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.

Every day, I hear remarkable stories about the work we do at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. These stories often contain elements of adversity, hope and resilience. I’ve also discovered that every employee at the cabinet has a story that is equally inspiring. Today’s guest, Danita Coulter, is no exception. She is a branch manager for equity and determinants of health at Medicaid Services. This Danville native grew up hearing stories about her ancestors, family ties and the trauma of slavery. These narratives sparked a passion for equity and public service that touches every part of the work she does. We’ll talk about service, compassion and connection, and also reveal some secrets for workplace success in this week’s episode of CHFS Community Podcast.

Today’s guest, Aubrey Mason, is an associate and fiscal grants officer with Serve Kentucky. She began her public service career with the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. This allowed her to get eMARS and other important training that led to her current position. Outside of work, Aubrey has a variety of interests we’ll discuss, including cooking, art, travel and yoga. We also talk about the Governor’s Service Awards, coming up on April 16. This Serve Kentucky partnership with the Office of the Governor highlights the importance of volunteer and national service across the commonwealth. You can find out more about becoming an AmeriCorps member on the program webpage.

The Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs (OCSHCN) has provided comprehensive care to children and youth with special health care needs for 100 years. Today’s guest, Sondra Gilbert, shares her personal journey that began as a OCSHCN client with three special needs children. The Family-to-Family Program Director now matches families with mentor parents who provide emotional support and assistance in finding and accessing information and resources. Sondra is a trailblazer and valued leader at OCSHCN, but more importantly, a friend to those who need services or just someone to talk to.

Today’s conversation is with my longtime colleague and friend, Staci Cain. She is the commissioner for the Department for Income Support (DIS) Disability Determination Services/Child Support Enforcement. We’ll take a trip down memory lane to discuss our humble beginnings, and how hard work and perseverance have enhanced both of our careers and provided much in the way of personal and professional satisfaction. You’ll also learn about the social security disability program and how DIS became the industry standard, with the third lowest processing time in the nation.

On today’s episode, Kendra Steele describes growing up in the coal fields region, becoming an Emmy nominated broadcaster and her path to the Emergency Preparedness Branch. Kendra utilizes her media expertise to spread awareness about public health preparedness. Tune in to hear our impressions and takeaways from the deadly tornadoes in western Kentucky in 2021, and the catastrophic flooding in eastern Kentucky in 2022. For information about how to prepare for disasters, check out Kendra’s monthly articles in the employee newsletter and click on ready.gov.