Research & Evaluation
Informal Kinship Care in Minnesota: A Pilot Study
Title IV-E Curriculum Module
Suggested Guest Speakers
Priscilla A. Gibson, Ph. D., L.I.C.S.W.
Associate Professor
University of Minnesota, School of Social Work
pgibson@che.umn.edu (612)
624-3678
BIO: Dr. Gibson is a licensed Independent Clinical Worker, has an extensive social work practice experience, and teaches social work practice courses. She has been conducting research studies on kinship caregivers since 1993 and has served as Principle Investigator for six research projects on relative caregiving. She is the author of numerous articles on kinship care. She is currently a member of the Minnesota Kinship Caregivers’ Board of Directors.
Sharon R. Olson
Kinship Caregiver Elk River, MN
Sharonolson1@msn.com (763)
441-7091
BIO: Mrs. Olson is a grandmother caregiver and has vast knowledge about practical and legal issues in kinship. She worked towards the development and passage of the Minnesota Defacto Custodian Guardianship Bill. As an advocate for relative caregivers, Mrs. Olson is current with state and national social policies that affect relative caregivers. She holds members in the Minnesota Kinship Caregivers’ Board of Directors and the National Committee of Grandparents for Children’s Rights (Based in New York). She has presented at numerous state and national conferences about kinship care.