Powered by Purpose: TFI Honors Denise Gibson’s Lifelong Commitment to Kansas Children and Families
Child Welfare Workforce Month spotlights a 42-year career of service
Topeka, Kan. (September 10, 2026) – During Child Welfare Workforce Month, TFI Family Services (TFI) is recognizing the professionals whose experience, compassion and commitment strengthen Kansas children and families. Among them is Denise Gibson, director of learning and development, whose 42-year career has been devoted to helping children, supporting families and equipping the people who serve them.
Denise’s Background
Gibson’s path into child welfare began after coursework in juvenile law and child development redirected her original college plans. She later completed bachelor’s studies in crime and delinquency studies and Spanish and pursued graduate research in human development, with an emphasis on training, evaluation and consultation. After beginning at TFI as a foster care case manager, she built a career helping foster and adoptive families make informed decisions and strengthening child and family well-being programs across multiple states and agencies.
Denise’s Purpose
“What keeps me connected to this work is seeing people who experienced foster care reach their personal and professional goals,” Gibson said. “Their stories can be hard to hear, but the way they overcome adversity and give others hope is a powerful reminder of the impact child welfare professionals can make.”
Her influence has extended beyond her day-to-day leadership. In 2025, Gibson received the Exemplary Service to Children and Families Award at the 49th Annual Governor’s Conference for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. Her acceptance message reflected the focus that has guided her career: “It’s not about titles or accolades, it’s about impact.” She was also recently named the recipient of Mainstream Nonprofit Solutions’ Herb Callison Award, which recognized her lifelong dedication and transformational leadership in child welfare.
“Denise has dedicated her career to making child welfare systems stronger for both families and the professionals who serve them,” said Melissa Briggs, chief administrative officer. “Her knowledge is exceptional, but what stands out most is how generously she shares it. She develops people, builds confidence and keeps the focus where it belongs: on better outcomes for children and families.”
Denise’s Defining Moment
Gibson’s work has included guiding foster and adoptive parents, mentoring adults who experienced foster care and helping agencies build trauma-informed and culturally responsive training. She also cites her childhood in a small Kansas community, where she watched her parents, who owned a local grocery store, quietly help neighbors in need, as an early example of compassionate service.
“I love seeing the compassion people bring to their jobs and how that compassion can make a huge impact on children,” Gibson said. “This work is about helping people feel supported, prepared and hopeful.”
Gibson has impacted thousands of lives during her 42-year career and still remains in contact and connected with many of the former youth and families she’s worked with. Gibson’s story of dedication and service is one of many that demonstrate the purpose and impact of child welfare professionals across Kansas. Whether supporting families directly, preparing staff, advocating for children or strengthening community partnerships, these professionals help create pathways toward safety, stability and hope.
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TFI is a leading child welfare agency providing experience, compassion, quality services, and care. We have more than 60 years of experience strengthening families. We provide various services to the community, including foster and kinship care, case management, adoption, clinical and behavioral health, prevention and family preservation, residential, and numerous other child welfare services.
