08/01/2026
What an incredible week for our own Katie O'Neal! đź’™
Katie recently attended the 2026 Georgia THRIVe Infant Toddler Court Program All-Sites Conference in Stone Mountain, where this year's theme, "Remembering the Why: Together We Thrive," focused on understanding trauma and strengthening trauma-informed systems that better serve children and families across Georgia.
While at the conference, Katie had the honor of serving on the Parent Voice Panel, where she courageously shared her lived experience in the child welfare system. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and healing, and her willingness to share it continues to inspire others while helping professionals better understand the importance of family-centered, trauma-informed care.
As if that wasn't enough, Katie was also presented with the Mimi Brown Griggs Parent Voice Award, a well-deserved recognition honoring an individual with lived experience in the child welfare system whose leadership and advocacy have meaningfully elevated parent voice across Georgia. This award recognizes champions who empower peers, strengthen family engagement, and help shape policies and practices that improve the lives of children and families involved with the child welfare system.
Katie, we are incredibly proud of the leader, advocate, and mentor you are. Thank you for using your voice to create change, give hope to families, and remind others that lived experience is one of the most powerful tools for transforming systems.
Please join us in congratulating Katie on this outstanding achievement! đź‘Źđź’™
