A little over six months ago, CLC’s Lexington office reopened with two attorneys, Tiffanie Tagaloa and me, marking a renewed and intentional presence for the organization in Central Kentucky. During CLC’s 37-year history, the Covington office has consistently been recognized for its leadership in youth advocacy. Yet, as the needs of young people across the Commonwealth have grown more complex, it has become increasingly clear that many families outside the reach of the Northern Kentucky office were attempting to navigate legal and administrative systems without consistent access to representation or guidance.
Reinvesting in the Lexington office is our answer to that gap. It signals CLC’s commitment to be more accessible for young people in Kentucky who need representation by a guardian ad litem in protection order, high-conflict custody, or criminal matters, or who require assistance with protecting their education rights.
Building a foundation
From day one, Tiffanie and I have focused on building relationships with the people and systems that shape a young person’s daily life. We have met with judges, social services agencies, school districts, court personnel, and community partners across all regions of the Commonwealth. These conversations have been essential in raising awareness of our services and, perhaps more importantly, ensuring that youth and families know they have access to advocates.
We have also quickly learned to be creative in how we approach cases. Particularly in education matters, we have embraced virtual participation to ensure that distance does not become a barrier to representation. Whether joining ARC meetings remotely or coordinating with families and school districts, we have prioritized flexibility so that where a child lives does not automatically preclude the representation that can remove barriers to a young person’s health, safety, and success. One parent in a rural county told us, “I’ve been fighting so hard to get my children the supports they deserve, but when you got involved it was a game-changer.”
That groundwork is already producing meaningful results. In just six months, the Lexington office has served clients in 27 Kentucky counties. We have supported families in highly populated counties such as Fayette and Jefferson, while also serving youth in rural counties such as Bath, Ballard, Caldwell, and Pike. These efforts have reached a total of 134 youth, expanding CLC’s impact deeper into the Commonwealth than ever before, particularly in communities where legal resources are limited and where a single advocate can make a transformative difference.
Stories demonstrating the impact
One young person in a rural county had gone through the entire school year without a clear understanding of how to access the educational assistance they needed. When the student was referred to us, the whole family shared that they felt lost and unsure how to navigate the system or who to ask for help. We intervened quickly, coordinated with the district, and ensured the student received the services and supports they were entitled to. It was a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful change begins with simply showing up and listening.
Another young person first came to CLC through a protection order case, where we were appointed as guardian ad litem to help ensure their voice and best interests were represented. As we got to know the youth and family, it became clear that the challenges they were facing extended beyond the courtroom. The student had experienced significant disruptions in school and was struggling to access appropriate supports. Because we had already established trust with the family, we were able to continue our advocacy after the court matter concluded, assisting with school meetings, communicating with district personnel, and helping secure services tailored to the student’s needs. What began as representation in the courtroom evolved into a broader effort to promote the young person’s long-term stability and success, demonstrating how legal advocacy can open the door to support in other critical areas of a child’s life.
Another parent told us, "Kim and Tiffanie have been the best! I am so grateful for the hard work, time and patience they dedicated to helping me get a better result than I expected for my son.”
Plans for continued growth
As our work has expanded, so has our team. We are thrilled to announce that we have entered into an agreement with Louisville’s Helmers+Associates, specifically Melina Hettiaratchi, to collaborate on certain education law cases arising in Jefferson, Nelson, Hardin, Oldham, and Bullitt Counties. Tiffanie and I have also been delighted to add Corye Parrish, a rising 2L at the University of Kentucky, and Minhal Nazeer, a rising junior at Georgetown University to our ranks this summer. Their energy, curiosity, and commitment to public interest work have already strengthened our capacity to serve youth across the Commonwealth. We’re excited, too, to fulfill the promise we made at the beginning of 2026: to hire a third person in Lexington, marking the largest team we’ve ever had to invest specifically in Central Kentucky and beyond. We are looking forward to student externs joining us in the fall to support further expansion and reach.
As I reflect on these first six months, I am continually reminded why this work matters to me. I grew up in rural Rowan County in a family with limited financial resources, and I saw firsthand how difficult it can be to overcome socioeconomic and other barriers. However, my mother, a social worker who served families in Eastern Kentucky, instilled in me a belief that the path to a stable future starts with education and, in pursuing this future, children deserve our support. As a classroom teacher and coach, I witnessed the profound difference that caring adults can make in a young person’s life when they feel seen, heard, and supported. Those experiences continue to inspire my work at CLC and shape my vision for the Lexington office. While building a new regional presence has come with challenges, it has also reinforced my belief that geography should never determine a child’s access to justice or opportunity. I am excited about the future of the Lexington office and the opportunity to expand our reach, deepen our partnerships, and ensure that more young people across Kentucky have someone in their corner when they need it most.
Author: Kim Reeder joined the Children’s Law Center in December 2025 as the Director of the Lexington office. With nearly two decades of experience in large law and accounting firms, Kim shifted her professional focus in 2017 toward teaching and coaching. She has taught a range of subjects in Rowan County, Covington, and through the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program. In addition to her teaching, Kim coached the Rowan County Senior High School speech and debate team to multiple state championships and dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours helping students craft and refine college application and scholarship essays. Before joining CLC, she served as Practice Operations Director for Baker McKenzie’s global Tax Practice group in Washington, D.C.
Kim holds a joint J.D./M.P.P. from the University of North Carolina and Duke University, as well as a B.A. from Yale University.
