Kenny is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) and co-owner of Crow River Family Services (CRFS), a mental health agency based in Litchfield, Minnesota. Kenny is the CEO/CFO of Crow River Family Services and the Program Director of Hooganaga Family Farms.
In June of 2010, he received the National Association of Social Worker’s (NASW-MN) Paul & Sheila Wellstone Social Justice Award for his work and advocacy with vulnerable populations and local foods. Kenny works with at-risk youth utilizing creative, experiential interventions which foster increased social competencies for youth experiencing impairment as a direct result of a mental health disorder. He is a professional trainer addressing various areas related to adolescent mental health issues, program development, parenting, boundaries and ethics, experiential-based social skills education, etc.
Kenny grew up on his family farm where his family has been since 1875. He learned a great deal about how the ingredients in life’s recipes affect everyone differently. On numerous occasions his family hosted youth and adults from the inner cities of Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, and different parts of the world where he was exposed to other’s cultures and many challenges others may face. During his undergraduate studies he worked in a hospital mental health unit, group homes, and as a Certified Nursing Assistant at several nursing homes. After graduating with a B.A. in Psychology from St. John’s University, Kenny went on to work extensively in residential treatment and hospital settings for at-risk youth including the Wilder Foundation in St. Paul, Catholic Charities St. Cloud Children’s Home, Rivendell, the St. Cloud Hospital, and others. He has worked in direct care, supervisory, and administrative roles in the human services field for over twenty-five years and is a member of the NASW MN Chapter and the Minnesota Social Services Association (MSSA).
Kenny is also an accomplished singer and songwriter and toured the United States for nearly three years and at times shared the stage with bands such as Kansas, REO Speedwagon, the Little River Band, .38 Special, and others. Kenny lives in central Minnesota with his wife Joni and family and is passionate about family, farming, gardening, local foods, hunting, camping, music, writing, and education.
