Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Volunteer and Internship
Timeline
Babysitter
Courtney Townsend, MS, BA

Courtney Townsend, MS, BA

Warren,OH

Summary

Mission-driven nonprofit leader with over 12 years of experience advancing family support initiatives across health, education, and human services. Recognized for driving growth in statewide and regional programs through strategic partnership development, culturally responsive outreach, and tailored training implementation. Proven success in recruitment, engagement, and retention of diverse stakeholders. Passionate about child development, literacy, resource accessibility, and building community-centered solutions.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Ohio Treatment Resource Family Recruiter

National Youth Advocate Program
05.2022 - Current
  • Leads statewide foster care recruitment and retention strategies with a deep commitment to resource accessibility, and tailoring outreach to serve youth experiencing foster care in under-resourced communities across racial, cultural, and socioeconomic lines.
  • Manages complex, multi-phase projects across departments and regions, including recruitment campaigns, onboarding processes, and statewide training programs, all with attention to timelines, resource allocation, and measurable outcomes.
  • Develops and implemented strategic initiatives, such as trauma-informed training systems, digital recruitment pipelines, design, and stakeholder communication frameworks, to increase engagement and long-term program sustainability.
  • Consistently applies a DEI lens across all programming, centered cultural responsiveness in communication materials, collaborated with diverse community partners, and ensured inclusive practices in foster parent education and engagement.
  • Built and scaled cross-functional partnerships with internal teams, external agencies, schools, health providers, and community organizations to support statewide growth, and ensure consistent messaging.
  • Supports senior leadership in operationalizing strategies, translating organizational priorities into regional plans, and delivering quarterly reports and insights that drove decision-making and continuous improvement.
  • Utilizes data and CRM systems to manage a 1,000+ person prospective parent database, track engagement metrics, and inform adjustments to outreach, training, and communication strategies in real time.
  • Creates and streamlines internal communications tools, including newsletters, branded templates, onboarding packets, and training calendars, to ensure clarity and collaboration across departments and offices.
  • Provides hands-on consultation and facilitation, designing trauma-informed training, prospective parent information sessions, and providing onboarding support that aligns with strategic goals, learning outcomes, and rapport building with the communities served.

Program Manager of Foster Parent Growth/Retention

National Youth Advocate Program
09.2018 - 05.2022
  • Designed and led a region-wide training program to enhance caregiver capacity, ensuring quality care for children, and alignment with trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices.
  • Coordinated all regional training schedules, guaranteeing consistent access to educational opportunities while responding to the unique needs of diverse foster families.
  • Developed and maintained a strategic social content calendar in partnership with the Program Excellence communications team, aligning messaging across platforms to support statewide engagement.
  • Cultivated cross-sector partnerships with schools, service providers, and local agencies to co-develop resources tailored to historically underrepresented communities.
  • Produced and distributed internal communications including newsletters and recognition campaigns to strengthen caregiver engagement and licensing compliance.
  • Organized and executed regional professional development events, such as conferences, workshops, and training intensives, that supported long-term caregiver growth and retention.
  • Utilized data tracking systems to manage program metrics, including attendance, licensing documentation, and incentive disbursement, ensuring accuracy and audit readiness.
  • Generated and presented program performance reports for internal leadership and external regulatory bodies, supporting accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborated with functional leaders to assess capacity needs, allocate resources, and align operational plans with strategic priorities.
  • Contributed to statewide and national strategic planning initiatives, facilitating team alignment and communication across departments to support system-wide goals.

Consultant Partner

Community Arts Experience
01.2011 - 01.2022
  • Led the growth, development, and successful execution of a comprehensive major gift program to cultivate major donors supporting blended arts and education programming.
  • Developed and built relationships with potential donors through pipeline programs, annual giving campaigns, corporate alliances, and PR/communications initiatives.
  • Oversaw the design, implementation, and evaluation of major donor development programs.
  • Identified target areas nationwide to expand C.A.E.'s fundraising efforts and presence.
  • Researched individual prospects in order to develop their giving capabilities, while managing their expectations.
  • Created meaningful solicitation materials that reflect the mission and values of C.A.E., along with any relevant information needed for each specific donor prospect or initiative.

Recruitment & Training Manager

National Youth Advocate Program
09.2013 - 09.2018
  • Promoted from administrative support to lead all regional foster parent training programs, spanning traditional, specialized, and therapeutic placements, ensuring trauma-informed, culturally responsive delivery at scale.
  • Collaborated with senior leadership and current foster families to co-develop and implement strategic plans aligned with organizational priorities, foster parent recruitment, foster parent retention, and supporting system-wide training improvements.
  • Supervised and coached a licensing administrative team, streamlining processes, monitoring performance metrics, and driving operational enhancements that increased training efficiency, accessibility, and caregiver retention.
  • Actively contributed to statewide educational reform through service on the Ohio Education Committee, offering insights to shape therapeutic foster care curriculum and policy.
  • Designed and executed special events, including recognition ceremonies, and community engagement initiatives that elevated caregiver morale.
  • Partnered with local organizations, schools, and service agencies to expand resource access and strengthen community ties across underrepresented populations.
  • Conducted needs assessments with managers to implement targeted solutions that enhanced caregiver preparedness and program impact.
  • Introduced and approved innovative training techniques and digital tools to modernize educational delivery.

