Nothing About Us Without Us: Applying a Family-Driven Approach to Achieving Child and Family Well-Being

Kassi McDowell is one of two Co-Chairs for the Kansas Family First Family Council and is a caregiver with lived expertise. She represents for the Family Council on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Family Leadership Team, and the Northeast regional Interagency and Community Advisory Board.

Amy Myers, Amy is one of two Co-Chairs for the Kansas Family First Family Council and is a caregiver with lived expertise. She represents for the Family Council on the statewide Interagency and Community Advisory Board, and the Kansas City regional Interagency and Community Advisory Board.

Meghan Cizek is an Assistant Director at the University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships and Research. Meghan cultivates partnerships and drives strategy and transformation in child abuse and neglect prevention, housing, and early childhood care and education systems. Ms. Cizek is a member of the Family First evaluation leadership team and provides support to the Family First Family Council and Interagency and Community Advisory Boards.

Kaela Byers Kaela is an Associate Research Professor at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. Her research examines cross-systems approaches to maltreatment prevention and the promotion of child and family well-being. Dr. Byers is Principal Investigator of the Kansas Family First Prevention Services evaluation and provides support to the Family First Family Council and Interagency and Community Advisory Boards.