Kaylin T.D.

I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public health, and my passion has

always been giving back to people in need. That purpose led me to disaster case

management, where I can help others rebuild their lives.

Why This Work Matters

Shared Harvest’s focus on addressing health disparities, supporting vulnerable communities,

and building networks of care aligns perfectly with my background and my passion for helping

people. Their mission mirrors the work I’ve done in public health and case management and

reflects my personal belief that communities thrive when we look out for one another.

On culturally responsive care: It means seeing each person through the lens of their culture and

community, not just their situation. Culturally responsive, community-rooted care is about

respecting people’s identities, listening to their voices, and making sure that support is shaped

around what is meaningful to them and their community.

Connection to Altadena

I also love how Altadena blends historical roots with a diverse culture. From its historic

neighborhoods to the community events that bring people together, Altadena has a welcoming

spirit that honors the past but embraces growth and connection.

Meaningful tradition: Octavia Butler's burial. She’s one of my favorite authors and was also in

my sorority.

In my work: Altadena has a long history of community strength and cultural belonging, and that

inspires the way I serve families. I focus on building trust, understanding each family’s unique

background, and connecting them to resources in a way that reflects the inclusive and

community-centered values.

A Defining Moment

One moment that solidified why this work matters to me happened during the fires, when I was

serving as the sole case manager for a nonprofit called Noah’s Foundation. I was supporting

families who had lost everything—helping them find emergency housing, gathering essentials

like clothes and diapers, and doing everything I could to provide comfort during a traumatic time.

There were nights when I barely slept because my heart was breaking for the families who had

been displaced. But those long nights also reminded me that this work is about so much more

than providing resources—it’s about showing up with compassion, stability, and hope when

people feel most vulnerable.

How this shapes my work: That experience shaped the way I show up for families today. It

taught me to be patient, present, and deeply human in my approach. It showed me the impact of listening, advocating, and staying committed, even when circumstances are overwhelming. And it reaffirmed that being in this line of work isn’t just a job for me—it’s a calling to serve with empathy and dedication.

Vision for the Future

My hope for Altadena: I hope to help create a more resilient and connected Altadena, where

every family feels supported, seen, and empowered to thrive even in times of crisis. By

strengthening access to resources, building community trust, and fostering collaboration across

organizations, I hope our work can help families recover more quickly from disasters and

challenges while also strengthening the long-term wellbeing of the community.

What I hope families feel: I hope families feel truly heard, supported, and understood after

working with our Care Management Network. I want them to feel empowered to rebuild their

lives with dignity, confident that they have a trusted advocate by their side who will connect them to the resources and guidance they need. Ultimately, I hope they leave the experience feeling less alone, more resilient, and more hopeful about the future.

Bringing to the Work

Strengths: I bring strong professional and personal strengths to this work, including a bachelor’s

and master’s degree in public health and hands-on case management experience with Mental

Health of America. I’m also deeply rooted in community service through my sorority, where we

focus on giving back and connecting people to needed resources. These experiences have

strengthened my cultural awareness, empathy, and commitment to supporting people during

difficult times.

On collaboration: Being part of a network of care managers means working together to create a

safety net for families who need support. It’s about collaboration, shared resources, and making

sure that no one falls through the cracks.

Beyond the Work

What brings me joy: My family, my dog, my best friend, and God.

Favorite genres: Thriller

When not volunteering: Traveling and dancing

Fun fact: I used to be a professional ballet dancer.

Words I live by: "I live by the mantra: ‘Still I rise,' from Maya Angelou’s poem. It keeps me

grounded, reminding me that no matter the challenges, I will continue to grow, overcome, and

thrive."