Stephanie is a dedicated Permanency Social Worker with You Gotta Believe. Her passion for helping youth and families is deeply rooted in her own life story. As a former teen mom, Stephanie understands the challenges of navigating uncertainty while striving to build a strong, loving foundation. These experiences shaped her commitment to supporting young people in finding connection, stability, and a sense of belonging.
Since beginning her work in the child welfare field in 2022, Stephanie has devoted herself to walking alongside youth and families through every step of their journey. In her current role, she conducts pre- and post-adoption home visits, offers trauma-informed support, and collaborates with agencies, schools, and therapists to ensure every child’s needs are met. She also advocates for youth and connects families to essential community resources, and provides crisis support when it’s needed most.

Before joining You Gotta Believe, Stephanie worked as a Foster Parent Support Specialist, where she built strong relationships with caregivers, coordinated services, and delivered foster parent trainings. Her approach has always been rooted in compassion, understanding, and the belief that every family—no matter its form—has the potential to thrive.

Stephanie recently earned her Master’s in Social Work from Adelphi University in May 2025. She continues to use her voice, experience, and dedication to uplift the youth and parents she serves, showing that love, connection, and perseverance can break cycles and create lasting change.