Elizabeth Goode grew up in Hopkinsville, the daughter of a physician, and until college she assumed she would follow in his footsteps. But, after reflection, she took a new path, graduating with a master’s in public health from the University of Kentucky. She launched a career working in health care policy and today serves as director of the Kentucky Department for Public Health's Division of Prevention and Quality Improvement. Her focus is on helping Kentuckians take steps that lead to healthy lives so they can reach their full human potential.

Amy Smith was raised in Frankfort and began her state government career with the Department of Revenue. Driven by a passion for working with children and helping families, she joined the Department for Community Based Services in 2014 and is currently serving as a policy and research consultant. Today, we discuss early intervention, evidence-based practices and what it’s like to navigate social services as a single parent. Amy is a doctoral student at the University of the Cumberlands who advocates for education, human services and self-reliance. She also founded Capital Area Autism Parents and is involved in numerous organizations and community initiatives including the Midway Alumni Association, Focus on Race Relations and Capable Ministry at Capital City Christian Church. Her son Brendan is entering Georgetown College in the fall.

Supporting the social, emotional and mental health of young children is a large part of what we do at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Today’s guest, Brittany Barber, oversees the implementation of the statewide early childhood mental health program for the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. We will discuss how Brittany’s education and life experience influenced her impressive career. You’ll also discover why universal training, early intervention and trauma informed care are vital when it comes to the future of Kentucky’s children.