KATE BARKER SWINDELL
Boston,MA
Summary
Licensed clinical social worker and nonprofit professional with extensive experience in facilitation, community outreach, and relationship-centered care. Deeply committed to the well-being and dignity of older adults, informed by years of personal caregiving experience supporting a family member living with Alzheimer’s disease. Skilled in small group facilitation, individualized engagement, volunteer coordination, and building meaningful connections across diverse communities. Additional competencies in Microsoft Office, database platforms, and social media.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Service & Operations Manager
PERIOD.
Portland, OR
01.2020 - 01.2025
- Managed a national direct distribution program, overseeing the distribution of over 6 million period products to 250 nonprofit partners across the U.S. and internationally.
- Supervised 3 staff members, providing leadership, direction, and support to ensure effective program delivery.
- Built and maintained collaborative relationships with corporate donor partners, nonprofit service partners, and community stakeholders.
- Developed and implemented operational policies and procedures to improve program effectiveness and efficiency.
Mediator & Small Group Facilitator
Consultant / Self-Employed
Portland, OR
01.2011 - 2020
- Facilitated small groups and one-on-one sessions, creating safe, inclusive, and productive environments that encourage open dialogue and active participation.
- Develop group-specific strategies, tools, and agendas tailored to the needs and goals of each individual or group.
- Build trusted relationships with participants and families; adapt communication style to meet people where they are.
- Five-year court-appointed mediator in Multnomah County Small Claims Court.
Co-Chair, Portland Chapter & Lincoln High School Team Coordinator
Stand for Children
Portland, OR
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Advocated for students, teachers, and parents in the public schools arena; connected with community partners and elected officials to promote shared goals.
- Recruited and coordinated volunteers for canvassing, letter-writing, advocacy, and relationship-building with officials and constituencies.
- Grew membership via weekly/monthly communications, social media, community forums, and chapter meetings.
Board Member, Volunteer & Capital Campaign Steering Committee Member
Planned Parenthood Columbia/Willamette (PPCW)
Portland, OR
01.2006 - 2012
- Collaborated with board members, president, and senior staff to develop agency policy and act as liaison between PPCW and community members.
- Served as Board Secretary and member of the Board Advancement and Development Committees.
- Co-Chair (2008–2011) of the largest annual fundraising event, attended by over 900 people.
Education
Master of Social Work - Clinical Concentration
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MABachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Vermont
Burlington, VTSkills
- Compassionate & empathic communication
- Open-mindedness
- Building rapport
- Cross-cultural sensitivity
- Trust building
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Program development
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Conflict resolution skills
- Small Group facilitation
Certification
- 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training, Alternative Resolutions & Joyce Mitchell & Assoc., Silver Spring, MD
- Anti-Bias Training, Katie Kissinger, M.A., Portland, OR
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE & VOLUNTEER WORK
- Personal Caregiver, Family Member with Alzheimer’s Disease
- Co-Director of Student Mentors, Minds Matter, Portland, OR
- Girl Guide (Leader & Facilitator), Girls Inc Afterschool Program, Portland, OR
- Student Mentor, ASPIRE, Lincoln High School, Portland, OR
- Student Mentor, SUN Community Schools, Portland, OR
- Chair, Local Schools Advisory Committee, Lincoln High School, Portland, OR
- Clinical Social Worker, Tufts/New England Medical Center, Boston, MA
Timeline
Service & Operations Manager
PERIOD.
01.2020 - 01.2025
Mediator & Small Group Facilitator
Consultant / Self-Employed
01.2011 - 2020
Co-Chair, Portland Chapter & Lincoln High School Team Coordinator
Stand for Children
01.2010 - 01.2013
Board Member, Volunteer & Capital Campaign Steering Committee Member
Planned Parenthood Columbia/Willamette (PPCW)
01.2006 - 2012
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Vermont
Master of Social Work - Clinical Concentration
Boston College