Press Alert: AACY National Advisory Council Member Maria Miranda, LMSW, Advocates for Caregiving Youth at Prominent Conferences
April 08, 2025

The American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) is proud to celebrate the impactful work of Maria Miranda, LMSW, a member of our National Advisory Council. Last week, Maria shared her powerful story as a former child and young adult caregiver at two caregiver conferences, addressing social workers and case managers on the realities faced by millions of Caregiving Youth across the U.S.

At JASA’s Caring for the Caregiver Conference on Friday, organized by Lori Hardoon, LCSW, and Maria Lever, LCSW, and the Reimagining Resilience: Caregiver Mental Health Symposium on Saturday, hosted by Dawn E. Shedrick, LCSW, Maria opened up about her journey caring for her grandparents—a role that shaped her life and career. Her presentations highlighted the challenges of at least 5.4 million young caregivers and the critical need for support to help them thrive as both caregivers and individuals with their own dreams.

Maria’s heartfelt talks, supported by mentors Tara Anglim, EdD, LCSW, ACHP-SW, and Dawn E. Shedrick, LCSW, resonated deeply, sparking audience engagement and requests for collaboration to better serve caregiving kids in communities nationwide. “Talking about my experience isn’t easy,” Maria shared, “but it’s a story I have to tell to shed light on these young heroes.”

AACY is honored to have Maria’s voice amplifying our mission. Her recent efforts follow her Social Work Month appearances in March, where she inspired attendees with insights from her lifelong caregiving journey and her work to drive awareness and legislative action for Caregiving Youth.

Thank you, Maria, for your dedication—and to her fellow caregivers, mentors, and community for their unwavering support. We look forward to her continued impact!