-a-half years.


In her free time, she enjoys reading and binge-watching television shows.


Guardian ad Litem

Program Assistant - Darlington

Jael Reeves

Jael Reeves started on April 3 in the Darlington County GAL office. She has her bachelor's in business administration and has a dynamic and unique background in social services and business. She also earned her TESOL certification, which she used as a volunteer teacher to help her students in Mexico, Ecuador, and Spain gain knowledge of fundamental principles and skills.


Jael enjoys traveling, salsa dancing, singing jazz, and spending time with family and friends.


She's very excited to be a part of the Guardian ad Litem team where she is able to use the skills that she's acquired throughout her life to help support the amazing people who have dedicated themselves to this mission.


Guardian ad Litem

Intern - Edgefield

Cerrita Burt Pixley

Cerrita Burt Pixley began her internship in the Edgefield County GAL office on May 15. Born and raised in Edgefield County, she and her husband have 10 godchildren, whom they love dearly.


Cerrrita has been employed by Burton Center DSN as an IDS House Assistant for the last 10 years. She is currently attending Piedmont Technical College as a student in the Human Services Program with a planned graduation date for the Fall or December of 2023. Cerrita is also a member of the Phi Theta Kapa Honor Society and the Tau Upsilon Alpha Human Services Honor Society of Piedmont Technical College.


She is very active in her church, loves to listen to music, sing, line dance, and to spend time with her family, church family, and friends. Cerrita also enjoys helping people who are in need, even if it’s just to have a listening ear.


Foster Care Review Division

Training and Volunteer Coordinator

Coretta Bush-Etheredge

Coretta Bush-Etheredge was promoted to a new position within the FCRD on May 17. She is now the training and volunteer coordinator, and in addition to being the liaison for all Foster Care Review Board members, she is also tasked with providing training and development to both FCRD staff and board members.


Coretta joined the FCRD in 2019 as a program coordinator.


Foster Care Review Division

Data & CQI Coordinator

David Warden

David Warden started May 2 in the FCRD state office. He grew up in coastal Georgia and moved to the Columbia area in 2018.


Prior to entering the child welfare field, he worked in academic research settings. In his leisure time, he enjoys being outdoors, traveling, writing, and reading.

Employee Appreciation Ceremony

May kicked off with our annual Employee Appreciation Ceremony, and we are so thankful to everyone who joined us virtually to help recognize and celebrate the following employees:

Superlative Award Recipients

JOY HANSEN

Collaborator

Award


Given to an employee who is collaborative and supportive in promoting a culture of working together as a team.


This co-worker demonstrates a positive regard for fellow team members, both within the agency and outside of the agency.

LaDARA DEPUGH

Extra Mile

Award


Given to an employee who comes to mind when you think of “determination,” because when a project or task is assigned to this person, you can consider it done.


This person is known for going the extra mile to advocate for a child.

HEATHER VALENTINE

Team Spirit

Award


When times seem particularly hectic, this employee is the person who is most likely to make you smile despite the current day’s stress.


He or she works hard right alongside of you while maintaining a positive attitude. This co-worker brings sunshine to a cloudy day.

KATHRYN MARKOWITZ

Creative Engagement Award


Given to an employee who completes his or her job duties with a creative flair and demonstrates an expertise in engagement.


Children, families and co-workers are interested in this employee’s presentations, plans of care, and reports, because this employee’s work is one-of-a-kind!

Years of Service Recognition

20 Years of Service

  • Shirley Floyd, Continuum of Care
  • Holly Pruitt, Continuum of Care

10 Years of Service

  • Jesse Johns, Guardian ad Litem Program
  • Corlette Minor, Foster Care Review Division

5 Years of Service

  • La’Gina Clayton, Guardian ad Litem Program
  • LaDara Depugh, Guardian ad Litem Program
  • Travis Gaskins-Smith, Continuum of Care
  • Victoria Gaut, Guardian ad Litem Program
  • Shayla Hayes, Foster Care Review Division
  • Lenora Scurry, Continuum of Care
  • Deidre Smith, Guardian ad Litem Program
  • Ashley Smith-Willis, Continuum of Care
  • Lindsey Taylor, Foster Care Review Division
  • Michael Walker, Continuum of Care
  • Benjamin Wilson, Guardian ad Litem Program
  • Bobby Woodruff, Guardian ad Litem Program


Continuum of Care

curve wave bottom background
Wide Rectangle Wave Shape
Curvy Wave Shape

Making Waves!

