Advancing the field since 1981.
Youth Catalytics has extensive experience in the child and youth services sector at all levels—local to national, in direct services, organizational development, research, and training. We have worked with hundreds of organizations in almost every state over the past 40+ years and have produced numerous white papers, tools, and tip sheets. Our many larger research publications maintain their relevance, and we continue to lead planning processes with multiple public and private agencies.
We maintain our long-standing collaboration with UMASS Donahue Institute and in 2021, entered into a robust partnership with the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE). So, in addition to training child and youth care practitioners, we help NCSSLE train thousands of educators each year and create resources for Working Well, an initiative aimed at improving the well-being of the educator workforce.
Our top notch grant writing team secured another $31+ million in multi-year funding for several youth serving programs in 2023, and will help several more compete this year.
Throughout our long tenure, we have built a large professional network of collaborators, and achieved a reputation for creating practical resources for immediate use in the field. This network enables us to see what’s happening on the frontlines in multiple settings simultaneously, illuminate the bigger picture, and bring forward new and game-changing insights, models, and trainings to advance the field. This was the driving force behind our Foresight Initiative in 2021-2023, and we remain committed to highlighting the incredible work of experts and innovators in our monthly Views & News.
Our Vision
That the entire child and youth services sector is equipped to ensure the successful development of our young people in a more just society.
Our Values and Attributes
Collaborative in our approach
Centered around lived experience
Curious and open-minded
Creative in problem-solving
Nimble in our response
Generous with our time
Our Team
Norman Buck, IT Fixer
Cindy Carraway-Wilson, Training Director
Deborah Fisher, Research Specialist
Barbara Floersch, Grant Writer
Melanie Goodman, Executive Director
Nancy Jackson, Leadership Specialist, Thresholds Facilitator
Peter Maunsell, Accountant
Doris Roach, Thresholds Facilitator
Sharon Vardatira, Grant Writer
Karen Vincelette, Administrative Coordinator
Sally Walker, Grant Writer
Melanie Wilson, Evaluation Specialist
Mindi Wisman, Research & Communications Manager
Our Board and Advisors
Sherry Allen
Founder and Director, Allen Heritage Foundation
Gary M. Blau
Consultant, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
Rosemarie Burton, Youth Catalytics Treasurer
President and CEO, By Your Side
Coaching & Consulting
Sheila Celata, Youth Catalytics Chair
Deloitte & Touche LLP (retired)
Tim Duffey
Founder, Bolster Collaborative, Inc.
Abigail Lipson
Harvard University (retired)
Dismas Lorcaria
Attorney, Venable, LLP
Albert Maggio
Attorney, CRGO Law
George McCully
Philanthropy Consultant
David Newman
Founder, Do It! Marketing
Andy Pond
Justice Resource Institute (retired)
Catherine Simonson
Howard Center (retired)
Julie Sweeney Springwater
New England Association of Child Welfare Commissioners and Directors (retired)
Harry Wilson
Senior Consultant, National University