Kids who Care: the Impact of Early Caregiving Responsibilities

Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD, is a nationally recognized advocate and pioneer for caregiving youth, whose groundbreaking work has reshaped the understanding of young caregivers' challenges and contributions. Educated at prestigious institutions including Johns Hopkins University, New York University, and Lynn University, Connie’s doctoral research unveiled the hidden epidemic of youth caregiving among students in Palm Beach County, Florida. In 1998, she founded what is now the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), launching impactful initiatives such as the Caregiving Youth Project, which provides direct support to caregiving students, and the Caregiving Youth Institute, which drives research and advocacy in this critical area. A prolific contributor to caregiving publications, Connie’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Ashoka Fellowship, the Purpose Prize, and the Distinguished Alumna Award from Johns Hopkins University. Named a Top Ten CNN Hero, she has also been honored with a star on Boca Raton’s Walk of Recognition and a faculty appointment to the RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council. Through her innovative leadership, Connie continues to inspire change and uplift the voices of caregiving youth across the nation. #CaregivingYouth #YouthCaregivers #CaregivingMatters #FamilyCaregiving #YouthAdvocacy #CaregivingHeroes #AmericanAssociationofCaregivingYouth #CNNHeroes #AshokaFellowship #PurposePrize #CaregivingSupport #CaregivingAwareness #RAISECouncil #EarlyCaregivingImpact #CaregivingEducation