Executive Advisory Committee
The SWAA Executive Advisory Committee will advise the Dean regarding the college’s alumni engagement. They will serve as ambassadors as appropriate, encouraging fellow alumni participation in SWAA and related activities.
Executive Advisory Committee Members
Tasha Kozak - Co-Chairperson
Tasha Kozak graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work in 2021 with a Master of Social Work and a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Social Work.
After completing her graduate field placement at the Red Cross of Spain, Tasha continues to serve isolated groups and communities in the region of Malaga. She is interested in geriatric social work focusing on those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Devonia Love-Vaughn - Co-Chairperson
Devonia Love-Vaughn graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and in 1997 with a Master of Social Work. She is currently a doctoral student at Louisiana Tech University in the Educational Leadership program with a concentration in Higher Education Administration. She is also a 2019 graduate of the second cohort of the University of Louisiana System’s Management and Leadership Institute.
Devonia currently serves as the inaugural Dean of Inclusion Initiatives and Student Success at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA, she is the first African-American female to be appointed to a dean position at Louisiana Tech. Additionally, she is an adjunct instructor in the Human Development and Family Science department. Prior to her March 2020 appointment to dean, Devonia served as the director of Multicultural Affairs at Louisiana Tech for four years.
Devonia began her career in higher education 12 years ago as an adjunct instructor, professional advisor and student affairs professional. Prior to higher education, she spent 12 years in the social work profession, where she honed her love of social justice practice, policy and working on behalf of under-served/under-represented populations. Her diverse educational, professional, and personal experiences serve as motivation to create and advocate for accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Devonia believes that embracing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility are not only a fundamental part of academic excellence, but are also the building blocks for social and civil belonging.
Devonia has been married to LaMonte Vaughn, Jr (a 1997 UK alumnus), head track and field coach at Grambling State University, for 24 years. They are the proud parents of Brianna Love Vaughn (21) a sports marketing major at Louisiana Tech University. Devonia’s family plays a key role in her professional and personal success as they encourage her to be a change agent, serve others and lead in a way that is authentic, compassionate, and engaging.
Xavier Chavez - Secretary
Xavier Chavez graduated from New Mexico State University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Social Work and from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work in 2022 with a Master of Social Work and a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Social Work.
Xavier currently works as a master's licensed school social worker in Gallup, New Mexico, practicing with general education students and is a certified CPI non-violent crisis intervention instructor. He works with students from all grades, kindergarten to twelfth grade, to provide social-emotional support and therapy. He started his career working in corrections as a re-entry specialist.
Outside of social work, Xavier is a high school girls soccer coach and a sports official. He officiates soccer, basketball, and baseball for both youth and adults. Most of his time is spent with social work and sports. However, when he does have free time, you can find him with friends, family, or out on the golf course.
Jennifer Hancock
Jennifer Hancock graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and in 1998 with a Master of Social Work.
Jennifer is the President and CEO of Volunteers of America (VOA) of Mid-States, and has served in many capacities during her more than 20 years of professional leadership in the nonprofit sector and in her 15 years advancing the mission of VOA. Under her leadership, VOA has become a nationally recognized expert in providing family-focused and results-oriented solutions for the opioid and addiction crisis. Working closely with a wide range of elected officials and community leaders, the organization has earned consistent recognition for providing best practice care in nearly 50 programs.
Jennifer has led VOA through unprecedented growth and now oversees a $50 million budget and a team of more than 650 professionals across 4 states. In addition to recovery services, VOA also delivers solutions in the areas of veteran services including suicide prevention, housing and homelessness, public health, comprehensive care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a Restorative Justice program that helps to keep youth out of the criminal justice system. Her love for bringing diverse stakeholders together to solve a complex social problem and seeing the tangible and many positive outcomes of the mission of VOA is what drives her most.
Jennifer is active in the community, serving as Chair of the Leadership Louisville Center and on the boards of the Kentucky Children’s Justice Act Task Force, University of Louisville School of Public Health, Impetus for a Better Louisville, Smart on Crime, National Office of Volunteers of America, AdventHealth Hospital, West End Opportunity Partnership, 1 Clay County, You Decide, Kentucky! and as an Advisory Council Member of Young Professionals Association of Louisville. She was recently honored to receive the 2022 Business First Power 50 award as well as the 2022 Enterprising Women award.
