Matthew Caywood is a dedicated social worker and tireless advocate for those facing adversity and disadvantage, particularly children and families in need. After retiring as the child welfare administrator in El Paso County, Colorado, Matthew brought his expertise to academia, serving as MSW Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor at CSU Pueblo. Matthew’s journey in social work began with a Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky, followed by a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Denver. His commitment to professional growth and development is further underscored by his licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado. For more than 25 years, Matthew has been shaping the next wave of social workers through his engaging and insightful teaching of MSW graduate courses. Hailing from Kentucky, he brings with him a deep-rooted sense of community and a determination to amplify the voices of those often overlooked in child welfare redesign efforts. Matthew continually strives to create a world where every child and family, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive.
In 2026, Foster America marks a decade of building an alternative to a child welfare system rooted in crisis—and proving that families thrive when support comes early, with dignity, and led by community.
