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Team Member Spotlight - Dr. Lanette Madison

Team Member Spotlight - Dr. Lanette Madison

Dr. Lanette R. Madison is the Eastern Missouri Regional Director and works in the St. Louis community. She firmly believes that, “your thoughts create your destiny and with God, all things are possible”. She is a proud mother of two children whom she adores; a 27-year-old son who is an Engineering Technician III at Black and Veatch and a 19-year-old daughter who is a theatre major at Abilene Christian University.

What is your background in the child welfare field? How long have you been working with Cornerstones of Care? 

I have worked within the field of social work for over 26 years. Before coming into my current role at Cornerstones of Care in 2017, I served in various positions within the child welfare system including: being a Foster Parent, School Social Worker, Foster Care Case Manager, Family Preservation Supervisor, Adjunct Clinical Professor at St. Louis University, and Clinical Therapist in Private Practice.

At Cornerstones of Care, I oversee a host of prevention and intervention programs and services aimed at improving the quality of life, safety, health, and whole-person wellness for children, youth, and their families.

What drew you into the profession?  

My journey into the world of social work began at a young age. I spent 15 years revolving in and out of foster care, and overcame tuberculosis and child abuse. These experiences play heavily on my dedication and passion for helping children and families within the child welfare system.

I received my bachelor’s degree social work degree in 1994 from Johnson C. Smith University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). From there I went on to obtain my master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration of Children and Youth and a Family Therapy Specialization from Washington University’s George Warren Brown School of Social Work. In 2016, I earned my doctorate degree from Capella University. My dream was always to help those who needed it, and my education helped me achieve this.

What inspires you to keep going?

My faith, family, team, and passion for helping children and families is what keeps me going. I have dedicated my life to the service of those whose voices have been silenced. From fighting to end violence, racism, and modern-day slavery, to working with children in foster care, to volunteering with organizations I am passionate about; I want to make as big of an impact as I can throughout my lifetime.  I believe wholeheartedly that we are all here on purpose and for a purpose.

Can you share any fun/interesting things about yourself? 

While I take to heart my role as servant leader and purpose to lead with excellence, I do have a light-hearted side.  I thoroughly enjoy traveling to Jamaica and Europe, gardening, kayaking, horseback riding, tattoos, motorcycle riding, arts and crafts, board games, event design, decorating, flying lessons, dancing, yoga, boxing, the rodeo, sharp shooting, and serving in the community.  I am a retired semi-pro football player and played seven years for the St. Louis Slam.  I absolutely love children and I am committed to blazing trails, as long as it be God’s will.  My favorite scripture is Matthew 19:26 and it reads, as follows: Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible”.