September marks an important time to recognize the incredible individuals who dedicate their lives to advocating for the well-being of children and families. Child Welfare Workforce Month honors the social workers, case managers, administrators and support staff who work tirelessly to create brighter futures. Among these dedicated professionals is Heidi Stoll, Director of Permanency.
From Business to Child Welfare: Heidi’s Journey
Heidi didn’t start her career path planning to work in child welfare. Born and raised in southeast Michigan, she initially pursued a degree in business management. However, an advisor’s suggestion to explore social work changed everything. For Heidi, this shift was deeply personal. Growing up with siblings who experienced foster care and adoption, she saw firsthand how these experiences shaped their lives. This fueled her passion to help children and families navigate similar journeys.
Knowing their journeys and environments impacted where they are now fuels my commitment to this field, Heidi explains. With that mindset, Heidi set out to create positive change for children and families, working in both Michigan and Texas before joining 2INgage in 2020.
A Leadership Built on Experience and Empathy
Over the past 12 years, Heidi has embraced various roles in child welfare, including investigations, work with residential treatment centers and a specialization in cognitive-behavioral therapy. These experiences not only deepened her understanding of the challenges families face but also prepared her for leadership. In May 2023, Heidi’s dedication and expertise were recognized with her promotion to Director of Permanency at 2INgage.
Reflecting on her career, Heidi credits the encouragement of her leadership and coworkers for helping her step into her current role. The support from leadership and colleagues has been instrumental, she says. Their encouragement helped me believe in myself and aspire to leadership roles.
Meaningful Connections That Last a Lifetime
Heidi has built countless meaningful connections with children and families in her years of service. One story that stands out involves a child with a love of history. Heidi organized a quick trip to Austin to visit the capital, creating a memory that the youth still treasures years later.
“Small acts like that remind kids they’re cared for and valued,” Heidi said. Moments like these reflect her deep commitment to treating every child as though they were part of her own family. She treats every child as if they were my siblings—advocating for them, offering support, and showing compassion.
Motivation and the Importance of Self-Care
The emotional demands of child welfare work can be overwhelming, but Heidi finds her motivation in the families she serves and the support of her colleagues. She also emphasizes the importance of self-care to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s so important to take care of yourself, she says. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
A Clear Mission: Reuniting Families
For Heidi, the ultimate goal of foster care is family reunification. She highlights the efforts of foster parents and the collaborative work of social workers, therapists and legal professionals to make this goal a reality. Heidi and her team work tirelessly to address the unique needs of each child and family, striving to create opportunities for healing and reconnection.
Advice for Future Child Welfare Professionals
Heidi offers practical and heartfelt advice for those considering a career in child welfare: This work isn’t for the faint of heart. You might get yelled at by a parent one day and then, the next, they’re calling to apologize. You must be ready for all of it. But seeing kids reunite with their families and hugging their siblings and parents makes it all worthwhile. Those moments may not be celebrated publicly, but knowing we helped bring them to life makes it truly extraordinary.
Honoring the Heroes Behind the Scenes
Dedicated child welfare workers like Heidi Stoll are essential in shaping healthier, more hopeful futures for children and families. Their compassion, determination and hard work create a lasting impact in communities every day. This Child Welfare Workforce Month, we celebrate Heidi and all the professionals who go above and beyond to make a difference. Thank you for your dedication; you are the heart of every success story.
