Training Resource Center
Western Kentucky University's Training Resource Center provides continuing education, training and support to social workers, foster/adoptive families and teens of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. This support includes, but is not limited to, the provision of on-the-floor training, facilitation and coordination of trainings, conference and meeting planning, the identification of trainers/facilitators and the coordination, development and writing of grants related to social services and training. Programs areas include:
- Independent Living Services
- KY Foster and Adoptive Parent Training Support Network
- Adoption promotion with AdoptUsKids
- Resource Parent Training
- Parent Resource Trainers
TRC Director
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.
Network Program Coordinator
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.
Foster Parent Training Coordinator
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.
Training Coordinator
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.
Office Coordinator
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.
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