Site Administrator

YWCA of Trumbull County
Warren, Ohio
08.2012 - 09.2013
  • Oversaw daily operations of a community-based service site, ensuring alignment with the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, and empower women and families.
  • Managed after school program coordination and site logistics to ensure smooth and equitable service delivery across all participating K-8 school sites.
  • Maintained compliance with agency protocols, funding requirements, and safety standards while fostering a client-centered environment.
  • Supported direct service staff by providing leadership, conflict resolution, and performance oversight to meet programmatic goals and youth client needs.
  • Monitored data collection, participant records, and reporting systems to track program outcomes, and support continuous improvement.
  • Acted as the primary liaison between the site and community partners, local organizations, and internal leadership to build cross-sector relationships, and expand service impact.
  • Coordinated community outreach events, workshops, and family engagement efforts to strengthen participation and visibility within underserved populations.

Education

DOCTOR OF HEALTH *In Progress - HEALTH GENERALIST STUDIES

Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA
05-2028

Master of Science - STRATEGIC FUNDRAISING, NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT

Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA
12-2016

Bachelor of Arts - COMMUNICATION STUDIES

Kent State University
Kent, OH
12-2007

OHIO NOTARY PUBLIC & REMOTE NOTARY Ohio Notary Services -

01.2022

Certificate - DEI FOR SOCIAL AND HUMAN SERVICES

University of Maine
05-2021

Certificate - TRUST BASED RELATIONAL INTERVENTION

National Youth Advocate Program
04-2021

CPI Instructor Certification

Crisis Prevention Intervention
11.2020

EMERGENCY PLANNING CERTIFICATE -

FEMA
01.2010

GRANT WRITING CERTIFICATE -

Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS
06-2007

Skills

  • Strategic Partnership
  • Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Program Development
  • Grassroots & Community Recruitment
  • Performance Management
  • Advocacy & Policy Engagement
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Project Management
  • Data-Informed Decision Making
  • Training & Facilitation
  • Cultural Competency
  • Capacity Building

Accomplishments

  • Maternal Health Workshop, AAMC Center for Health Justice, Attendee
  • Perinatal Equity Conference, Santa Clara, Attendee
  • County Public Health Annual Black Maternal Health Conference, Tufts University, Attendee

Volunteer and Internship

  • YMCA of Central Ohio - Head Start Health Advisory Committee Member | February 2024 - Present
  • Kaleida Health - Maternal Advisory Board Member | October 2023 - Present
  • Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio - Planned Parenthood Volunteer | October 2023 - Present
  • Columbus Public Health Minority Health Initiatives - Minority Health Advisory Board Member | August 2023 - Present
  • Ashland University - Advisory Board for the Women in Leadership | June 2023 - Present
  • Black Achievers Network - Professional Network | 2022
  • Summit County Human Trafficking Collaborative - Volunteer Human Trafficking Prevention Trainer | 2019-Present
  • Summit County Youth Pride Task Force - LGBTQ Task Force Member | 2019
  • Life Skills Center of Youngstown - Board of Directors | 2017
  • Brighter Within Organization - Grant Writing Intern | 2014
  • Community Arts Experience - Grant Writing Intern | 2011

Timeline

Ohio Treatment Resource Family Recruiter

National Youth Advocate Program
05.2022 - Current

Program Manager of Foster Parent Growth/Retention

National Youth Advocate Program
09.2018 - 05.2022

Recruitment & Training Manager

National Youth Advocate Program
09.2013 - 09.2018

Site Administrator

YWCA of Trumbull County
08.2012 - 09.2013

Consultant Partner

Community Arts Experience
01.2011 - 01.2022

DOCTOR OF HEALTH *In Progress - HEALTH GENERALIST STUDIES

Bay Path University

Master of Science - STRATEGIC FUNDRAISING, NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT

Bay Path University

Bachelor of Arts - COMMUNICATION STUDIES

Kent State University

OHIO NOTARY PUBLIC & REMOTE NOTARY Ohio Notary Services -

Certificate - DEI FOR SOCIAL AND HUMAN SERVICES

University of Maine

Certificate - TRUST BASED RELATIONAL INTERVENTION

National Youth Advocate Program

CPI Instructor Certification

Crisis Prevention Intervention

EMERGENCY PLANNING CERTIFICATE -

FEMA

GRANT WRITING CERTIFICATE -

Fort Hays State University

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