Nicholette Smith-Bligen, LICSW, LCSW-C is a nationally recognized leader and advocate whose 25-year career has been defined by one unwavering mission: improving the lives of children, youth, and families in underserved communities. She joined St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families in October 2025, bringing transformative expertise across child welfare, behavioral health, housing, and systems reform.
Most recently, as Senior Director of the Technical Assistance Unit at Casey Family Programs, Nicholette drove systemic improvement and transformation of child welfare systems at the national level. Prior to that, as Vice President of the District of Columbia region for Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas, she led critical work in behavioral health and homelessness in Washington, DC. Her career also includes influential leadership roles in local and state government — experience that gives her a rare, multi-sector perspective on the systems that shape families’ lives.
Nicholette holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Administration of Justice from Virginia State University and a Master of Social Work from Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work. She is clinically licensed in both Maryland and the District of Columbia, and holds an Executive Certification in Municipal Management from George Washington University’s Center for Excellence in Public Leadership. She actively serves on boards, service committees, and task forces committed to advancing equity and opportunity.
Of all her roles, none has brought her greater joy than being a devoted mother to her four adult children.
