[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 50 (Thursday, March 19, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING KAITLYN BERLETH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 2026

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor one 
of my constituents, Kaitlyn Berleth, Therapist and Lead Clinician at 
You Thrive Children's Advocacy Center, for her exceptional service to 
some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Ms. Berleth has 
made a profound and lasting impact on the lives of child abuse victims 
through compassionate, skilled, and trauma-informed therapeutic care. 
In her role, she provides ongoing trauma therapy while also delivering 
critical crisis intervention services--offering immediate emotional 
support and stabilization to children and families during some of the 
most difficult moments they will ever face, Her calm presence, clinical 
expertise, and unwavering professionalism create a safe and steady 
environment in times of acute distress.
  Kaitlyn approaches each child with patience, empathy, and clinical 
excellence, meeting them where they are emotionally and 
developmentally. By utilizing evidence-based trauma therapy techniques, 
she helps children build healthy coping skills, emotional regulation, 
and resilience--tools that positively shape their lives far beyond the 
therapy room. In addition to serving children, Ms. Berleth provides 
therapeutic support to adult survivors of sexual abuse. She fosters an 
empowering and respectful space where individuals can process trauma, 
reclaim their sense of agency, and move toward long-term healing. She 
also offers vital guidance and reassurance to caregivers, helping 
families navigate the complex journey of recovery. Families 
consistently express gratitude for her compassion, professionalism, and 
steadfast commitment.
  Mr. Speaker, the strength of our Nation is reflected in professionals 
who dedicate their lives to serving others with integrity and 
selflessness. Kaitlyn Berleth embodies the mission of You Thrive 
Children's Advocacy Center and the highest ideals of community service. 
It is clear that her work has made an extraordinary and deeply positive 
difference in countless lives. For these reasons, I am proud to 
recognize Kaitlyn Berleth as a 2026 Hero Among Us for Florida's 12th 
Congressional District and commend her for her outstanding service.

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