Shay O’Brien has joined the Regional Training Academy (RTA) Coordination Project in the career position of training and curriculum specialist, effective March 14, announced Joanne Pritchard, Interim Director of CalSWEC’s Child Welfare In-Service Training Project. Previously, Ms. O’Brien was a contract employee.
“Shay has been a valued member of the RTA team while providing support as a contract employee; we are excited to have her join us as a permanent employee! ” said Ms. Pritchard. “She has served as the lead for the psychotropic medication curriculum, working collaboratively with the California Department of Social Services, the Regional Training Academies, and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive curriculum. Additionally, Shay has done outstanding work on the QPI [Quality Parenting Initiative] project.”
Ms. O'Brien is currently developing curriculum materials for online and classroom training on Psychotropic Medication in Foster Care. She is also working to expand the reach and impact of the QPI and its California Just in Time Training website. In partnership with the QPI counties and caregivers, she will be locating, capturing, and disseminating online training content that covers the most useful and in-demand topics. Additionally, she will be assisting with Common Core curriculum revisions.
Ms. O’Brien earned her M.S.W. in Social Welfare Administration at the University of Kansas. Her social justice and community development work has been with homeless women and children, domestic violence survivors, transition-age foster youth, and the LGBTQ community. She has 15 years of research experience in education, public policy, and program evaluation.
“I am delighted to be joining CalSWEC as a career employee,” said Ms. O’Brien. “I feel honored to be part of the excellent work being done at CalSWEC. I hope the contribution of my perspective, skills, and enthusiasm will be valuable.”