Heather Gennuso and Morgan Schumacher Recognized as “Permanency Superheroes”

Child & Family Services has our own Dynamic Duo!

We are proud to announce that the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) recognized Heather Genusso, Residential Clinical Manager, and Morgan Schumacher, Supervisor of Foster Care and Adoption, as “Permanency Superheroes!”

“They work equally as hard with both our Residential and Foster Care programs, they play off of each other, and they use each other’s strengths,” said Linda McCartan, Chief Operating Officer at C&FS. “We are already seeing the shift in the lives of the kids we work with and in the adjustments that the staff are making to embrace that culture of urgency promoted in Permanency. We are blessed to have Heather and Morgan on our team.”

“Permanency” refers to the need to place children in out-of-home care concluding with permanent attachments to caring adults, including adoption in certain cases. Heather and Morgan participated in Permanency virtual roundtables presented by OCFS in February and brought the training to their roles at C&FS. This included developing and presenting OCFS with plans to incorporate the lessons learned during these sessions into their work.

 “The Permanency roundtables are spearheading movement for children in need, more than I have seen in past years,” said Kara Marong-Houlahan, Permanency Specialist at OCFS. “We are so grateful. Think of the faces of these kids. [Heather and Morgan’s] efforts matter and are making a difference.”

Showing tremendous leadership, Heather and Morgan have been working with Residential and Foster Care. They ensure everyone participating brings a “Can Do!” attitude to their work while managing their day-to-day responsibilities and passing their training on to others within the programs.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Heather and Morgan as part of C&FS’ team,” added Dana Szalay, Director of Residential Treatment at C&FS. “Their dedication and compassion to support youth and families is truly commendable!”

Join us in congratulating Heather and Morgan on this recognition. Thank you for all of your hard work!