Sommer Purdom

Sommer has spent more than 20 years working in the realm of child welfare for state and tribal child welfare agencies. Through her personal experience as a child brought up in the child welfare system, direct work with children and families, policy writing and implementation, multi-disciplinary work with community partners, tribal code research, grant development and management, data management system development and implementation, training development and presentation and Title IV-E, she has witnessed the strengths and areas for opportunity of the many facets of child welfare organizations. Her comprehensive view of systems combined with her professional experience help meet her personal goal of creating more inclusive systems designed to battle against social injustice for the enhancement of the lives of children, families and communities. Sommer understands that positive connections and trauma-responsive systems provide a strong foundation on which healthy communities are built. She is eager to provide her knowledge around trauma-responsive systems to child-serving agencies used to create an authentic connection between agency and community. She believes that empowering individuals and families can make a positive impact on their lives and the communities in which they live. Outside of work, Sommer enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. She cherishes being a mom and feels it is one of her most rewarding roles. When she is not courtside, on a ball field or attending one of her kids' academic functions, she can be found in the gym. Sommer believes physical health directly correlates to positive emotional and psychological health. 

BBA, Accounting, Northeastern State University MSW, University of Oklahoma

MSW, TPC, TICC