March is Social Work Month! In recognition of the inspiring and often challenging work that social workers do, we would like to introduce and recognize some of the special social workers in our KVC family. These posts were originally shared on our Facebook page, and we’re recapping them here so that everyone knows how much KVC West Virginia appreciates its social workers!

Erin Keltner has worked with KVC for 11 years, first with KVC Kentucky, and then coming to West Virginia in 2010. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Transylvania University and her master’s of social work from the University of Kentucky, and has been in the social work field for 15 years. She has worked as a case manager, therapist and director and now is the Vice President of Operations at KVC West Virginia. In addition to her VP responsibilities, Erin also supervises KVC’s home finder team, which is responsible for recruiting and certifying new foster homes. She is also the director of therapy and case management services provided out of the Charleston, Mullens, and Beckley offices. Her organization skills, attention to detail, and strong relationships help to ensure that KVC is providing high-quality services. She is always available to provide sound advice and support to all employees. She is truly irreplaceable, and we appreciate all she does to help make KVC West Virginia the great organization it is today.

Leah Williams started with KVC in 2011 as the Raleigh/Wyoming Administrative Assistant. Once she completed her RBA in 2012, she became a Permanency Case Manager. Leah is a kind-hearted person who loves advocating for and engaging families and children. She is bold, funny, and well-liked by families and coworkers. Leah will be starting her MSW in the fall of 2016, and she hopes to continue to pursue her passion of engaging and helping children. Thank you, Leah, for your continued pursuit of social work greatness!

Promise Prather has been both a case manager and therapist with KVC throughout the years. Promise received her bachelor’s degree in social and behavioral science from Mountain State University and master’s degree from University of Charleston. She received her social work license in 2016. She has a passion for finding new ways and techniques in which to engage children and to help them become the best version of themselves. She is detail-oriented, conscientious, and committed to getting things done the right way. She also is knowledgeable about Safe & Connected and helping children to learn more about themselves and their families. We are thankful to have Promise as a part of the KVC West Virginia team!

Michelle Cooper is a therapist in the Wayne office and supervised psychologist for the Wayne, Lincoln, and Logan offices. Michelle is a licensed social worker graduating from Marshall University with her master’s in psychology. She worked in residential treatment before coming to KVC in 2014. Michelle has recently added supportive counseling supervisor to her roles within KVC wherein she has been leading the charge to re-open a service beneficial to the kids we serve. Michelle is always ready to do whatever needs to be done for her clients and families. Her personality and flexibility in an ever-changing work environment make her a pleasure to work with and her clinical knowledge makes her an asset to KVC. Thank you, Michelle, for your hard work, positive spirit, and dedication to KVC’s children and families!

Patrick Crawford is the newest therapist in the Raleigh/Wyoming area and joined the KVC team just over three months ago. He has also worked in the residential treatment setting and served in the armed forces. Pat received his bachelor’s in social work from University of Charleston and his master’s in social work from Concord University. He also has his LSW and is pursuing his LGSW. Pat has a unique style of engagement and uses humor to help clients and coworkers feel at ease. He has great concern for the safety and wellbeing of the clients that he serves. Thank you, Pat, for all you do!

Teresa Williams is a case manager in the Jackson County KVC office. She is a proud mother and grandmother who works hard to take care of others. Her experience in the field of social work with the child welfare population, coupled with her experience as a foster parent, makes her an invaluable part of the KVC team. Teresa does not hesitate to advocate for her clients and help out her coworkers when needed, and is passionate about her job. Teresa has spent many additional hours beyond what is expected in helping with holiday parties for the children in foster care, with fundraising events, and with recruitment of new foster families. She is not afraid of hard work and will often do whatever it takes to help her clients get their needs met. Teresa’s diligence, persistence, sense of humor, ability to problem-solve and stay calm in times of crisis, and compassion for her families with whom she works is truly appreciated. Keep up the good work, Teresa!

Kathy Salvucci is a veteran in the social work field. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University 1973. She worked with Action Youth Care in Ripley for several years. In 2001, she began her career with KVC as quality assurance monitor and utilization manager. Kathy is very knowledgeable about licensing regulations and procedures. She is dedicated to assuring staff provide quality services. Thank you, Kathy, for your dedication as a WV social worker.

KVC West Virginia is proud to honor these social workers for Social Work Month.  Thank you, staff, for all of your hard work in helping the families of West Virginia.