The Archdiocese of Hartford has named Kathleen Nowosadko as its new director of Safe Environment, which is a program designed to protect children from all types of abuse – sexual, verbal and psychological.
Nowosadko will be responsible for the appropriate screening and training of clergy, religious,
18, and who have regular contact with children, to complete the “Safe Environment” curriculum. There is a curriculum for adults, and one for
children. The adult’s program includes a background check and the completion of a “VIRTUS” training session on sexual abuse awareness. The children’s curriculum the, “Child Lures Prevention Program” is offered through Catholic schools and religious education classes, and teaches children how to identify potential predators. Both programs are strictly monitored throughout the
Archdiocese as a way to keep children safe.
She will also provide on-going education and child protection programs as well as
compliance with all reporting requirements.
According to former Safe Environment Director, Sister Mary Kelly, CSJ, Nowosadko’s background as the Director of Religious Education in Glastonbury for nine
years, her role as a substitute teacher for students in kindergarten through eighth grades, and her business experience as an insurance claims
representative, gives her the knowledge and understanding necessary to be successful in this position.
Kelly, who led the Safe Environment Program for 10 years, will remain at the Archdiocese as its Victim Assistance Coordinator and Director of the Office for
Religious.
Nowosadko, a native of Connecticut, is looking forward to continuing the work she did on a
local parish level, and expanding it to the archdiocesan level.
"I love being in the ministry of educating people, and making them aware of how to
keep our children safe. It’s critical that the Church’s guidelines on protecting children be followed precisely and I’m here to administer that,” said Nowosadko.
Nowosadko has a Master in Education degree from the University of Saint Joseph in West
Hartford, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Marymount College in New York.
She lives in Glastonbury with her husband, and two sons who attend college.
