Board Member Spotlight: Meet Joe — Champion for Kids & Families in Crisis
If you’ve spent any time in Richmond, you know this city has a way of calling people home — and no one knows that better than Joe. Originally from Blacksburg, VA, Joe has found himself living in RVA not once, not twice, but three times. “It just keeps pulling me back,” he jokes. And lucky for us, because his return has brought a passionate new advocate to Better2gether.
Joe’s career has always been rooted in helping children with disabilities and behavioral challenges — work that inspired him to pursue both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in social work at VCU. That path eventually led him to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond, where he has been for the last seven years, five of those serving as the medical social worker in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
In the PICU, Joe works closely with children and caregivers facing some of the most emotionally and logistically challenging moments of their lives. His role blends therapeutic support, crisis navigation, and coordination across the multidisciplinary medical team — all while keeping the needs of families at the center.
“I feel extremely fortunate to assist in what are often the most difficult moments of kids’ and caregivers’ lives and to be part of a truly stellar medical team.”
Joe first learned about Better2gether through someone he deeply respects — friend and colleague Dr. Kelly Lastrapes — and instantly connected with our mission.
“I’ve been thrilled to discover the breadth and depth of B2g’s commitment to kids and families who often find themselves overwhelmed with limited resources and no roadmap on how to navigate a complicated medical diagnosis.”
Now a brand-new Better2gether Board member, Joe hopes to serve as a bridge: raising community and medical-system awareness of our work and connecting more families to the support they deserve.
Serving on a Board is new territory for him — and yes, Joe, we’ll happily capitalize the B! — but he’s approaching the role with his signature blend of curiosity, dedication, and heart.
“I’m hopeful that the relationships I cultivate with families and medical providers will facilitate greater connection and expand the positive impact of Better2gether in the community.”
What’s Joe most excited about right now? The launch of Better2gether’s sibling support program and the new group for male caregivers.
He sees firsthand the strain that extended hospital stays place on the entire family — especially siblings and fathers who often feel the pressure to stay “strong” while quietly carrying their own emotional burden.
“Siblings of kids with complex medical conditions occupy a uniquely difficult role that deserves recognition and support, and I’m always in favor of creating space for guys to bro-out over shared experiences they may otherwise not feel comfortable talking about. That B2g sees and is responding to these needs is inspiring.”
We’re grateful for Joe’s compassion, expertise, and renewed roots here in Richmond — and we’re thrilled he’s chosen Better2gether as part of the community he cares for so deeply.
Welcome to the Board, Joe. We’re lucky you keep finding your way back home.