About this Virtual Event:
Fathers going through the DCYF dependency process are oftentimes overwhelmed, intimated, and lose hope. Too many times the system does not support them to be the fathers they want to be for their children. This presentation featured fathers who have successfully navigated the system and DCYF staff sharing information about the dependency process, including dads in shared planning meetings, and the resources available to fathers.
Our Speakers:
Raymond Gregson, Father, Facilitator and Instructor
This journey of my life started in December 2016 when I decided there was no other alternative for me than to make a substantial change in my life and mindset. I have struggled with addiction, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. My daughters and son have had behavior struggles and experienced physical and sexual abuse, suicidal ideation. We successfully navigated a C.P.S case and used many community resources, supports, and systems in our efforts to rebuild our lives and relationships with each other. This journey began at 50 years of age. I eventually came to work for and with many of the support systems that helped to assist our family.
I have numerous certificates, several working credentials. I am an instructor and facilitator for “Unlocking Your Potential.” through Legacy Business Cultures, certified peer counselor, basic mediation training, trauma informed approach, substance use disorder family navigator, Fatherhood counsel, S.U.D. advisory committee. Through my lived experiences it is my desire to help empower families, give hope so that others may succeed in their journeys. Regards - Ray
Paula McJohnson, M.S.W., Engagement Program Manager, State of Washington DCYF
Paula has 17 years of experience as a child welfare professional providing direct services to families in two states. Prior to the role of Engagement Program Manager, Paula served in Child Protective Services, Family Assessment Response, Regional Program Manager in Behavioral Rehabilitation Services, and as a Permanency Outcome Facilitator for Permanency From Day One federal grant. Paula has dedicated her career to serving youth and families and is passionate about family engagement and permanency.
Ron Murphy, Senior Director of Strategic Consulting, Casey Family Programs
Ron Murphy has provided social work services to children, families and communities for well over 40 years. He is currently a Senior Director of Strategic Consulting for Casey Family Programs, a Northwest foundation started by Jim Casey founder of United Parcel Services. He provides leadership of statewide Systems Improvement strategies for Casey’s partnership with Washington State and the State of Nevada child welfare departments. He also works with other Casey partners, such as the courts, legislature, attorneys, other state agencies, foundations and non-profits, to support system wide improvements through policy and practice changes. Ron has been a member of Casey Family Programs since 1995 and has provided leadership in various roles including direct services. Prior to Casey Family Programs, Ron worked for the State of Washington as a Community Services Office Administrator, Regional Administrator for the State’s Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse and was a direct practitioner for the Children’s Administration. He has also worked in other private non-profit organizations. Ron’s analytical thinking, problem-solving, listening, humor and ability to maintain self-control under pressure are attributes he is recognized for. A graduate of the University of Washington with a Masters in Social work, Ron also received his B.A. from the Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, and is a member of several organizations, advisory groups and committees.
Joseph Villanueva, Family to Family Program Consultant, Washington State, Department of Children Youth and Families
Joseph has 7 years of experience working as a child welfare professional. In Joseph’s previous role, he was a case carrying social worker for 6 of those years, directly working with families who had an open Dependency. In Joseph current role as a Program Consultant, he is able to bring those direct experiences and apply his knowledge in facilitating FTDM’s (Family Team Decision Making Meetings) and PPM’s (Permanency Planning Meetings).
Also Presenting:
Heidi Walker, Native American Inquiry and Relative Search Program Manager, Washington State, DCYF
Kelly Lutes, Native American Inquiry and Relative Search Program, Washington State, DCYF
Shannon Quin, Permanency Outcome Facilitator, Washington State DCYF
Tarassa Froberg, Child Protective Services and Family Voluntary Services Program Manager, Washington State, DCYF