Raymond Gregson, Father, Facilitator and Trainer

This journey of my life started in December 2016 when I decided there was no other alternative for me than to make a substantial change in my life and mindset. I have struggled with addiction, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. My daughters and son have had behavior struggles and experienced physical and sexual abuse, suicidal ideation. We successfully navigated a C.P.S case and used many community resources, supports, and systems in our efforts to rebuild our lives and relationships with each other. This journey began at 50 years of age. I eventually came to work for and with many of the support systems that helped to assist our family.

Joseph Villanueva, Family to Family Program Consultant, Washington State, DCYF

Joseph has 7 years of experience working as a child welfare professional. In Joseph’s previous role, he was a case carrying social worker for 6 of those years, directly working with families who had an open Dependency. In Joseph current role as a Program Consultant, he is able to bring those direct experiences and apply his knowledge in facilitating FTDM’s (Family Team Decision Making Meetings) and PPM’s (Permanency Planning Meetings).

Paula McJohnson, M.S.W., Engagement Program Manager, Washington State, DCYF

Paula has 17 years of experience as a child welfare professional providing direct services to families in two states. Prior to the role of Engagement Program Manager, Paula served in Child Protective Services, Family Assessment Response, Regional Program Manager in Behavioral Rehabilitation Services, and as a Permanency Outcome Facilitator for Permanency From Day One federal grant.  Paula has dedicated her career to serving youth and families and is passionate about family engagement and permanency.