SHELBY CATHEY, MSW
Shelby was born and raised here in Bakersfield, attending North High School. She has always dreamt of working in a field where she can help others, which she initially believed was the medical field. She quickly realized while attending University of California, Santa Barbara, that her natural bent towards social justice would take her far in a different field.Shelby graduated from UCSB in 2021 with her Bachelor's in Sociology, and in May 2024, she received her Master's in Social Work from Cal State Bakersfield. Shelby has had the pleasure of holding numerous titles at Bakersfield Angels since starting as a Case Management Intern in January 2021. She is so grateful to be a part of this fast-growing, passionate, hard-working team, who have chosen to dedicate their time and energy towards changing the way children, youth, and families experience foster care here in Kern County. Shelby has a deep passion for loving every single human no matter their circumstances, and she brings this big heart into her work every day. In her current role as Program Development Director, Shelby is committed to diving deeper and building a space where every single child, youth, and caregiver feels seen and supported throughout their foster care journey. Her first project: a self-love group for our young girls to build their confidence and belief that they are worthy of all things good in this world. Shelby has huge dreams for her future in this role, and can’t wait for all that’s to come. ‘Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.’ -French Proverb |