Kathi Crowe is a nationally recognized expert in the field of child welfare and youth development and brings her years of experience and a passion for youth to Waterbury Youth Services. Ms. Crowe is the former Executive Director of the National Foster Care Coalition in Washington DC, where she worked with Congress and national child-serving organizations to improve child welfare services to children, youth and families. Prior to assuming that position, she served as Youth Development Specialist to the RI Department for Children, Youth and Families and was the Deputy Director of Foster Club, Inc., the national network for youth in foster care.

Kathi has worked with youth, foster parents and child welfare professionals for over 40 years. She has provided training and consultation to public and private agencies throughout the country and has provided leadership to a variety of agencies, including a residential program for pregnant and parenting youth, a shelter for runaway and homeless youth and a comprehensive mental health agency.

Ms. Crowe earned an MSW from the University of Connecticut, and has served as adjunct faculty in the MSW programs at UConn and RI College. She has authored numerous publications and has presented extensively on a variety of child welfare topics. Ms. Crowe has served as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the National Independent Living Association. She has received the NILA Founders Award and is the Charter recipient of the Kathi M. Crowe Golden Circle Award, a national award which recognizes alumni of foster care who have made national impact in the field of foster care.

kcrowe@waterburyyouthservices.org