Mary Kish

Mary Kish has extensive experience in the field of social work and case management. Mary began their career in 2002 as a Family Services Counselor for the Ruth Cooper Center, where they ensured the safety of children in foster care and provided case management services. Mary also worked as a Child Welfare Case Manager for the Department of Children & Family Services and Lutheran Services Florida, where they continued to oversee the safety of children and provided support for families in the foster care system.

In 2004, Mary joined The Children's Network of Southwest Florida as a Child Welfare Case Manager, and in 2006, they became a Child Welfare Case Manager for Lutheran Services Florida. Mary held these positions until 2008.

From 2009 to 2010, Mary worked as a Child Protective Investigator for the Department of Children & Family Services. Their role involved assessing the safety and risk of children in abuse cases and implementing safety plans or alternative arrangements when necessary.

Starting in 2010, Mary worked as a Licensing and Placements Specialist for Devereux Florida. In this role, they certified and licensed foster homes and foster parents, as well as provided training and support to prospective foster parents.

Mary's recent work experience includes positions with SMA Healthcare, where they have held various roles since 2017. Mary started as an Intensive Case Manager, providing support to prenatal and postnatal women dealing with addiction and substance abuse. Mary later became a Care Coordinator and a Care Coordination Specialist, assisting High Service Utilizers by connecting them to alternative resources and addressing their basic needs.

In 2019, Mary briefly worked as a Women's Intervention Specialist for the Children's Home Society of Florida, focusing on assisting women with substance abuse issues during and after pregnancy.

Throughout their career, Mary has also been actively involved with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, where they have served as a Volunteer Outside Services Coordinator, Case Manager, and Home Visitation Team Member. Mary has worked with various local conferences of the organization in the New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, and Oak Hill areas.

Overall, Mary Kish has built a diverse and well-rounded work experience in social work and case management, demonstrating a strong commitment to serving vulnerable populations and promoting the safety and well-being of children and families.

Mary Kish has a Bachelor's degree in Human Services/Criminology from St. Leo University, which they obtained from 1998 to 2002. Prior to that, they attended Daytona State College from 1991 to 1998, where they transferred all credits to St. Leo University for their degree in Human Services & Criminal Justice. Additionally, Mary Kish is a graduate of St. Leo University, having obtained a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science Degree, and a Cosmetology certification in 1977.

Mary also holds several certifications, including being a Certified MAPP/QPI Trainer from the Florida Department of Children & Families since March 2012, a Certified Foster Care Licensing Specialist since April 2011, a Child Protection Professional since September 2009, and a Certified Child Welfare Professional from the Florida Department of Children & Families since January 2003.