When you started with La Plata Family Centers Coalition and why you enjoy working here:
I started working at the Family Center of Durango in August 2010.  I feel so blessed to be part of such an amazing organization.  I am excited to work in the early childhood field, providing educational and developmental services to children and their families.  How wonderful to be involved with programs that recognize the importance of infancy and early childhood, as these ages set the stage for all future development and academic success!

Best family memory:
My best family memory would have to be the game nights that my mom, dad, big brother, and I would have every week when I was growing up.  It was a tradition.  My parents would make sure that we took time out of our busy, activity-filled schedules to spend together as a family – with no outside distractions.  I remember this made me feel special to have the attention of my parents as well as maintain the bond that we shared (and continue to share) as a family.
I have continued the tradition with my own daughter.  I hope she is able to have similar fond memories of the time we spend together during our family nights.

Programs responsible for:
Early Childhood Programs:
Colorado Bright Beginnings
Parents As Teachers (PAT)
Love and Logic
Developmental playgroups
Tumbling Tots classes
Literacy bag lending program
Community Playroom

When you started with La Plata Family Centers Coalition and why you enjoy working here:
I began August 2008.  I enjoy working in a place where so many different people can feel welcome.  It has been inspiring to get the opportunity be a part of people’s lives at different stages in their journeys.  I get to meet and connect with new, young mothers and fathers who have so many questions, and I get to learn from the wisdom of families who have already raised their children.  I get to share information with families in their hard times and support and encourage them as they reach their goals, and I then get to see those same families return to give back to this community.  Most of all, I enjoy being part of a community where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their potential!

Best family memory:
One of my most memorable family moments occurred when I was 8 years old.  I had two younger siblings at the time, and my mother and father had decided to become foster parents.  I remember that summer afternoon so clearly: the doorbell rang, my mom went to answer it, and moments later, in walked a woman carrying a small, smiling little girl.  She placed her on a blanket on the floor in the living room while my family crowded around to ooh and ahh over our new baby sister.  At that moment, my safe, nuclear little family opened its doors to a world that I hadn’t known existed.  I looked upon that beautiful little girl, and I felt the sadness and pain that exist in a world where not all children have parents that can care for them…
Since that moment, my family has continued to foster (and adopt!!) children.  I am the oldest of 6 (my youngest 2 sisters were adopted), and I know that my early experiences of living with and caring for children from all kinds of backgrounds has inspired me to continue to reach out and do what I can to make this world a place where a little bit less of that sadness and pain affects the individuals that live here.

Programs responsible for:
Family Support, Latino Outreach and Safe Exchange

When you started with La Plata Family Centers Coalition and why you enjoy working here:
I started working at the Bayfield Family Center as a volunteer in August of 2007 and then became the Coordinator that November.  I love working at the Family Center because I am surrounded by great kids and parents.  I also love feeling a connection with the community.

Best family memory:
My best family memory is my wedding day in August of 2008.  I was surrounded by the friends and family that I love and who were there to witness the beginning of my new family with Cyler, my husband.

Programs responsible for:
The Bayfield Family Center provides an After School Enrichment Program as well as a Summer Fun Program.  We also offer a program titled Jammin’ Juniors for babies/toddlers and their caregivers that is held at the Library on Mondays and Wednesdays.  We also provide Bright Beginnings visits in the Bayfield and Ignacio areas.  Finally, we serve as resource and referral for the community.