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About US

Meet the Team

At Family Rights Advocates, Inc., we are committed to empowering families through compassionate, trauma-informed care. Our team is made up of experienced professionals with lived experience in the child welfare system, substance use recovery, and mental health advocacy. Learn more about the dedicated individuals who are here to help you navigate your path to reunification. Megan McCarthy, MSW Candidate CADC II, CRM II, QMHA I, CGRM, CGAC R, THW, PSS Executive Director and Founder Megan McCarthy is the founder and Executive Director of Family Rights Advocates, Inc. With a strong background in substance use disorders, mental health, and family advocacy, she created the organization to address the challenges parents face in navigating the child welfare system. Megan holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology with a focus on Crime and Delinquency from the University of Oregon, as well as multiple certifications, including Certified Recovery Mentor II (CRM II), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CADC II), and Peer Support Specialist (PSS). Her personal experiences within the child welfare system, combined with her professional expertise, drive her commitment to empowering families and creating systemic change. Megan is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Southern California, focusing on social change and innovation. Michael Konkolis, CRM Certified Recovery Mentor and Case Manager Michael Konkolis is a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) with lived experience in recovery and child welfare. Michael plays an active role in helping families rebuild stability and achieve reunification. His dedication to providing peer support and case management ensures that parents receive the advocacy and guidance they need to navigate their recovery journey successfully. Kristal Talmage, PSS, THW Youth Peer Support Specialist Kristal is a Youth Peer Support Specialist, certified as a Peer Support Specialist (PSS) and Traditional Health Worker (THW). She brings valuable lived experience in mental health recovery, helping young parents and individuals involved with child welfare. Kristal’s empathetic approach empowers parents to advocate for their families and successfully navigate the child welfare system. Dale Tilson, CRM Certified Recovery Mentor and Case Manager Dale Tilson is a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) and Peer Support Specialist with experience in both mental health and substance use recovery. His work focuses on providing trauma-informed, culturally sensitive peer support to parents involved with child welfare. Dale is dedicated to helping families access the resources they need to achieve reunification and long-term stability. Together, our team is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming environment where families can find the resources and guidance they need. We believe in the power of shared experiences and understand that recovery and advocacy are journeys best taken together. At Family Rights Advocates, we are committed to uplifting families, fostering resilience, and building a supportive community. Thank you for being a part of our mission!

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"As a parent who has personally experienced the challenges of navigating the child welfare system and who has worked alongside them in various roles for over ten years, I have witnessed firsthand the prejudices and injustices that can occur within this complex system. This personal connection fueled my husband and me to co-found Family Rights Advocates, INC, with a deep commitment to advocating for families and driving systemic change. However, Our mission extends beyond advocating for individual families; we are dedicated to contributing to a broader movement towards a fair and compassionate foster care system that prioritizes the needs and rights of children and their parents. We envision a just society where every family has the opportunity to stay connected and receive comprehensive support during times of separation."
-Megan McCarthy, MSW Candidate, CADC II, CRM II, QMHA I, CGAC-R, CGRM , PSS, THW Founding Executive Director