LuAnna Handley is the Youth Program Coordinator at NAMI KDK, bringing a diverse background in education, advocacy, and social work. With a culinary art degree, an early learning teaching certificate, and a CDL license, LuAnna has worked across multiple field, always with a focus on service. Her journey in social work is deeply personal - having witnessed family members struggle with mental health and addiction, including the devastating loss of her brother, she is committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in underserved communities. 

LuAnna's advocacy began as a teacher at a migrant Head State program, where she worked closely with families facing hardship. Growing up in low-income housing with ten siblings and continuing to experience the challenges of under-resourced communities, she understands firsthand how systemic barriers impact families. In 2022, she founded a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering children and families in underserved communities through safe environments, acceptance, and transformative experiences that foster long-term prosperity. 

Set to earn her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in May 2025, LuAnna plans to begin her Master of Social Work (MSW) in the fall. Her goal is to provided mental health services that address the stigma in communities of color, where children are often labeled as "bad" rather than receiving support for social-emotional, language, and educational development. Recognizing the important of both verbal and nonverbal communication, she emphasizes dignity, autonomy, and respect in her work. 

LuAnna is dedicated to upholding social work ethics, including integrity, respect for diversity, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. Through her work at NAMI KDK, she strives to create a more informed and compassionate community, ensuring that young people and families have access to the resources they need to heal and thrive.