Anne Ballard obtained her Master’s degree from the University of La Verne in May 2000. She began her career in August 2000 as a child welfare case carrying social worker. In 2014, Anne was promoted to a Training and Development Specialist for the County of San Bernardino Performance, Education and Resource Centers (PERC). In this role, she developed and facilitated/trained curricula for all levels of staff on a wide range of topics related to child welfare policy and practices. After retiring from the County in 2023, Anne seamlessly transitioned into a Contracted Service Provider for the Academy,
As an adoptee herself, Anne brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She understands the complexities of foster care and adoption experiences. As a woman of color, she brings an important perspective on identity, culture, and intersectionality. These experiences allow her to approach difficult and sometimes uncomfortable conversations with empathy, authenticity, and a commitment to fostering understanding and meaningful change.
Anne takes great pride in her knowledge of emotional intelligence; her ability to recognize the fundamental human need for most people to want to feel seen, heard, valued, and supported. She believes these qualities are essential to the work of child welfare professionals.
In June 2025, Anne further expanded her professional development by earning a Coaching for Life and Work Certificate from the University of California, Davis. In addition to currently developing curricula and facilitating a host of trainings, Anne also provides coaching services to child welfare staff to partner with them as they apply their skills, navigate challenges, and grow both personally and professionally.
As an extreme advocate for self-care and work/life balance, Anne enjoys spending quality time with her children, grandchildren, husband and her dog “Ginger”. She also enjoys traveling Internationally and taking long walks in nature.
