Healthy Families

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.

I work to increase awareness of the need for foster families and connect the community with resources and support. I hold both a B.S. and MPA and bring over 20 years of experience in social services and program coordination. 
My motivation comes from helping families build connections and seeing communities grow stronger through support and education. I love being able to make a meaningful impact on children and families.

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.

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 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.