Kimberly Ann Towns

Degree:    Bachelor of Science
Major:      Family Social Science                                                 

Years in the Field:   2
Current Job Title:    Program Assistant of the Open Adoption/Pregnancy
                                Counseling Program
Organization:          Children's Home Society & Family Services

How did you find this job?
Looking on the Children's Home Society & Family Services website

Previous Job Titles and Organizations:
Children's Home Society & Family Services
        Program Assistant of the Individual & Family Counseling Program
University of Minnesota-- Twin Cities
        Intern Research Assistant, Minnesota/Texas Adoption Research Project
        Library Assistant, Biomedical Library

Please describe your job:
I supervise two Program Specialists; train Program Specialists and Open Adoption/Pregnancy Counselors in the legal process of adoption;   prepare legal paperwork for birthparents that choose to make an adoption plan; assess clients by phone, process intake and inquiries for people needing decision-making counseling around unplanned pregnancies;  prepare and maintain statistics for the Open Adoption/Pregnancy Counseling program; attend meetings and prepare documents for Council of Accreditation (COA).   

What from your undergraduate educational experience was most helpful in preparing you for this career?
The diverse courses taken throughout my college career were helpful because I was able to learn about different populations and cultures, which is very important in this career. Cultural backgrounds have a large influence on the decision making process when people are faced with an unplanned pregnancy. The courses also gave me an understanding of sexuality, drug/alcohol use as well as financial planning. These are three important topics that come up daily when assisting clients in the decision making process.

What is the biggest misconception about this occupation or field?
I think the biggest misconception about this field is that it will be easy to find a career you will want to go into. I loved the diverse classes but until I discovered my desire to work in adoption I had no clue what kind of career I would end up in. There are so many opportunities because the courses cover a wide range of topics.  What surprised me the most is how important it is to make connections with professors throughout your college experience. By keeping in touch with individuals that I learned from, I have great references that helped get me a job once I graduated. 

What advice do you have for current students?
Once you find a career you are interested in, try to get involved in the field as soon as possible. I utilized the internship requirement by getting involved in the Minnesota/Texas Adoption Research Project because I have always been interested in adoption work. The internship gave me a great background as well as work experience in the field that made it easier to get into Children's Home Society & Family Services.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Even though it is hard to start at the bottom, take the chance. I have moved into three different positions within the same organization in a short period of time. It isn't always fun to be at the bottom of the totem pole, but if you stick with it you can go places!