Dr. Martha Mattingly, Professor Emeritus of Applied Developmental Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, died on February 4, 2013. Martha leaves a legacy which contributed to the development of the Child and Youth Care profession in significant ways. Among her contributions is leadership in writing and implementing the Association of Child and Youth Care Practitioners (ACYCP) code of ethics and the landmark competencies which serves as the basis for national certification process for child and youth care practitioners.(Copies of the Journal of Child and Youth Care Work, Vol.24, which contains the competencies can be ordered through web site: www.nrcys.ou.edu/journal or www.nrcys.ou.edu. For international orders or information, e-mail Jean Carpenter at [email protected]. ) Martha served on the FICE ethics committee and published and presented at numerous local, national, and international conferences.
Martha received numerous awards for her pioneering work. The Martha Mattingly Scholarship was established by the Association of Child and Youth Care Practitioners to support leadership development for early career professionals, a realm in which she had taught and mentored many local and national leaders in our profession. Should you wish to contribute to the Martha Mattingly Scholarship: Mattingly Scholarship Fund; c/o The Academy of Competent Youth Work; 1701 Southwest Parkway, suite 113; College Station, Texas 77840 or electronically: www.cyccb.org/support.
Martha lived what she professed. Her belief that we DO ETHICS in our profession reflects her commitment to applying theory to practice. She also clearly stated that those who are in child and youth care need to take care of self to be competent in caring for children, youth, and families. Martha was an avid learner. She continued to take short term courses on a wide range of topics until her health did not allow. Martha was involved in her community. She sang in her church choir and served on many community based boards. She modeled a balance of professional and personal life balancing.
Those who knew Martha knew a person of dignity with a wonderful wit and sense of humor. She cared deeply about her chosen profession. Her legacy to our profession and, thus, to making our world a better place for all children and youth is to be treasured. Join us in celebrating the incredible life of Martha Mattingly.