Cat Atkinson is the Director of Engagement at Voices for Virginia’s Children. She previously led policy and advocacy work in the mental health domain at Voices for young people aged 0-24, with a cross-system focus that supports young people in their homes, schools, and communities.

 Cat comes to Voices with two years of experience training and working in Child Welfare as a recent Master of Social Work graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University and a two-year Child Welfare Stipend recipient. During her graduate studies, Cat had the pleasure of interning with Voices for Virginia’s Children; she was integral in the development and success of Voices’ inaugural youth advocacy cohort, Virginia’s Youth in Action.

Cat’s most recent role was with Chesterfield County Department of Social Services, as a Senior Family Services Specialist in the Family Preservation department. Cat saw the direct impact of state and local policy on access to quality, culturally-responsive, and healing-centered services. Whether through supporting families to meet their basic needs or providing them with mental health resources, Cat worked tirelessly to preserve families at all costs. Cat is passionate about agitating, advocating, and building bridges for accessibility so that young people and their families are centered in transforming the systems that impact them most. Cat’s focus is always on partnering with those with lived experiences to develop equitable solutions rooted in community leadership and care.

Cat graduated magna cum laude from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) with her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance & Choreography and Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She doubled down and has recently graduated from VCU with her Master of Social Work, concentrated in Administration, Planning and Policy Practice. Cat is the proud recipient of the David N. Saunders Legislative Internship Fund for her work with Virginia’s Youth in Action. Cat is also a Certified Historical Trauma Specialist through PACEs Connection.