We recently sat down with Children's Trust Board Chair, Kate Haranis, to learn more about her journey with Children’s Trust, the opportunities ahead and how the community can help advance this critical work.

1. How did you first connect with the Children’s Trust, and what inspired you to accept the role of board chair? 

My first introduction to the Children’s Trust came many years ago at a gala event, thanks to Anne Bailey Berman, who was on the board leadership team (and whose company was my husband’s first employer!). Over the years, I stayed connected on the periphery, always cheering on the work and occasionally weighing in with communications and outreach ideas.  

When my first son was born, I had that aha moment that almost every parent knows so well—I TRULY understood just how hard parenting is, even when you have every card in the deck stacked in your favor. I reached out to the then-executive director, Suzin Bartley, for advice on how someone like me could do my part to make a difference for all the kids across Massachusetts, not just my own. That conversation led to my first role on the board, supporting communications and marketing efforts. I’ve been all in ever since. Whatever this team asks of me, I will say yes if I can. 

2. What are your key goals for the Children's Trust during your tenure as board chair? 

My top priorities are centered on accelerating our impact. The idea of opportunity cost—of all the families and kids we’re not yet reaching—keeps me up at night. We know what works to prevent child abuse and neglect, but knowing it belies the incredible challenge of changing the many interlocking systems to implement that knowledge at scale.  

That's why as board chair, I’m focused on supporting staff in key areas: moving faster to expand our reach, deepening collaboration with stakeholders across the Commonwealth, and making sure our efforts are inclusive so we can effectively support all of the many families who call Massachusetts home.  

3. What do you see as the greatest challenges and opportunities ahead for the Children's Trust? 

The challenge that underscores all other challenges is the complex, interconnected web of issues families face—mental health, economic pressures, and the sheer challenge of navigating systems that have their roots in penalizing families for poverty instead of providing supporting. 

The Children's Trust is uniquely positioned to be a bridge-builder, fostering collaboration among state agencies, community organizations, funders and most importantly, FAMILIES, to create systemic change. 

4. Which initiatives are you most excited about, and how can the community help further their success? 

I’m very excited about the development of our Training Institute. The Children’s Trust has long been recognized as an exceptional training resource for children and family-serving professionals across the Commonwealth. Building on that core strength in the coming years will be transformative.  

Consolidating and expanding our efforts through the Training Institute will allow us to both deepen and scale our reach—not just by supporting professionals who directly serve children and families, but also by influencing the systems that surround those professionals. I truly believe this program will make changes in profound ways, creating ripple effects that will uplift countless families across Massachusetts. 

5. What’s your message to supporters about the future of child wellbeing? 

My message is simple: This work is urgent, and it’s possible. “Preventing child abuse and neglect” sounds so massive and overwhelming, but we actually know what families need. With support from donors, agencies, professionals and people like you, the Children’s Trust can continue to work toward a future where every child can thrive.