Staff Spotlight: Kaitlin
Team Newhouse
Kaitlin has been supporting survivors and families on staff at Newhouse for more than seven years! Currently, she’s the Director of Administrative Operations, and previously she’s been the Manager of Mission Impact and served in direct services. As an advocate who has worked day and night shifts and been a supervisor for the team, she’s got countless stories of resilience to share and has helped hundreds of survivors and families firsthand. Meet Kaitlin!
Jane of All Trades
In her current role, Kaitlin helps with grant writing, finances, and development. She’s dedicated to securing funding that focuses on specific, smaller needs including therapy supplies, Black and ethnic hair care products, coffee, tea, etc. Having worked in direct services, she brings a great perspective on how to best support clients.
“My focus is on how to make this time easier for survivors and for the staff providing services.”
Finding a Career in Domestic Violence
After college graduation, she knew she wanted to help people, she just wasn’t sure how. She started working as an overnight advocate and almost immediately, she knew that survivors of domestic violence were exactly with whom she wanted to work. Kaitlin has loved ones who have experienced domestic violence, fueling her passion to support others, along with the lack of awareness or acknowledgement for domestic violence.
“The survivors I have worked with are the strongest, kindest, and most understanding people in the world. I have learned so much from them.”
– Kaitlin
What She Wants You to Know About Domestic Violence
“Domestic violence knows no bounds. Everyone knows someone who is experiencing domestic violence. If you know someone who is in an abusive relationship, know that being there and available to them is so important. If they push you away, let them know that they can always come to you. As hard as it can be, meet them where they’re at.
Survivors deserve support on their journey and acknowledgement that their feelings and experiences are valid despite what their abuser has said.”
What She Likes to Share with Survivors
“You are the strongest person I have ever met. Uprooting your life and family for safety is the toughest thing someone can do. You are seen, valued, and supported.”
Her Favorite Thing in the World
When clients share happy news! Like the time a client had her baby and immediately shared pictures with staff, then brought the baby in for everyone to meet. At Christmas, she even made cards for the staff that included pictures of her baby. Kaitlin keeps everything that survivors have made or given to her to always remember the successes.
What Gives Kaitlin Joy
She loves reading, organizing, crossword puzzles, Scrabble, and trivia. Kaitlin is also a proud cat mom who’s obsessed with her babies (Lenny, Squiggy, and Dot) and loves her husband, Kyle, parents, sister, grandparents, and in-laws.
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Thank you, Kaitlin, for serving survivors at Newhouse through your gifts and talents.
