Cheryl Rathbun, former chief clinical officer, for Saint Francis Ministries, will be honored at KVC Health Systems’ 2023 Annual Celebration on October 19, at the Ball Event Center in Olathe, Kansas. Rathbun retired in July after a 45-year career in child welfare, spent almost entirely as a clinician with Saint Francis.

Throughout her career, Rathbun advocated for system level change – from starting the first adolescent inpatient sexual abuse program to training other service providers how to treat adolescent sexual abuse. During her career, she’s appeared on television forums; participated in the development and implementation of PRTF standards in Kansas; influenced development of Joint Commission standards for Foster Care homes, adoption and case management through an advisory committee; served on a task forces for the development and implementation of the privatized KanCare in Kansas and national standards in Child Welfare League of America; and authored multiple articles on the treatment of adolescent males.

KVC hosts the event each year to recognize individuals and organizations who have embodied the organization’s values. Rathbun will receive the KVC Values-Driven Partner Award, as representative of the value: “Our character is built on authenticity & compassion.”

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than Cheryl,” said Holly Dean-Osborne, Kansas vice president of permanency. “Her 45-year career at Saint Francis and in Kansas child welfare has embodied authenticity and compassion. For Cheryl, it was never a job; it was her calling, and she was great at it. I feel so fortunate to have had the privilege to learn and be mentored by one of the very best. Her legacy will live on for years to come.”