Helping Children Thrive: Taylor McDonald’s Mission

A deep passion for helping children is held by only a few and being able to connect with and support them is a special gift. However, Taylor McDonald is that very person. McDonald is an advocate for children across North Carolina and works as the Partnership Engagement Manager at Prevent Child Abuse NC (PCANC). The vision of PCANC is that all children grow up in safe, stable, and nurturing families and communities. Because of her impact and outreach, McDonald recently received the CALS Outstanding Young Alumni Award, a prestigious award given by NC State University!

McDonald studied and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State University in 2013. She continued her education by obtaining a Master’s degree from NC State in Youth, Family, and Consumer Sciences (YFCS) in 2018. While at NC State, McDonald found a love for and interest in supporting children, families, and communities. Dr. Kimberly Allen, Dr. Annie Hardison Moody, Dr. Sarah Kirby, Deidra Craig, and Bria Sledge are among the staff and peers at NC State that McDonald mentioned assisted her along the way. McDonald credits her degree from NC State in helping her get to where she is today! She thoroughly enjoys working with children, helping to meet their needs, and promoting education, play, and safety within their environments. McDonald finds much fulfillment in her work, saying “I believe we can learn so much from children and families, and learning from others has enriched my life!”  

McDonald’s work responsibilities consist of facilatating the training for the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework throughout the state, conducting the Connections Matter training (as a certified trainer), coordinating the PCANC’s Prevention Action Network (PAN), building the Community Prevention Action Plans, and nurturing relationships with their prevention partners throughout the state. In her role, she connects with stakeholders and surrounding communities to collaborate with counties across North Carolina. McDonald is also a Children’s Trust Fund Alliance Certified Strengthening Families Protective Factors trainer and Certified Standards of Quality trainer through the National Families Support Network and Registered Behavioral Technician. Her mission is to ensure that child maltreatment prevention is a priority for NC and that all communities have the knowledge, support, and resources to prevent child abuse and neglect. 

McDonald says that it is her parents that inspire her every day in work and life. “They have taught me how to go after what I want in life, not to give up, and to have grace with myself when I fall.” Her parents have also instilled within her integrity that helps her overcome life’s obstacles. McDonald says her parents taught her that it’s important to listen, express empathy, and be true to herself and to others- all of these are instrumental in her line of work.

McDonald plans to continue working as a Partnership Engagement Manager at PCANC. She loves her job and working with her team and prevention partners throughout the state. McDonald hopes to finish her PhD within the next five years and is considering teaching part-time at the university level. She also has big plans for her home life as she and her husband hope to become parents (along with having more fur babies) in the next few years! They are looking forward to giving Emmy, their Plott Hound, a sibling or two!

McDonald is beyond passionate about helping children and families thrive while prioritizing their lives and safety. Without a doubt, she is making the world a better place. McDonald believes that “if we all work together, we can make the world a safer place for all children to thrive.” If you want to make a difference and get involved with McDonald’s organization, you can visit their website! McDonald can be found on Linkedin.