NERCRD November Webinar: Healthy Grandfamilies and Kinship Care
October 23, 2025
- Date: November 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. ET
- Register here.
Want to know more about supporting grandfamilies in your neck of the woods? Join us to hear how West Virginia State University’s Healthy Grandfamilies program educates, supports, and empowers grandparents raising their grandchildren, particularly in rural West Virginia communities. This one-hour webinar will highlight the Healthy Grandfamilies program, the Caring for Our Kin curriculum designed by Penn State and WVU Extension, and real-world insights from a county coordinator who is making a lasting impact on families.
Our Presenters
Hanna Thurman, MSW, LCSW, MPA
Interim Director, Center for Healthy Grandfamilies, West Virginia State University Extension Service
Hanna Thurman is Interim Director of the Center for Healthy Grandfamilies at West Virginia State University Extension. Hanna has a dual master’s degree in public administration and social work and is a licensed social worker in WV. Her professional background includes roles with the West Virginia University School of Social Work, the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services, the West Virginia Geriatric Education Center, and the West Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Across these positions, she has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults and supporting the professionals and families who care for them.
Amy Young
Grandfamilies Educator, Center for Healthy Grandfamilies, West Virginia State University Extension Service
Amy Shawver has been an Extension Educator for the Healthy Grandfamilies Program at West Virginia State University since January 2022. Before her role as an educator, Amy held several positions for the West Virginia State University Research and Development Corporation.
Amy graduated from West Virginia State University in 2004. In addition to her role as an Extension Educator, she also teaches her two children, who attend homeschool. Her goal is to continue providing support, advocacy, and education to grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.
Julie Bolin
Extension Instructor, West Virginia University Extension, Healthy Grandfamilies County Coordinator, Tyler County, WV
Julia Bolin (Julie) is an Extension Instructor with WVU Extension, serving in the Family and Community Development Unit with responsibilities in Agriculture & Natural Resources and 4-H & Youth Development. She has an AAS in Culinary Arts; a RBA with a minor in Communication, and a MA in Corporate & Organizational Communication. Julie delivers programs throughout Tyler County West Virginia that reach both youth and adult audiences. One of her key programs is coordinating the Healthy Grandfamilies and Kinship Care support group that meets monthly.