Mission

We are Kentucky’s independent voice for kids

Vision

Making Kentucky the best place in America to be a kid

As the lobbyist for kids, we work with legislators, the governor, and other elected officials to change and enact policies to benefit kids and families
Help families through our case advocacy program. We serve as their guide when they don’t know where to turn
Conduct research and education that informs and recommends solutions to help kids succeed
Mobilize advocates to take action on behalf of kids and families through rallies, advocacy training, partnerships, and action alerts
Present the “state of kids” to communities to help people know how children are faring and how to address problems
Engage youth by training the next generation of leaders to advocate for themselves and their communities

MEET THE TEAM

Andrew Alvey, Senior Policy & Advocacy Analyst

Lauren Bowling, Senior Data & Research Analyst

Karena Cash, Data & Research Director

Paul Colwell, Senior Data Analyst, x129

Kelsey Dimar, Chief Operating Officer, x110

Cortney Downs, Senior Strategic Initiatives Director, x130

Hannah Edelen, Policy & Advocacy Director

Jami Garth, Youth Engagement Director

Tara Grieshop-Goodwin, Data and Research Senior Fellow, x118

Megan Miller, Staff Accountant

Clarissa Mobley, External Affairs Associate

Shannon Moody, Executive Director, x126

Carli Mosby-Smith, Managing Director of Strategic Initiatives

Amy Muth, Chief Financial Officer, x119

Mara Powell, Chief External Affairs Officer, x122

Sassa Rivera-Smith, External Affairs Specialist

Zak Roussel, Operations & Technology Director, x116

Linda Stettenbenz, Community Impact Manager

Nikki Thornton, Community Engagement Director, x131

Sarah Vanover, Policy & Advocacy Director

Alicia Whatley, Managing Director of Policy & Research, x137

Al Conley, Intern

Kierra Payden, Intern

Callie Wagers, Intern

Allen County

Tom Emberton, Board Chair

Daviess County

Rosemary Conder

Keith Sanders, Emeritus

Franklin County

Dr. Darlene M. Davis Goodwine

Gallatin County

Dr. Dorothy Perkins, Board Chair-Elect

Jefferson County

Charlie Baker, Emeritus

Karina Barillas

Dr. Aimee Green-Webb

Andy Parker

Nancy Peterson, Emeritus

Lynn Rippy, Emeritus

Marita Willis, Emeritus

Jessamine County

Dr. Scottie Day

Kenton County

Shane Noem

Letcher County

Angie Hatton

Madison County

Angie Boggs

Oldham County

Dr. Gregg T. Cobb, Treasurer

Russell County

Dale Brown

Spencer County

Eric Friedlander

Union County

Dr. Laura Hancock Jones

JOIN THE TEAM

Practicum/Internship Opportunities

Kentucky Youth Advocates offers practicum/internship opportunities to graduate and undergraduate students to complete hours toward their degree. View a practicum/internship description. If you are interested in a practicum/internship opportunity with KYA, please complete this form, at least 6 weeks in advance of your target start date. Contact Carli Mosby-Smith at cmosby@kyyouth.org with questions.

IMPACT REPORTS