by Taylor Kilgore
Governor Nathan Deal has appointed University of West Georgia alumna Tina Bartleson ’94 to the Department of Family and Children Services State Advisory Board. Tina was the executive director of the Exchange Club Family Resource Center in Rome, Georgia from 1994-2001 and again in 2013. She has 26 years of experience working with children and families through child abuse prevention. Tina graduated UWG with a master’s degree in public and social services.
The purpose of the Department of Family and Children Services board is to support the staff that protects the wellbeing of Georgia’s children while preserving family integrity. The state boards review the administration of all welfare and public assistance functions. Programs may include temporary assistance for needy families, supplemental nutrition assistance program, employment services, child protective services, foster care, and adoptions.
“I'm excited and humbled to be a part of a team that will help strengthen our services to children and families who are hurting,” said Tina. “I started my career as a caseworker with the Department of Family and Children Services. In some ways, this appointment is part of a big “circle of life.” I hope to have a small voice in helping strengthen a system that taught me so very much about families.”
Tina feels that UWG offered her the quality instruction and a flexible schedule for working on her degree. She was able to work full time while still attending UWG, which allowed her to combine real-world experience with academic instruction. Tina believes this has helped her become a better-rounded professional in her field.
“I hope to bring the prevention and family engagement perspective to the table,” said Tina. “Involving families in solutions, having empathy for their struggles while providing supportive accountability, and reducing service barriers are key strategies to making families stronger—and keeping children safe.”
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