Shericka Smith
Dr. Shericka Smith graduated from Transylvania University with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, from the University of Louisville with a Master of Science in Social Work with a concentration in School Social Work, and from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work in 2022 with a Doctorate of Social Work.
Dr. Smith is a mental health coordinator for Fayette County Public Schools. She also serves as a part-time instructor with the UK College of Social Work as well as providing mental health counseling at her co-owned agency, Wellness Within, PLLC.
In her free time, Dr. Smith enjoys traveling and watching movies with her dog, Ellie Mae.
Shawndaya Thrasher
Dr. Shawndaya Thrasher graduated from American InterContinental University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in Forensic Science in 2010, the University of West Georgia with a Master of Arts in Criminology in 2013, the School of Social Work at the University of Georgia in 2016 with a Master of Social Work, and the UK College of Social Work in 2021 with a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work.
Dr. Thrasher is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and an LSU Social Research and Evaluation Center faculty affiliate. Her work centers on understanding socio-ecological, intersectional, and intergenerational risk and protective factors for violence and violence-related outcomes in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, with an emphasis on racial/ethnic minorities, marginalized populations, and moderating effects of gender, race/ethnicity, and overlapping stigmas. Additionally, she is a Co-PI on a Louisiana Department of Education grant aimed at Behavioral Health Support and Infrastructure Development and is tasked with school assessment and professional development related to youth violence prevention.
She has more than eight years of direct practice as a youth behavioral specialist in a psychiatric treatment facility/school setting. Dr. Thrasher has also received recognition for her dedication and contributions to the student body, the Social Work profession, and the LSU/Baton Rouge community. In 2022, she received the LSU Black Women Empowerment Ally Award. In the spring of 2023, students nominated her as the keynote speaker for the LSU School of Social Work Hooding and Pinning Ceremony, and in the fall of 2023, she received the UK SWAA Rising Star in Social Work Award. In her free time, Dr. Thrasher enjoys expressing her creativity through fashion, art and design, and poetry writing. She also loves traveling, especially abroad, to experience diverse cuisines.
Sabri Williams
Sabri Williams graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and in 2022 with a Master of Social Work. During undergrad she served as a student ambassador for the College of Social Work. She currently serves as an Alumni Mentor.
Sabri has 5+ years of combined educational, employment, and practicum-based experience. Fields she has worked in include global or humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, homeless intervention and prevention, healthcare, and disability services. Sabri currently works as a Clinical Research Coordinator, while simultaneously preparing to obtain her social work license.
Following undergrad, Sabri enrolled in a service term with the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), in which she completed 1,700 hours of indirect service. Her team's service areas included environmental restoration, disaster mitigation and recovery, community development, and emergency response to COVID-19. Sabri shared more about her service in a College of Social Work Alumni Spotlight titled, “Q&A with Sabri Williams.”
In 2023, Sabri was a fellow at the National Association of Social Work, California Chapter where she worked on initiatives related to transition age youth (TAY) and membership engagement. She was the author of a 3-year strategic plan for a pilot program called Foster2Social Work (F2SW). She also co-facilitated monthly Mindfulness Time for Social Workers and the Social Work Peer Support Group.
Over the course of her career, Sabri has earned a Dean's Service Award (2020) from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Coast Guard Service Coin (2021), and a Congressional Service Medal (2021). She was nominated for these awards due to her commitment to social justice, service to communities, and work ensuring vulnerable citizens or groups have a voice; philosophies she hopes to continually embody.
Amanda Downing
Dr. Amanda Downing graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in 2010, from the College of Social Work with a Master of Social Work in 2023, and from the College of Social Work with a Doctorate of Social Work in 2024.
