Laura Kistler-Brown, who serves as an in-home social worker in the Child Protective Services unit of Dare County Social Services, has been named Dare County’s December Employee of the Month.

The award was presented by Chuck Lycett, Director of Social Services with the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services during the Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting held Monday, January 5, 2026.

In her role as an in-home social worker, Kistler-Brown works closely with families following findings of abuse or neglect when there are moderate to high risks to the safety and wellbeing of children in the home. Through frequent, often weekly, contact she focuses on strengthening families by prioritizing child safety, providing support, and connecting families with community resources. Her work plays a critical role in reducing risk and preventing children from entering foster care whenever it is safe to do so.

Chuck Lycett (left) presents a certificate to Laura Kistler-Brown (right) during the Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting.

Families served through Child Protective Services often experience rapidly changing circumstances, where even sustained progress can be disrupted by new crises. For more than a year, Kistler-Brown has been the unit’s only in-home social worker, managing the workload typically handled by two social workers while continuing to meet rigorous state documentation and reporting requirements.

Kistler-Brown is widely recognized for her warm, understanding approach that helps parents feel comfortable, even in situations where services are not voluntary. She is open and honest with families, even when conversations are difficult, and her genuine care and concern foster trust and cooperation.

Her dedication frequently extends beyond regular business hours. Kistler-Brown routinely meets with families in the evenings and on weekends while also balancing the needs of her own family, including a high school–aged child.

Image of Laura Kistler-Brown with her Dare County Department of Social Services colleagues who attended the presentation.

In addition to her work with families, Kistler-Brown is a valued colleague who takes time to check in with coworkers and support her team. Her compassion and ability to connect with others are evident in everyday interactions. During one home visit, one of Kistler-Brown’s colleagues witnessed her providing comfort and guidance to a new mother with a colicky newborn; in another instance, she created a scrapbook for a child on her caseload to commemorate the child’s first summer camp experience.

“Laura represents Dare County extremely well,” Lycett said. “Her dedication, empathy, and commitment to strengthening families make a lasting difference in our community.”

Please join Dare County in congratulating Laura Kistler-Brown, Dare County’s December Employee of the Month.

Laura Kistler-Brown holds her Employee of the Month certificate.

For more information about the services provided by the Dare County Department of Health and Human Services, please visit DareNC.gov/Health.