Training Resource Center

Crystal Dillard is the director of the Training Resource Center. From Southern Illinois, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (04) and Master of Science in Human Development & Leadership (15) from Murray State University. Crystal began working with the Training Resource Center in 2007 as the Network coordinator and has since worked with all programming areas before stepping into the director role in 2021. She is passionate about meeting the ever-evolving needs of foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers and foster youth and alumni.

Lori Dowdy is the Program Coordinator for the KY Foster & Adoptive Parent Training Support Network Program. Lori has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Murray State University and a Master of Social Work from Western Kentucky University.  Lori worked for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for 32 years, focusing much of that time on foster care and adoption.  She is also an adoptive parent and enjoys advocating for foster and adoptive children.

Cassie Sutton is the Foster Parent Training Coordinator for the Training Resource Center. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Murray State University (2016) and her Master of Social Work degree from Campbellsville University (2022). Cassie joined the Training Resource Center in 2020 and provides preservice, mandatory, and ongoing training opportunities for incoming and current foster parents.  She also coordinates and supervises the Parent Resource Trainer program. This program partners with current foster parents to assist Cabinet for Health & Family Services staff across the state with training needs. Cassie is passionate about equipping foster parents with the tools they need to effectively parent children in care.

Gail Dick is a Training Coordinator for the Training Resource Center. She graduated from Murray State University with a degree in Social Work. Following her graduation, Gail worked with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for 28 years, specializing in foster care and adoption. She joined the Training Resource Center in 2005, to provide preservice, mandatory, and ongoing training opportunities to incoming and current foster/adoptive parents and support prospective foster/adoptive parents through the approval process. Gail enjoys connecting and partnering with foster and adoptive parents.

Stacey Pittenger is the Office Coordinator for the Training Resource Center. A native of Murray, Ky, Stacey earned her degree from Murray State University. She has been a staff member of the Training Resource Center since 2016 and assists with the operations with all Training Resource Center programs.

Ian Rosser is the Independent Living Skills Training Coordinator and Media Specialist for the Training Resource Center.  A foster care alum, where he spent 13 years of his life, Ian graduated from Bluegrass Community and Technical College with an Associate Degree in Communication and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcasting & Electronic Media from Eastern Kentucky University. He works to create immersive content for youth, families, and staff and unique and engaging training on multiple platforms to help foster parents care for older youth in their homes.  

Anthony Kennedy is the KYRISE Mentor Coordinator for the Training Resource Center. Anthony earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (‘22) from Lindsey Wilson College and a Master of Science in Psychology (‘24) from Western Kentucky University. Anthony was adopted in 2011 and is passionate about helping youth who are struggling or have been involved in the foster care system.

Krystal Carver-Dickens is the Independent Living Coordinator for the West Kentucky regions. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (2016) and her Master of Arts in Sociology (2018) from Western Kentucky University. Krystal joined the Training Resource Center in 2024 after having worked in Therapeutic Foster Care since graduation. She is passionate about advocating for foster parents and foster youth across the Commonwealth.

Ally is the Independent Living Coordinator for the East side of Kentucky. Originally from Owensboro she graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Murray State University (2022) and her Master of Social Work degree from Campbellsville University (2024). Ally interned with the Training Resource Center and has experience with community outreach and working with at risk youth.