Evangeline Watanabe began her role as Statewide Handle with Care Coordinator in March
2022. She completed her undergraduate education at Covenant College in Economic
Community Development in 2012. She has a Master’s in Social Work from the University of
Tennessee with a concentration in organizational leadership. She also earned certificates
in Human Services Management, which is a graduate-level certification from the Network
for Social Work Management and Supporting Students Exposed to Trauma from the 3C
Institute.
Evangeline’s work experience has ranged from case management to policy and procedure
development for both corporate entities and non-profit organizations.
Since 2022, the Handle with Care program has grown from 16 counties to over 75+
counties in various phases of implementation across the state of Tennessee under
Evangeline’s leadership. Her effective partnership building, technical skills, and training
have contributed to the program's exponential growth, positioning her as a subject matter
expert nationally