Melissa Whitaker

Melissa Whitaker is the Assistant Director of the Training Resource Center at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, where she provides strategic and operational leadership for multiple sponsored programs focused on workforce development, training, and addressing service gaps to improve outcomes for children and families. In this role, she oversees multidisciplinary teams, manages complex contracts and budgets, and collaborates closely with university leadership and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services to advance statewide initiatives, strengthen the child welfare workforce, and ensure programs are aligned with evolving community needs.

With more than 20 years of experience spanning child welfare, higher education, and community-based services, Melissa brings extensive expertise in integrating research, program evaluation, and training to inform current practice and enhance service delivery. She previously served as Clinical Faculty in the College of Social Work for over 13 years, where she taught across undergraduate and graduate programs, supported student recruitment and retention, and contributed to curriculum development aligned with workforce needs.

Melissa began her career in direct practice as a Social Service Clinician with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, where she provided protective services, conducted complex assessments, and supported families involved in the child welfare system. This foundation in direct practice continues to inform her leadership and collaboration to guide the design and implementation of programs that respond to identified needs of children, families, and the child welfare workforce.

She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Kentucky and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Morehead State University.