Katie Swanson came to Bethany House in August of 2023 as executive director, having over 20 years of experience in human services focused on emergency housing in Nassau County.
Katie’s prior position was as deputy director of emergency housing at the Nassau County Office of Housing/Department of Social Services.
Katie earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University’s School of Social Work and a master’s degree in clinical social work from Adelphi University’s Graduate School of Social Work.
Her extensive experience is an asset to Bethany House in providing emergency shelter and transitional services (including financial literacy, women’s empowerment groups, and case worker support) to the women and children it serves in an effort to end the cycle of homelessness.
Bethany House provides a safe place for healing and personal growth for women and women with children experiencing homelessness. It is built on a foundation of community support to provide a continuum of care, from uncertainty to stability.
Through our partnerships, we provide the women in our programs with trauma-informed services, in-house and community-based health services, and case management focused on securing educational and employment growth opportunities and a path to permanent housing and self-sufficiency.
We strive for our guests and their children to experience a sense of self-worth and belonging in response to their experience with our dedicated staff and volunteers.
Under Katie’s direction and guidance, Bethany House ensures that there is a place for those most vulnerable. Through her thoughtful and strategic planning, she has grown the services and support for women and children while maintaining the founding principles of Bethany House.
Katie’s years of experience and in-depth knowledge have solidified her as a trusted and valued asset. Katie is able to identify, analyze and resolve issues through her critical thinking and resourcefulness.
She understands the importance of fostering and maintaining relationships to better serve the needs of each individual and has cultivated a team that truly cares.
Most importantly, Katie’s innate kindness towards others and passion for what she does deserve to be recognized. She has inspired so many, and her work has most certainly made an impact.
Katie’s advice to business leaders is: “Always keep your vision in mind, talk to people, learn from everyone you encounter and never sacrifice your integrity”
