Christina believes she's capable of anything. In fact, she believes we all are. Her life’s work revolves around showing other people how to harness this very confidence.
Christina’s knowing was instilled in part by her Italian family. Quick to celebrate each other and their heritage, whether over twice-weekly homemade sauce or during a less expected moment, Christina’s parents, especially, always made sure she knew her value as a person.
Another big influence? Madonna. Growing up in upstate New York, Christina loved that Madonna’s music was empowering, advocating — pushing against societal norms. The music resonated, lifting Christina up, reflecting how she felt (and feels) about life on most days: Resilient, strong, optimistic. Christina has always wanted those around her to feel equally grounded and empowered. After rising from front line caseworker to Executive Director over her twenty year career with DCS, and now as an independent consultant and Co-Founder of Affinità, she’s always finding new ways to do exactly that.
Christina Rosato
“Whether it's advocating for racial justice, gender equality, or rights for LGBTQ2S+ people, I'm always looking to challenge the status quo.”
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Christina co-created AWAKEN, a practice that takes people from automatic thinking to intentional decision making. There is bias in every person, every system. AWAKEN gives people the tools to improve systems by starting with themselves.
“I believe in teamwork — that working in teams results in better outcomes across the board. We are always better together.”
With all she’s accomplished while working in Child Welfare, Christina is most proud of an award she received as a front line caseworker. The staff and students at the local alternative school nominated her for the annual Hero Award, which was given to someone in the community each year — someone who went above and beyond for the students.
While Christina knows she can do anything, there’s nothing she’d rather do than this, her life’s work. Christina’s most fundamental belief is that we choose our own lives. Through both the work and the life she’s created, Christina is living her truth, today and every day.
On weekends, you might find Christina lounging (if it’s warm a pool is involved), shopping, or enjoying brunch with friends. Even heroes need days off.
“I believe in teamwork — that working in teams results in better outcomes across the board. We are always better together.”
Jordan Constantine
Jordan knows there are (at least) two sides to every story. And that the saying home is where the heart is can mean more than one place. After growing up in the UK, part of his heart still resides on the east coast in Brighton. But Jordan has done plenty of growing stateside too.
Jordan mastered the skill of listening early on. Not only to people, but to how people listen to other people. And, how they don’t. After more than twenty years working in child welfare in both the United States and United Kingdom — in front line roles and continuing into leadership — all of Jordan’s work weaves around a common thread: Opening more eyes, ears, and hearts to the voices, perspectives, and possibilities in others.
Jordan is doing work today that, years ago, could’ve helped both himself and others see and accept him for who he was. For who he is. At age 41, Jordan claimed his identity as a transgender man.
“Gender transition was less about changing from one thing to another and more about allowing who I already was to emerge fully. Improvement work is like that in many ways — we can't see what's in front of us because of how it's always been.”
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As a consultant and Co-Founder of Affinità, Jordan teaches others to embrace change. He is a vision keeper, helping people uncover invisible problems they’ll encounter while working toward a vision. Along the way, he grounds the vision by building relationships — to the vision, and among people themselves. He wants every voice to be heard and valued. All of the time.
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“I have lived experience of our systems. I've had a social worker. I’ve experienced trauma. I know what it is to feel daunted by change.”
Jordan believes everyone is doing the best they can. And, that we all do better with people and in places where we can be our whole, authentic selves. Jordan co-created AWAKEN, a practice that takes people from automatic thinking to intentional decision-making. When people, teams, and systems can recognize bias, each can act in ways that see beyond it.
Jordan’s proudest work includes setting kids, families, and caseworkers up for greater success and safety, advocating for LGBTQ2S+ youth, and transforming failing group homes into quality, affirming placements. Today he proudly serves on the board for a Nashville-based nonprofit, supporting its vision to foster a community where all people identifying as LGBTQ2S+ can connect and thrive.
When he’s not helping the rest of us see more of what’s possible, Jordan can be found hugging his dog (most likely), writing a haiku, looking for vintage treasures, standing in awe of nature, or sharing good food and even better stories with his people.