Meet Our Team: Kristen Grimaldi
For nearly 14 years, Kristen Grimaldi, Senior Director of Specialized Programs and Community Engagement, has played a vital role in advancing DePaul’s mission, vision, and values. Her leadership and passion for education shine through in every part of her work.
As we honor National Foster Care Month this May, we’re excited to highlight Kristen’s role and her deeply personal experience as a foster parent.
You’ve dedicated nearly 14 years of service to DePaul! In what ways has working here shaped you professionally and personally?
I have really loved working for such a large organization, especially one that has so many long-time staff. My range of roles has allowed me to benefit from relationships with staff in various roles who have taught me a lot about person-centered services, professionalism, public presentations, and building relationships.
During your time here, what other roles have you held and how have these different experiences prepared you for the work you do today?
I started as an Intake Coordinator in Buffalo where I gained valuable experience learning about a wide range of community-based mental health and housing programs. In this role, I met a diverse group of potential service recipients, which taught me a great deal about the impact of a mental health diagnosis on individuals’ lives. It also provided me with excellent opportunities to get to know our Buffalo staff.
What first inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
When I was growing up, my parents were foster parents. I always had what I needed but was aware from a very young age that this is not the case for everyone. I think learning this very early prompted me to pursue my Master of Social Work degree and a career helping others meet their needs, strive toward goals, and find meaning in life.
If you had to describe your work philosophy in three words, what would they be and why?
Leadership guru Patrick Lencioni describes an ideal team player as someone who is humble, hungry, and smart and I strive for this. I have learned so much in my time at DePaul however I always want to maintain a degree of humility that recognizes the wisdom, strengths, and problem-solving skills of others. I am always “hungry” to learn more or try something new. To me, being “smart” is not about knowing everything but about always wanting to learn more and using wisdom in decision making.
What do you appreciate most about the team you work with?
I cannot say enough about how grateful I am for the Care Management team that I oversee. They are incredibly dedicated and each team member embodies the values of being humble, hungry, and smart. I am thankful for how they show up each day to support individuals we serve and how they step up to support each other through challenging situations. It truly feels like a team in the best way.
What’s something about your role that may surprise people?
Over the years, my role has expanded and I enjoy all of it. In addition to overseeing the Health Home Care Management teams, I help coordinate the agency’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team, participate in the Workforce Inclusion Network, provide a lot of staff training, and complete authorizations for Medicaid billing for several programs. What I learn in each of these roles transfers from one area to the next and this has helped me to grow a lot.
What is one lesson or perspective that has stayed with you in working closely with the individuals served by DePaul?
I try to keep in mind that each individual we serve is a whole person before they are a “client.” I watch for their strengths, interests, and goals even in the middle of challenges they may face. I am always mindful that I am in their home and I know that my ability to respect them and their space has such a big impact on our ability to work together successfully.
As a foster parent, you play an extraordinary role that is especially significant as we honor National Foster Care Month. Can you share how becoming a foster parent has impacted you and what you wish more people understood about fostering?
I would say that it is worth it. Many people say they would get too attached or could not imagine the frustrations of the system. Despite all of the frustrations of the system, the challenges that come with this kind of parenting, and so much grief, I would do it all over again.
To be that safe space for a child coming from unimaginable pain and loss is a powerful, unique, and humbling experience. Second, not everyone is called to foster but there are so many ways people can support foster families who carry a heavy but invisible burden. We have been blessed by people who have provided us encouragement, meals, childcare, and more at just the right time.
During your learning sessions with DePaul staff, you often highlight your fascination with how the brain works. What are a few of the most surprising or interesting facts you’ve learned?
Recently, I completed a Master in Neuroscience and Trauma degree, and I have been grateful for the opportunity to share what I have been learning as I facilitate training at DePaul. The most exciting thing about the brain is neuroplasticity – you really can teach an old dog new tricks!
Neuroplasticity means that the brain can form new neuropathways all the time. This brings so much hope for healing because it means that at a cellular level, change truly is possible. Since anyone’s brain, despite trauma, mental health diagnoses, addictions, or other hardships, can grow and change, we can approach our work with expectant hope.
What are your favorite ways to recharge?
I love running along to worship music. I find that this refills and refuels me spiritually, mentally, and physically. I also enjoy spending time with my family outside hiking, birdwatching, and geocaching.
Thank you to Kristen for nearly 14 years of dedicated service at DePaul! Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the passionate individuals who make our work possible.