Dena Russell-Marino

Experienced Program Manager

Emporia, Kansas, United States

About

Native Kansan and experienced Director with a demonstrated history of high quality service in the child welfare field. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Project Management, Youth Development, Public Speaking, Crisis Intervention, Case Management, Grant Writing, Investigation and Reporting, and Conflict Resolution. Adaptable, team player with over a decade of dedicated service to children and families.

Experience

  • Court Improvement Program Manager at Kansas Office of Judicial Administration
    Nov 2024 - Present · 1 yr 8 mos

    In this role, I oversee and implement court improvement program projects related to child welfare, serve as staff to the Supreme Court Task Force on Permanency Planning, and serve as a liaison to various agencies.

  • Court Programs Specialist at State of Kansas Judicial Branch
    Feb 2021 - Oct 2025 · 4 yrs 9 mos

  • Area Manager at Kansas Big
    Sep 2020 - Feb 2021 · 6 mos

    Volunteer and youth recruitment, community relations, program development, fundraising.

  • SOS CASA of the Flint Hills (13 yrs)
    • Director
      Oct 2015 - Sep 2020 · 5 yrs

      As Director of SOS CASA of the Flint Hills, I oversee daily operations of our local CASA program. I write to apply for and report on grants, and supervise staff and volunteers. In addition, I edit court reports written by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and provide consultation on child in need of care cases. I ensure the integrity of the program and maintain appropriate and solid relationships with other community providers, as well as ensuring compliance with state and national standards. I maintain healthy working relationships with the court, advocates and the community. In this position, I frequently speak publicly, provide training to advocates and the community at large.

    • Advocate Coordinator
      Oct 2007 - Oct 2015 · 8 yrs 1 mo

      I recruit, screen, train, and supervise volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children. My position includes: using media, public speaking, and other resources to recruit volunteers, using best judgment and background screening tools to assess volunteer appropriateness, using adult learning principles and people skills to train volunteers, and using community resources case management skills to best serve children protected under the juvenile court system. My position requires me to understand and work well with a wide range of personalities, cultures, and learning styles. I must also work closely with various community resources and media.