Cindy Kurahara: Leading Colleagues and Families with Care

May 01, 2023

It’s been nearly nine years since Cindy Kurahara, MSW, LICSW, left retirement to directly support families and staff of the Spaulding Academy & Family Services Community Based Programs. With years of experience working in foster care and adoption at Casey Family Services, she originally joined the team part-time as a Family Aide. However, a family she assisted made such a personal impact that she decided to become a case manager. As the program developed further, Cindy assumed the position of clinical supervisor, mentoring staff and reviewing required program documentation.  

The community and in-home-based program coordinates family care and support in partnership with New Hampshire’s Division for Children Youth and Families (DCYF) and other area family services. Along with Director of Community Based Programs Nicole Babineau, MS, Cindy Kurahara leads staff development efforts by supervising the work of clinicians, case managers, and family aides – as well as social work and mental health interns from regional colleges. 

“We offer an important resource to the community, state agencies, and families who need child protection, support, and help to get their lives together – and see if they can parent their kids again safely and successfully,” Cindy Kurahara explains. “Every case is different, and we work with children and families in every circumstance. When children are unable to reunite with their families, we support foster families who decide to adopt and help everyone make that transition.”