Early Childhood Development

I serve as the Director of Prevention, overseeing programs that support families and promote positive early childhood experiences. I am a graduate of Old Dominion University with extensive experience in family-centered prevention services. 
The Up Center’s mission aligns with my core values, and I enjoy witnessing families grow in confidence and resilience. Fun fact: I am a former Parents as Teachers program participant myself, bringing a personal connection to my work. 

I manage and supervise the Healthy Families program, supporting staff and families to promote positive early childhood experiences and nurture relationships. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work and have over 20 years of experience in family support services. 
Working at The Up Center gives me the opportunity to help families create safe, healthy environments where children can thrive. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, and spending time with my family.

Sabrina is the Outreach Coordinator for Foster Care and Adoptions. She joined our foster care team in 2019. She is a native of Hampton Roads and has served our community for over 15 years. She finds it very rewarding to connect children with loving families.

I provide administrative and data management support for the Parents as Teachers program, ensuring records are complete, accurate, and compliant with program requirements. I bring extensive experience in scientific writing, data tracking, and program evaluation, helping maintain program quality and accountability.

I’m motivated by the people we support and by knowing that the information I manage helps demonstrate our impact. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is remembering that each data point represents a real family receiving life-changing services. Outside of work, I’m a stage manager, teacher, and set director for a local children’s theater program and camps.

I empower parents to be their children’s first teachers and best advocates through the Parents as Teachers program, offering home visits and educational resources. For the past seven years, I have dedicated my career to strengthening families and early childhood development. 
What motivates me most is seeing families thrive and build strong, nurturing relationships. A fun fact about me is that I love spending time outdoors gardening and creating DIY projects.

As a Parent Educator, I provide families with guidance and information to help strengthen relationships and support healthy child development. With over 15 years of experience providing community-based family support, I bring a deep understanding of what families need to thrive.

Working with families—strengthening and supporting them—is what motivates me most. I enjoy meeting new families, helping reduce stress in their lives, and seeing them feel more confident as parents. Outside of work, I have two golden retrievers and love crafting.

As a Prenatal Parent Educator with Parents as Teachers, I support expectant parents with education and resources that promote healthy pregnancies, positive birth experiences, and strong parent-child relationships from the very beginning.

Working at The Up Center gives me the opportunity to help families grow, learn, and thrive. The greatest joy in my work is seeing families discover their strengths and confidently model the love and skills that shape a child’s future. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and close friends, and I enjoy gardening.

As a Senior Parent Educator, I provide in-home education and support to families, promoting early childhood development and positive parenting strategies. With 19 years of experience as a community support worker, I bring deep knowledge and compassion to my role.

I’m motivated by helping families grow and seeing parents light up when their child reaches a new milestone. I’m especially proud of the smiles and joy that come with progress. Outside of work, I love to cruise and spend time enjoying new destinations.

I manage and supervise the Healthy Families program, supporting staff and families to promote positive early childhood experiences and prevent child abuse and neglect. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work and have over 20 years of experience in family support services. 
Working at The Up Center gives me the opportunity to help families create safe, healthy environments where children can thrive. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, and spending time with my family.

As a Family Resource Specialist, I’m responsible for program outreach, initiating services, and supporting families as they engage with early childhood programs. I’m a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a background in child development and family engagement.

The ability to reach and work directly with families in the community motivates me every day. I love being able to support parents early on as they navigate parenthood and help children grow and thrive. Outside of work, I’m a plant enthusiast who especially loves tropical plants.

I serve the families of Norfolk from prenatal care through early childhood, offering home visits and support that promote positive parent-child relationships and healthy development. I’ve been in the early childhood field for more than a decade, supporting families through education and guidance.

What keeps me motivated is knowing that the support I provide helps parents build strong, nurturing foundations for their children’s futures. Seeing families reach milestones and thrive together is the most rewarding part of my work.

I work with families in their homes to build strong, healthy parent-child relationships and support children’s developmental progress. I’m a certified facilitator in Mothers and Babies and Nurturing Parenting programs and bring specialized experience in early childhood development.

I’m motivated by knowing that the services we provide make a lasting difference for families. I especially enjoy building relationships that support the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of parents and children. Outside of work, I love exploring new coffee shops with my husband.