Gladys Matthews

I’ve always believed no one should have to face hardship alone. That belief has guided my journey as a future social worker and drives the way I approach every client and community I serve. I bring compassion, determination, and a steady presence to families, children, and military communities who are navigating some of life’s hardest challenges.

My passion is prevention, helping people before a crisis spirals out of control. I work to connect individuals and families with the right resources, provide guidance and education, and empower them to recognize and build on their own strengths. Whether it’s supporting a parent trying to keep their family together, a child healing from trauma, or a veteran adjusting to civilian life, I see every interaction as a chance to bring stability, hope, and dignity back into someone’s story.

To me, advocacy isn’t just a career path, it’s who I am. I am committed to being the voice that stands up for others, the support that helps people find their footing, and the advocate who believes in resilience even when someone feels like giving up. My goal is to not only respond to immediate needs, but to create lasting change by building stronger, healthier communities where families can truly thrive.

With over 15 years of experience in social services, case management, and family advocacy, I have dedicated my career to walking alongside children, families, veterans, and military communities during their most vulnerable times. My work as a Family Preservation Specialist with Methodist Home for Children has allowed me to provide trauma-informed, prevention-focused care to families referred by DSS and the court system. In this role, I conducted comprehensive intake assessments, developed individualized service plans, and delivered hands-on coaching in areas such as parenting skills, employment readiness, and crisis stabilization. I collaborated closely with schools, therapists, and community partners to ensure that families had access to housing, healthcare, food, financial assistance, and behavioral health services. My interventions led to measurable outcomes, including improved family stability, reduced reliance on emergency services, and stronger community connections.

Prior to this role, I worked as an Employment Specialist at Aurora Mental Health Center, where I supported teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and co-occurring behavioral health challenges. I provided individualized job coaching, taught life skills, and connected clients with employment resources, helping many achieve independence and long-term stability. As a Human Resource Specialist with King Soopers, I educated employees on policies, wellness strategies, and benefits, while advocating for mental health support and veteran hiring initiatives. Earlier in my career, I served as a Police Officer, gaining firsthand experience in crisis response, law enforcement, and community safety, and as a U.S. Marine Corps Lead Administrator, I coordinated family support programs, guided service members through VA claims, and collaborated with military family readiness and mental health services.

Across every position, my professional journey has been rooted in advocacy, prevention, and empowerment. I have worked with diverse populations, children healing from trauma, families facing poverty, veterans transitioning to civilian life, and individuals navigating behavioral health challenges. What ties all of my experience together is my unwavering belief that with compassion, resources, and the right support, people can overcome hardship and build stronger, healthier futures.

I am currently completing my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at King University, where my studies focus on advanced clinical practice, organizational leadership, and trauma-informed care. Through this program, I have gained extensive training in motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family systems theory, and evidence-based interventions that support children, families, and military communities. My field placement at Methodist Home for Children’s FACT Day Treatment Program has given me hands-on experience in case management, crisis intervention, psychoeducational group facilitation, and interdisciplinary collaboration with therapists, schools, and DSS partners.

In addition to my graduate studies, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from the University of Houston, where I developed a strong foundation in human behavior, policy, and community practice. My academic path has been complemented by ongoing professional development in areas such as trauma stewardship, cultural competence, prevention strategies, and veteran services navigation. Together, my education and training have prepared me to serve as a compassionate, prevention-focused case manager and future licensed clinical social worker, with the skills to empower diverse populations and strengthen communities.