Katie Wynen, MSW
Katie (she/her) is a dedicated social worker specializing in adoption. With over 18 years of experience cultivating supportive environments for diverse populations, she offers professional facilitation and consulting services to schools, universities, and organizations seeking to better serve individuals and families within the adoption community.
Services offered
Consulting
My goal is to bridge gaps in understanding and policy, cultivating spaces where those directly connected to adoption or foster care feel seen, valued, and fully supported.
Schools: I provide specialized consultation services to schools, empowering them to create adoption and foster care competent environments that effectively address the unique needs of those directly connected to adoption or foster care within their curriculum and support systems. My services include comprehensive assessments of existing programs, curriculum review to ensure inclusivity and sensitivity around family structures, and the development of tailored strategies for fostering a positive and understanding school culture.
Businesses/Organizations: I offer targeted consultation services to businesses/organizations that includes comprehensive guidance to Human Resources departments on establishing clear and equitable leave policies for employees navigating the adoption process. This ensures employees will receive the necessary time and support to bond with their new family members and manage the complexities of adoption without professional penalty.
Group or Panel Facilitation
With over a decade of experience, I excel as a group or speaking panel facilitator, adept at guiding dynamic discussions and fostering engaging environments. My expertise spans leading support groups, cultivating safe spaces for shared experiences, to orchestrating insightful youth education groups and speaker panels that empower and inform. I leverage my extensive background to ensure every participant feels heard and valued, while skillfully navigating conversations to achieve productive outcomes, whether it's through fostering deep connection or illuminating complex topics.
Trainings
Schools: I offer "adoption-competent training" for educators, administrators, and support staff, equipping them with the knowledge and practical tools to recognize and respond to the social, emotional, and learning considerations often associated with children and adults impacted by adoption or foster care.
Businesses/Organizations: Through "adoption-competent training," I empower HR professionals to understand the unique intricacies of the adoption journey, from pre-placement requirements to post-placement bonding.
Contact Me
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you!