Robena Spangler

Robena Spangler currently serves as the Senior Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion of Apis Services, Inc. In this position, Ms. Spangler works to promote a culture where individuals from all racial and ethnic identities, ages, nationalities, social and economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religious, political and ideological perspectives, and physical and mental abilities are able to thrive and be engaged. Ms. Spangler also leads training programs to enhance employee understanding on inclusions and diversity topics.

Ms. Spangler has spent over 30 years working in a variety of child welfare settings and programs in various roles that include protective services, foster care, juvenile justice, direct care, management, program and staff development. She spent a majority of her career working as a cross-systems (child welfare/juvenile justice/ mental health) expert at NHS Human Services (now called Merakey). The implementation of evidence-based programs and services was one of Robena’s primary roles while with the organization. Ms. Spangler was instrumental in the successful implementation, growth and management of five (5) evidence-based programs during her tenure at NHS. Robena continued her children, youth and families’ focused work at RCPA (Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association) where she served as the Children’s Division Director. Her duties included state and federal advocacy work, lead facilitator of the Children’s Steering Committee and strategic planning for providers.

Ms. Spangler previously served as the Bureau Director of Child and Family Services in the Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF) with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). In this role, she provided supervision of regional staff across the Commonwealth and provided direct oversight of licensing, inspections and investigative procedures. Prior to joining Apis Services, Robena was an Outreach Specialist at PA Health & Wellness (Centene) where she supported efforts to identify vital community resources for older adults who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare.

Robena has a passion for working with others who are interested in self-awareness and personal growth. Her most recent focus included working with organizations who have committed to enhancing their work related to DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion). She serves on the Board at Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) and is the Chair of the Anti-Racist Ad hoc committee. She strives to improve systems and the people within systems through principles of Transformational Leadership.