Continuum of Care's Yvonne Lee (joined by her niece, Shaniquwa Martin) represented the agency at the City of Columbia's Wave Fest, a community event promoting family wellness by connecting children, youth, and families to available resources in a fun atmosphere filled games and activities.


Foster Care Review

Celebrating Foster Care Awareness Month

May was Foster Care Awareness Month, and to help celebrate, the 02 Aiken & Barnwell counties Foster Care Review Board hosted "Salute to DSS Workers" luncheons for DSS staff members in those counties.


The luncheons were held not only as a way for the board to show their appreciation, but to also improve communications and strengthen relationships with DSS workers who play such a vital role in helping children in foster care find permanency.

The Aiken County luncheon was held on May 12.

The Barnwell County luncheon was held on May 31.

SC Heart Gallery

Meet Saphira W.

Photo credit: Dexter Senn - Benedict College, 2023

Saphira W. loves to play soccer, volleyball, and cheerlead. In her free time she loves to study and sleep. If she could travel anywhere in the world it would be Greece.


When she grows up she wants to be a travel nurse because she likes caring for children and their families. If she had one wish she would wish that she could be adopted by a forever family. She just wants the world to know that she is a nice person.

To inquire about adopting Saphira, or any of the other Heart Gallery children, visit scheartgallery.sc.gov.

Guardian ad Litem

Welcome to Our New GAL Volunteers

Kershaw County welcomes three new volunteers who were sworn in on May 1.

Renee Dukes

Meranda Coe

Christy Bradley

GAL Volunteer Spotlights

Andrea Knapp

Andrea Knapp is a Darlington County volunteer GAL who greets her duties with an enthusiastic and determined attitude. She willingly takes on several cases at once and works each one effectively and diligently. She eagerly continues her ongoing training as a GAL and is quick to ask for clarification when needed. We are thankful to have such a great addition to our team, as well as for all the hours she has already committed to the children in her community.

Birgitt Torres-White

Birgitt Torres-White has served as a Darlington County volunteer GAL for nine years. She serves the children of her community with love, kindness, and tireless effort. Birgitt works effectively with other agencies to ensure the children whom she represents are being cared for appropriately. Not only is she a dedicated GAL, but she also volunteers at the Humane Society. We are beyond grateful to have a volunteer with such a huge heart!


David Partin

David Partin has been a volunteer GAL in Kershaw County for 16 years. He takes on multiple cases at a time and advocates vigorously for the children he is appointed to represent. He recently spoke to the Marlboro County Rotary Club about the GAL Program and did an amazing job. Kershaw County and the GAL program are fortunate to have such a wonderful volunteer.

Black Noise Fade Rectangular Border

The Business of Recruiting Volunteers

Shoutout to David McAlhaney, regional recruiter and trainer in Charleston, who attended the North Charleston Business Expo on May 23 to speak with attendees and encourage them to become a volunteer GAL.



Said County Director Scott Wagner,


"David did such a great job speaking with possible recruits that he had ME wanting to sign up!"




Free Parenting Class Offered This Summer

The South Carolina Infant Mental Health Association is sponsoring an eight-session interactive discussion on practical parenting.


The free "Circle of Security" course will help participants learn how to read their child's cues and strengthen their parent-child relationship and is recommended for parents & caregivers of children ages 4 months to 5 years old.

LOCATION: Virtual

TIME: Tuesdays from 10 - 11:30 a.m.

DATES: July 11, 18, 25 & August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29


REGISTER TODAY


QUESTIONS:

Tiffany Stenson - tstenson@scimha.org

A New Look for the DCA Website

If you haven't visited the Department of Children's Advocacy website lately, we encourage you to stop by and check it out!


childadvocate.sc.gov


The DCA, which launched its new site on May 25, was one of the first state agencies to move over to the State of South Carolina's "next generation" web platform. Our divisions will be transitioning over the summer.


We hope you enjoy the streamlined navigation, designed to make it easier and quicker for you to find what you are looking for.


Please share your feedback on the site with us.


Group of People Waiting in Line for Job Interview or Office Workers Waiting for Boss's Invitation

We're Hiring!

We are on the lookout for top talent to fill key positions that will truly make a difference in the lives of children in our state. Check out all available positions with the DCA, and if you know someone who would be a good fit, please encourage them to apply today!


Want to contribute?

Send your feedback and items for next month's edition:

Button

SUBMIT