Dr. Downing currently volunteers as a Director of Survivor Services with an all-volunteer non-profit, Night Owl Recon. Dr. Downing’s career has focused on improving internal practices and policies to support staff and service delivery to clients. Dr. Downing ‘s recent research interest focuses on addressing child welfare organizational culture to improve staff retention.
CoSW
spotlights
Our alumni are dedicated to improving the human condition through steadfast service. Their stories serve to inspire current and new generations of social workers.
Calendar of Events
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4 events,
Explore our Master of Social Work (MSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is below, under 'Website' The UK Difference Our MSW program is an Advanced Generalist program
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On Monday, December 1, from 4-5pm EST, the College of Social Work is hosting Nicole Hockley, the co-founder and CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation. Ms. Hockley chose to
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CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 1 Introduction and Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Youth in Foster Care December 1st, 2025 5:00 PM-7:00 PM EST Via Zoom
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Blended Families: Parenting Children When They Don’t Get Along assists caregivers with identifying issues that children may experience that are unique to blended families. It offers strategies to create a |
2 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a 
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Free
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5 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
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Holiday Meltdowns: Connecting through the Chaos with Your Foster Child December 3, 2025 11:30 AM-1:00 PM EST Via Zoom Lora Buth, MS, OT/L 1.5 credit hours This training will assist 
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for Criminal Justice students are invited to attend our informal monthly meeting. This is a great opportunity to connect with other students, ask questions to your advisor, and meet with program
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Grief in the Holidays: Navigating the Holiday Season after Loss November 24, 2025 6:00 PM-7:30 PM EST Via Zoom Emily Johnson, MS, LMFT 1.5 credit hours This training explores the |
4 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
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CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 2 Parenting Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma December 4th, 2025 5:00 PM-7:00 PM EST Via Zoom Melanie Parsons, M.A. 2 credit hours
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Creating Memories & Meaningful Family Traditions for Blended Families will inform parents of triggers children in their home may have and what they can do as parents to help create
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Helping Foster & Adopted Children Cope with Holiday Stress is designed to assist foster and adoptive parents in learning and understanding how stressful holidays can be for foster/adopted children. It |
0 events,
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0 events,
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1 event,
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“Parenting with PRIDE: The Power of Positivity” is designed for foster and adoptive families, emphasizing the principles of Positive Parenting to create a nurturing, supportive environment. This training covers strategies |
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4 events,
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CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 3 Developing & Sustaining a Healthy & Supportive Relationship with Your Youth December 8th, 2025 5:00 PM –7:00 PM EST Via Zoom
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Understanding and Coping with Sensory Processing Challenges provides parents with tools to engage and work with children who display sensory processing challenges. Parents will learn what Sensory Processing Disorder is
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Healthy Boundaries: Strategies for Answering Tough Questions helps foster and adoptive parents understand the importance of setting boundaries in their lives. It explains the different types of boundaries (Physical and
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Child Development 0-5 explores the typical milestones, or skills, that children develop from birth through age 5. It offers resources that caregivers can utilize to determine if a developmental screening |
6 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Free
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ASK-VIP LGBTQ+ Foster/Adoptive Parent Support Groups are specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as foster/adoptive parents who are caring for children or teens who identify as LGBTQ+. The 
Turn Your Goals into Reality Explore our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is at the end of the event listing, under 'Website'. 
