Growing up in Milwaukee’s 53206 ZIP code, I was fortunate to experience the stability and encouragement of a strong, supportive family—something I know many foster youth don’t have. This foundation gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams, and it also opened my eyes to the deep, unmet needs in my community. I saw how life-changing support could be, and it fueled my determination to make a difference for at-risk youth.

After earning my Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and later a Master of Social Work from UW-Milwaukee, I founded Revive Youth & Family Services in 2010 to create safe, structured environments for foster children. My mission was simple: to give young people a stable foundation to build their lives, no matter where they started.

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Over the years, this work has only deepened my commitment to foster care reform. I’ve seen the challenges that foster youth face and how trauma-informed care can be a transformative approach. I’m passionate about equipping foster care professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to create nurturing, empowering environments.

Through Crystal McClain Consulting, I share the insights I’ve gained over two decades as a social worker, trainer, and advocate, working to bring compassion, resilience, and hope to the foster care system. For me, this isn’t just a career—it’s a calling to help every child feel valued, supported, and ready to thrive.