We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Cassie Bradshaw to Director of the Children’s Residential Program (CRP).
Cassie previously served as a manager at the Johnson Place residence and has been with the program since it began in 2009, starting her tenure there as a Direct Support Professional (DSP).
“Cassie really gets what we strive to do here at Brookville Center for Children’s Services,” said Sally Burgess, Senior Director of the CRP. “She loves the program and wants to see it grow. I’m extremely proud of her, and I think she’s going to do great things.”
Cassie began her journey at BCCS working part-time, and over the years, has held “every position possible,” at both Johnson Place and the Seaspray Drive residences, including per-diem, overnight, medical DSP, assistant manager, and manager roles.
In 2014, Cassie moved into Johnson Place with her son Isaiah, who is now 16.
Isaiah grew with the program. Through his experiences, Cassie said, he has become known at home and at school for his inclusive spirit. At school, he always reaches out to students of all abilities. At Johnson Place, you might catch him playing basketball with the young women residing there.
And, Cassie grew as well. Through the Tuition Incentive Program, Cassie embarked on a professional development journey in 2020, studying Applied Psychology.
“Cassie’s peers already view her as a mentor and teacher,” Sally said. “She has a positive attitude, and she understands the program. She has a great relationship with the family members and has been embraced here.”
The hardest part of the job, Cassie said, is when the students graduate and leave the program, because it means saying goodbye.
“But the best part is seeing the progress they’re making,” Cassie said, reflecting on the young women who currently live at Johnson Place, and all the people she’s worked with over her 16 years here. “When the program first opened, we had eight-year-olds here; they were literal babies. And you watch them grow up.”
Recently, Cassie crossed paths with a young man she used to work with, who is now 36.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Cassie said. “Seeing them move into the adult program and be okay, be able to wash their clothes, make a sandwich, or even advocate for themselves, is one of the big things that I love about being the frontline of their growth.”
During her time at BCCS, Cassie said she’s learned “patience, empathy, and communication,” which “goes a long way.”
“Cassie stood out as a leader from the beginning,” Sally said. “She started with BCCS almost 17 years ago as a DSP, and she understands the role of the DSP and why it’s so important as an administrator to support the DSPs, ensure proper training and education, and ensure their well-being overall so that they can support the boys and girls of the CRP.”
As the new director of the CRP, Cassie looks forward to making this leadership role her own.
“We do a lot, and we’re capable of so much,” Cassie said. “One of the bigger things I want to implement is more parent involvement and camaraderie among the staff and managers. We’re four houses, and we’re a small program, so everyone should be able to lean on each other. I think we’re getting there.”
