Kristi Wood’s journey working with adolescent boys evolved over her 30 years of experience in human services. After working at Tellurian’s adolescent emergency respite center in Madison, she and her partner Shannon felt they could make more of an impact working with a smaller number of teens in more of a home environment. Initially, they were live-in group home parents and later became Level Three foster care parents in Dane County. Recognizing the need for homes for teen boys, and the challenges and potential of the boys they worked with, Kristi and Shannon parented four boys at a time. Most were 9-12 years old, who usually remained with them until they transitioned to adulthood. They worked closely with parents of the teens whenever possible, utilizing a strengths-based team approach.
Kristi describes their work with the boys as “very challenging, yet very rewarding.” Now in their 20’s and 30’s, many keep in touch and some regard Kristi and Shannon as their primary family, calling them mom and dad.
One particularly touching story involves Alysia, the one girl that Kristi fostered. Alysia, now a licensed clinical social worker, has worked in Child Protective Services in Oregon and is currently the director of a Child Protective Services department in Alaska.
Currently Kristi, teaches in the social work department at the UW-Whitewater. She served on the NASW-WI board for seven years, including two years as president. She recently completed a three-year term on NASW’s national board. She also enjoys being a foster parent trainer for the Wisconsin Child Welfare Professional Development System. She describes herself as “a fierce advocate for the social work profession and the people we serve.”