Staff Spotlight: Sue Shotwell
This month, we are introducing you to a staff member many of you already know! Sue Shotwell has worked for our program for over 25 years, beginning her career as a foster care caseworker in 1998. She now oversees our foster care program as Placement Services Director, where her passion for excellence in child welfare (and cute office supplies!) inspires and encourages our staff and families every day.
Get to know Sue:
What is your role at The Salvation Army and what does it entail?
My title is currently Placement Services Director, which entails oversight of our Foster Care program, the Resource Parent home study process and placement support services including Placement Transition Services, Strong Families Safe Communities and Family-Based Alternative Sentencing Team program. I have held a few other titles with the agency over the past 25 years, to include: foster care caseworker and intake specialist.
What drew you to a career in social work?
My own parents were foster parents since I was 11 years old. I have 7 brothers and sisters, 3 biological and 4 adopted. I can't even remember the number of children that were a part of our family through foster care over the years. I do remember always wanting to have a caseworker, like my foster siblings. I wanted someone to come and spend time with me individually and take me places, like my foster siblings' caseworkers would do. Since I didn't have a caseworker of my own, I then became one. I did my undergraduate internship with The Salvation Army in my final year of college and I was hired as a foster care caseworker shortly after graduation. I believe that I am truly blessed with the opportunity to work with the world's most vulnerable population and possess the passion for the work we do which provides so much career satisfaction.
If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about the child welfare system, what would it be?
I would love for those in high up positions to know more about the details of our child welfare needs from a hands-on perspective. I believe this would change a lot about the way our system operates.
What is one piece of advice you have for people considering becoming foster/adoptive parents?
Caring for our kiddos in the system is HARD but they need you. If not you, then who?
What are you doing for self-care these days?
I am at a stage in my life/career where I have learned to pay attention to my own mental health needs in a more attuned manner. I make time to clear my head and have down time so that I can do this incredibly important work. I also work with the BEST colleagues!! Any time there are rough situations or difficult days, the staff here at the agency know how to support and lift you up!
Just for fun...what are your favorite:
- Animal - Dog
- Color - Yellow
- Food - Spaghetti
- Ice Cream Flavor - Vanilla (non-dairy)
- Sport - Baseball and Football
- Vacation Destination - The woods!
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