Sara M. Kirkland
Sara Kirkland is a Lead Case Manager with Lane County Government in Oregon, specializing in developmental disability services for individuals and families. With approximately seven years of experience in case management and leadership, she oversees a team of case managers while ensuring high-quality service delivery for clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her work includes crisis consultation, care coordination, and collaboration with community partners to strengthen client outcomes.
In addition to her direct service responsibilities, Sara has played a key leadership role in developing and implementing onboarding and training programs for new case managers. She created a comprehensive onboarding mini-series designed to standardize training and improve staff preparedness across the agency. She is also known for her person-centered approach, including designing individualized one-page profiles that help families better understand and support the children she serves.
Sara’s career began after a period as a stay-at-home mother, followed by volunteer work with Special Olympics that inspired her transition into social services. She entered case management during the COVID-19 pandemic, gaining experience in a fully virtual service environment before advancing into leadership in 2022. She is now preparing to transition into coaching work focused on supporting parents of neurodivergent children and families navigating high-conflict custody situations, combining her professional expertise with lived experience as a parent.
• University of Oregon – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
• Influential Women 2026
• Influential Women Network
• Special Olympics coaching
• Sexual Assault Support Services (SAS)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the incredible mentors and managers I have worked with throughout my career, who have supported my growth and development in case management. I also attribute my success to my two neurodivergent children, who are my greatest motivation and grounding force. They have taught me to prioritize what matters most and shaped how I balance my personal and professional goals.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that I can have a successful career, make a meaningful difference in my work, and still be a great mom.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to recognize that life seasons will sometimes require them to pivot and prioritize family needs, and that this does not diminish their career aspirations. It’s important to also pursue personal goals so children can see that their caregivers are individuals with dreams, identity, and purpose beyond parenting.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include high caseload complexity, extensive administrative and Medicaid documentation requirements, limited service capacity for certain populations, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 shift to virtual service delivery. At the same time, there are strong opportunities to improve onboarding systems, strengthen training programs, and develop more accessible, child-centered support tools for families.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My most important values are family-first decision making, empathy, and service to others. I prioritize creating environments where children feel seen, heard, and supported, and I strive to ensure that my work aligns with my sense of purpose. My children remain at the center of both my personal and professional life, guiding my decisions and long-term goals.