Foster Care: A Lived Experience Discussion

You are invited to attend “A Lived Experience Discussion” with motivational stories from Child & Family Well-being Professionals and Partners who have experience living in Foster Care and or supporting those in Foster Care. The discussion will take place on April 18th at 10am in Tallahassee, Florida.

Speaker Bios:

Cecka Rose Green, CPM, is Executive Director of the Children’s Services Council of Leon County. Prior to accepting this position, she served as Regional Executive Director for Children’s Home Society of Florida, Big Bend Region, and is a seasoned communications professional, as well. Cecka attended Florida A&M University, majoring in English, and earned her Certified Public Manager (CPM) designation from the Florida State University Center for Public Management. She and husband, Marvin Jr., are parents of three—ages 22, 19 and 16—all adopted through Department of Children Families, and all are the true loves of their lives.

Kecia Crawford is an advocate for child welfare and has spent her entire career giving back to this profession. She went from being in licensed care to graduating with her master’s degree in Social Science to ensure she can give the best of herself to the child welfare community and families. Kecia believes the giving of oneself can change the trajectory of another’s life, and that’s what she hopes to do.

Rose Tavernier is currently enrolled at Florida Gulf Coast University where she will be graduating this December with a bachelor’s in psychology. Rose’s dream is to become a neuropsychologist but in the meantime she wants to work with the Department of Children and Families to give back for all that they have done for me. Currently Rose works as a Hope Navigator with the office of continuing care where she provides services to young adult that have been a part of the foster care system obtain resources and services.

Adream Bennett is Registered Clinical Social Work Intern who’s currently employed with the Department of Children and Families as a Family Navigator. Adream has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Florida A&M University, and Master of Social Work with a Clinical Concentration from Florida State University. Adream is a wife of supportive husband and mother of two amazing children. In her spare time, Adream enjoys traveling with her family, DYI projects, and gardening. Adream aspires to provide clinical mental health services to underserved communities.

Gordy Pyper has worked in child welfare and children’s behavioral health for almost 30 years, and has supervised group care, residential treatment, foster family treatment and support services and child welfare operations. He is currently serving as the Director of Family Navigation for the Department of Children and Families. Gordy has provided care for a number of children over the years, with 3 becoming permanent family members. His youngest 2 sons were adopted through Florida’s Department of Children and Families.

Join us at the Department of Children and Families

2415 North Monroe Street

C100 Auditorium

Tallahassee, Florida