About us.
The NKY Parent Advisory Board’s purpose is to share our experiences and knowledge about the child welfare system & help make positive changes so that families get the support they need.
Our vision is to create a comprehensive child & family well-being system, centered on the hopes & dreams of families in our community, rooted in primary prevention, belonging & inclusion, that transforms the current reactive child welfare landscape.
Serve
Explore Committee Options
Join one of the NKY Parent Advisory Board committees by following the link below.
Connect
Explore Opportunities to Partner
Get in touch with the NKY Parent Advisory Board to hear about the work they are doing.
Unite
Strong Families. Strong Communities.
Join the NKY Parent Advisory Board in various events and activities aimed at improving community well-being.
Parent Advisory Board
Chair
Kate Dawes
Kate Dawes is a mother, recovery advocate, and leader with lived expertise with DCBS. With a background in marketing, peer support, and intervention, she serves as Outreach Success Manager for DeCoach Recovery Centre and sits on multiple advisory boards. Kate is an award-winning public speaker and organizer, dedicated to advancing recovery, family support, and policy change.
Secretary
Angel Qasem
Angel is a multi-certified healthcare education professional and experienced event coordinator, dedicated to creating impactful learning experiences. Driven by compassion and a deep commitment to helping others, she specializes in organizing and delivering educational programs that empower individuals, improve health outcomes, and foster community well-being. Her purpose is to use her skills and expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.
Parliamentarian
Donald Weatherwax
Donald is an advocate for people suffering from substance use disorder. Inspired by his own experience with addiction, he has dedicated his life to helping others on their recovery journey. He has trained several individuals in opioid overdose reversal and has opened multiple safe, supportive recovery homes in Western Kentucky and Ohio. These homes are designed to feel like true homes, belonging to the individuals who live there, rather than just facilities. He fosters a community built on accountability and responsibility, ensuring that residents feel empowered to take ownership of their recovery and support one another. Donald’s lived expertise as a father who personally navigated the Kentucky family welfare system to fight for custody of 3 daughters is invaluable as we fight to create a more sustainable and equitable system.
Member-At-Large
Ashley
Ashley is a person with lived experience with DCPS and the owner of Reflections of Hope. In long-term recovery, she brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her work as a seasoned Peer Support Specialist and facilitator for peer training. Known for her empathy and dedication, Ashley is passionate about creating meaningful change in the world and empowering others on their recovery journeys.
Member-At-Large
Lakisha
Lakisha is a caring, people-oriented individual with a natural gift for listening and helping others. A devoted mother of five, she brings empathy, patience, and understanding to everything she does. Known for her kindness and supportive nature, she creates a welcoming space where others feel heard and valued. While naturally shy, she is steadily opening up, building confidence, and sharing her strengths with those around her.
Member-At-Large
Travis
Travis is a person in long-term recovery with lived experience with CPS, bringing both personal insight and professional dedication to his work. He is the owner of Reflections of Hope and a certified Peer Support Specialist in both Ohio and Kentucky. Known for his passion and caring nature, Travis is committed to supporting others on their journey, inspiring hope, and creating opportunities for recovery and growth.
Member-At-Large
Courtney
Courtney Fugate is a mother in long-term recovery since 2020, passionate about helping families heal and rebuild. She brings both personal experience and professional insight through her work with Oxford House, where she supports individuals on their journey to recovery and stability. Courtney is committed to advocating for parents and creating spaces where families feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Member-At-Large
Tieara
Tieara is a caring, compassionate, and driven Peer Support Specialist with lived experience with DCPS. She is a single parent and a hard-working mother who is deeply committed to helping others. In addition to her professional work, she serves on the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Grieving Committee, where her empathy and active listening skills provide comfort to those navigating loss. Focused and dedicated, Tieara works tirelessly to support and uplift those around her.
Member-At-Large
You
This work cannot be done without community, and community is incomplete without you. The NKY Parent Advisory Board engages community members, institutions, and other stakeholders to advocate for the happiness, health, and safety of all our families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is our vision?
Keep families safe, healthy, and together through Primary Prevention methods.
How can I join this movement?
Being a good neighbor needs everyone! We encourage you to visit our contact page to get signed up for our newsletter and the events page to see upcoming events.
What is Primary Prevention?
Primary prevention promotes healthy child development through strengthening parenting skills and
reducing mental & financial stress.
Opportunities for Support for Families
Families can connect with a variety of services and support. Our team helps navigate systems with families free of charge and does not ask for specific documentation or income as a requirement.
Who are our partners?
The Building Community Well-Being project has four core partners: Brighton Center, Family Nurturing Center, the Department for Community-Based Services, and Chapin Hall.
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Hours
Mon – Fri
8:30 am — 5:00 pm
Contact
Email
buildingcommunitywellbeing
@brightoncenter.com
Phone
859-491-8303 ext. 2029
Brighton Center’s Building Community Well-Being is financially supported by the Children’s Bureau (CB), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this document are those of Brighton Center and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CB/ACF/HHS, or the U.S. Government. Additional funding information is available upon request.