This group is an opportunity for kinship caregivers to come together to find support, community, and resources in the care of relative and fictive children. This group will focus on |
4 events,
Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for 
Social Work students are invited to attend our informal monthly meeting. This is a great opportunity to connect with other students, ask questions to your advisor, and meet with program
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Understanding the Brain and Fear Responses in Traumatized Children provides an overview of brain development and how fight/flight/freeze fear responses may manifest in children who have experienced trauma. In addition, |
3 events,
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CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 4 Nurturing Youth’s Cultural / Racial / Ethnic Needs and Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity December 11, 2025 5:00 PM – 7:00
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Learning to Communicate: Developing Social Skills will equip parents to understand the process of communicating with children, teaching children to communicate with adults and peers, and developing interpersonal social skills. |
3 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
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Strategies to Remain Positive When Adopting describes common behaviors that the child(ren) may exhibit as well as feelings adoptive parents may have during the adoption process, including grief and post-adoption |
3 events,
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Helping Your Child to Succeed in School will increase the ability of foster/adoptive parents to understand educational challenges faced by foster/adopted children. It will give resource parents the tools for
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Creating Memories & Meaningful Family Traditions for Blended Families will inform parents of triggers children in their home may have and what they can do as parents to help create |
2 events,
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Join our comprehensive training designed specifically for foster and adoptive parents to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support children affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders |
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5 events,
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Postponed
KIN-VIP: Grandparents Connection
Postponed
KIN-VIP: Grandparents Connection
Grandparent’s Connection is a supportive gathering created just for grandparents raising grandchildren. This group offers a welcoming space to share experiences, find encouragement, and connect with others who understand the joys
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CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 5 Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 1 December 15th, 2025 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST Via Zoom Melanie
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Helping Your Child Make Healthy & Positive Choices: Talking to Teens & Preteens will teach foster and adoptive parents the importance of open and ongoing dialogue with their preteen or
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Building Positive Relationships with Case Workers & Community Partners provides foster parents the information and tools needed to establish a positive working relationship with their caseworker and child’s caseworker, with |
7 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Free
Turn Your Goals into Reality Explore our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is at the end of the event listing, under 'Website'.
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The Internet Safety training explores questions caregivers often have related to internet safety. It examines recommended guidelines for internet access and usage among children. It provides resources related to parental
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Positive Discipline for Teenagers will provide foster/Adoptive Parents with effective tools that will guide them to positive discipline and communication with teenagers that are in their care/home. It discusses the |
5 events,
Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person
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Are you an aunt, uncle, cousin, sister, or brother raising a relative? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate this journey by yourself. Raising children as a relative (other
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Preventing Child Abuse: Types, Signs & Symptoms will inform parents of the definition of child abuse and ways it can be prevented. It provides descriptions and statistics of different types
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Connecting with Your Child While Correcting Behavior introduces parents to strategies to use to help them feel connected to children while correcting difficult behaviors. Parents will learn how to connect |
6 events,
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Join The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness—but for kinship caregivers, it can also bring stress, emotional triggers, and the pressure of trying
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CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 6 Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 2 December 18th, 2025 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST Via Zoom Melanie
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Postponed
KIN-VIP: Rising While Raising Wellness
Postponed
KIN-VIP: Rising While Raising Wellness
Rising While Raising Wellness is a supportive community for kinship caregivers who are balancing the demands of raising children with the need to care for themselves. This weekly one-hour session creates
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Strategies for Parenting Teens will provide an overview of adolescent development and common questions and challenges presented by youth who are in foster care or were adopted. This training will |
3 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a |
4 events,
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Transracial Parenting: Ages 5-12 explores the unique experiences of transracial families and examines developmental stages of racial identity development in elementary and middle school-aged children. It offers strategies to create an
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ASK-VIP Support Groups are expressly designed to meet the needs of foster and adoptive parents in an inclusive, safe, and compassionate environment. They are led by seasoned facilitators who have |
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4 events,
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CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 7 A New Suitcase of Parenting Knowledge and Skills December 22, 2025 5:00 PM-7:00 PM EST Via Zoom Melanie Parsons, M.A. 2
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ASK-VIP Support Group for Foster/Adoptive Parents of Teens is specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who are caring for teenagers or those considering fostering and/or adopting teenagers. This support group offers |
3 events,
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ASK-VIP LGBTQ+ Foster/Adoptive Parent Support Groups are specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as foster/adoptive parents who are caring for children or teens who identify |
3 events,
Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person |
4 events,
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Myths & Realities of Foster Care & Adoption enables parents to identify myths and realities related to foster care and adoption. After completing this training, participants will be able to: |
4 events,
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This comprehensive training provides a foundational exploration of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), offering participants valuable insights into the characteristics, challenges, and strengths associated with autism. Aiming to enhance awareness, promote |
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4 events,
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This course equips participants with a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics between bonding, and attachment, and the critical role they play in fostering healthy relationships with children. The course |
