Carol Byers is the Equity and Community Partnerships Administrator for the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), serving the Racial Equity and Social Justice Division.
In 1996, Carol began working for Washington State Children’s Administration (currently DCYF) as a Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Worker. She went on to work as an Adult Protective Services Social Worker, Psychology Associate, Advocacy Program Manager, Equity Diversity and Inclusion and Respect Facilitator, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Administrator.
Advancing racial equity, social justice and facilitating healing-centered strategy speaks to the heart of her career and community service. Carol has a passion to reduce the stigma of mental illness for present and future generations by serving on the board for the Washington State National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where she chairs the equity, diversity, and inclusion work. Carol utilizes her skills in professional mediation as she works with community partners, stakeholders and organizations concerning the well-being of children, youth, families, and vulnerable adults.
Carol has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial & Environmental Health from Ferris State University, a Master’s in Guidance & Counseling from Eastern Michigan University and earned a Certified Professional Executive designation from the Society for Diversity. She is most proud of her family and is married to a 28-year Army veteran, has two adult children, and a 10-month-old granddaughter named Zaela Ann.