Jennifer Entwistle, ADAPT counselor with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, planned to spend her career helping people and changing the world. Though she says she “fell backwards into social work,” her days are spent following her original plan: helping make the world healthier and safer. Find out more about Jennifer’s social work story and why DFS’ commitment to human beings is what drew her to Fairfax County.

Meet Erin, an Operations Manager for South County in the Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) division. Erin started her career with the County 26 years ago, and remains excited and passionate about helping families reach and maintain financial stability with the support of benefit programs. Learn why Erin values working for PAES and why she thinks other community-oriented people will find this a great place to work.

Get to know more about Erin’s career through this video spotlight.
 

Working in foster care and helping children has been Danielle’s dream job since she was a kid. In her position as the supervisor of the Foster Care and Adoption South County Unit, Danielle gets to put all her professional experience in social work to good use leading a team as they support children in care and their families. Learn more about Danielle and her background.

Meet Dana. After a lengthy career as a social worker in some far-flung places around the globe, she has spent the last eight years here in Fairfax County in a variety of child welfare roles. Now, Dana is settling into a new position as the supervisor of the Foster Care and Adoption Placement and Resource Unit which supports foster families and children and youth in care. Learn more about Dana and her motivation for doing this meaningful work. 

Check out this DFS Spotlight on Irvin Hernandez-Perez, ADAPT counselor in the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division. Irvin has always felt compelled to have an impact on whole communities, which he’s doing in his current role. It’s the most rewarding work he’s done in his career! Get to know Irvin and find out why he values working with the Department of Family Services.

Get to know more about Irvin’s career through this video spotlight.



 

Adult Protective Services (APS) receives and investigates reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of adults, adults with disabilities, and adults "at risk". Check out this spotlight about Allison Clifford, assistant program manager of Adult Protective Services.

Get to know more about Allison’s career through this video spotlight.

Check out this DFS Spotlight on Andrea Nunes-Gardner, program manager for Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Crisis Response Services team. This Brazilian transplant has had a lot of opportunity for growth in the five years she has been working in Fairfax County, including a recent transition from supervisor of the Anger and Domestic Abuse Prevention Treatment (ADAPT) program to her current Crisis Response Services program manager position. Get to know Andrea and find out why she values working with the Department of Family Services.

Get to know more about Andrea through this video spotlight.

Check out this DFS Spotlight on Debra Miller, youth education and outreach specialist for Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. Debra switched gears from administrative and communications work to become a social worker because she missed working directly with the community in her first job out of college. Now she’s doing work she loves—in the community where she grew up! Get to know Debra and find out why she values working with DFS Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.

Get to know more about Debra through this video spotlight.

Check out this DFS Spotlight on Jennifer Woods, a family safety supervisor with the Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption program. Jennifer oversees a unit that recruits foster parents and performs home studies. Previously, she supported children in foster care and their families. Learn why Jennifer has a passion for helping families and what she loves about working for the Children, Youth and Families Division within Fairfax County Department of Family Services.

Get to know more about Jennifer's career through this video spotlight.

Check out this DFS Spotlight on Brittny Li, a Program Manager for Child Protective Services and Protection and Preservation Services within the Children, Youth, and Families Division. Learn about Brittny's passion for helping families, why she values working for DFS Children, Youth, and Families, and why she thinks other curious people will find this a great place to work.

Get to know more about Brittny’s career through this video spotlight.

Check out this DFS Spotlight on Keesha Coke, division director for Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. Get to know Keesha as shares her love of social work—a career that almost didn’t happen--and find out why she has spent 20-plus years in the Department of Family Services. And listen to this County Conversation podcast for a deeper dive into the work Keesha does in DSVS.

Meet Jonathan Bell, supervisor of Adult Services in the Adult and Aging Division. Jonathan has a passion for serving older adults and shares what inspired him to become a social worker. He explains that there is a great need to serve older adults and there are many opportunities to start a career or continue a career in Fairfax County. Learn more about Jonathan and why he chooses to work in Fairfax County Department of Family Services.

Get to know more about Jonathan's career through this video spotlight.

Check out this DFS Spotlight on Kathryn Harlow, counseling services supervisor for Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. Kathryn, a registered art therapist and licensed professional counselor, has spent her entire career working with people who have experienced trauma. She shares the rewards she feels working with individuals in crisis and being part of their healing process. Get to know Kathryn and find out why she values working with DFS Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. 

Get to know more about Kathryn’s career through this video spotlight.

Check out this DFS Spotlight on Karen Chaudhry, Resource and Support Specialist for Foster Care and Adoption. Karen is embracing a second career path in the field of social work, and she shares what makes working for our child welfare team unique. Get to know Karen and find out why she values working for DFS Children, Youth, and Families. 

Get to know more about Karen’s career through this video spotlight.

 

Check out this DFS Spotlight on Mary Wall, a Social Services Specialist within our Ongoing Sexual Abuse Unit of Protection and Preservation Services. Mary shares about the challenging and rewarding work supporting families dealing with a crisis and helping them transition to a new normal. Find out why she feels lucky to be a part of our organization.

Get to know more about Mary’s career through this video spotlight.

The Department of Family Services positively affirms and celebrates every individual’s identity based on race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veterans’ status or disabled veterans’ status. We unequivocally reject racism, violence, and bigotry in all its forms, and we support equitable service delivery and outcomes for all county residents.