Prior to launching a private practice, I gained twenty years of progressive experience working to prevent and end youth and young adult homelessness, including direct service, nonprofit leadership, county government-based system change, and national movement building. Providing therapy and clinical supervision in this chapter of my career is a long-awaited dream, one where I wholly commit myself to the realization of the depth dimension within myself and others.
I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington in 2004 and have held my LICSW since 2009.
I identify as white, queer, cisgender, a student of the Christian contemplative tradition, and a mother. Woven into my work is a passion for children, my faith in the spark of love present in all people, and my own profound human vulnerability. I am committed to advancing justice in my community, both with my family and in my work.
I spend as much time as possible on the Salish Sea with my family and our old sailboat.
Experience
Megan Gibbard Kline has twenty years of progressive experience working to prevent and end youth and young adult homelessness. She has been nationally distinguished as a leading and credible voice on youth homelessness.
Career Highlights
Founding Director of A Way Home America (AWHA), a national initiative launched in 2016 to build a movement to prevent and end homelessness among youth and young adults in the U.S.
Envisioned, developed, obtained full funding for, and launched the Grand Challenge to End Youth Homelessness, the only national effort at its time dedicated to ending homelessness in 10 communities among LGBTQ youth and youth of color.
Fully reconstituted the 30+ member national AWHA Board of Directors to ensure 51% board membership by young people with lived experience of homelessness.
Intentionally transitioned AWHA Directorship to a younger generation of leaders with lived experience of homelessness.
Two-time keynote presenter on youth homelessness at White House Youth Homelessness Briefings [2016, 2015].
Led the development and launch of Coordinated Entry to housing for young people experiencing homelessness in King County (Seattle), Washington.
Eliminated all but two of the most restrictive eligibility requirements in publicly funded young adult-specific housing in King County.
Retain a fundamental belief in our ability to end youth homelessness across the United States.
Education & Certifications
2009 | Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, State of Washington
2004 | Masters in Social Work, University of Washington School of Social Work
2002 | BA, American Cultural Studies, Fairhaven College at Western Washington University