Spotlight on our Healthy Families Program Staff!
This Child Abuse Prevention Month, we would like to highlight the incredible efforts of our dedicated staff members from our Healthy Families programs. They go above and beyond to support young families in our region daily, and we cannot thank them enough for their unwavering commitment to our mission. Their hard work makes a difference, and we are honored to have them on our team!
Doreen Cole
Healthy Families Program Manager, Oneida County
What year did you start in the Healthy Families Program? 2016
What do you love most about your work?
I love the opportunity to prevent child abuse at work! It's incredible to be able to guide and support families, staff, and the community. I want to help people understand that poverty isn't just about the lack of material things but can also be the absence of love and nurturing. I'm here to listen, provide a safe space for people to tell their stories without feeling ashamed, and help them move forward in their healing journey. My own life experiences enable me to serve as a guide to others in a positive and impactful way.
What is one piece of advice you can share with someone interested in working with children and families?
The work is challenging but so incredibly worth it! Remember to create a safe place for others, truly listen, and believe in the families and children that you are working with. Sometimes, you may need to pause and see the child in the adult (parent) you are working with. Meet people where they are indeed. Be a light and a guide!
What fills your cup and brings you joy?
The little things (which are huge things), my family, sunrises, sunsets, shapes in the clouds, the night sky, a smile on someone's face, a child's laughter, a good book, my dogs, prayer, seeing the light come on in someone's eyes where there was darkness before, knowing that I tried my best today and that tomorrow I will try my best again!
Darby Davies
Healthy Families Family Resource & Support Specialist, Oneida County
What year did you start in the Healthy Families Program? 2023
What do you love most about your work?
I love seeing families grow stronger and children develop through our program.
What is one piece of advice you can share with someone interested in working with children and families?
Working with families and children brings countless rewards and benefits that surpass growth and development challenges.
What fills your cup and brings you joy?
I feel fulfilled when I witness families grow positively due to the support and information I offer during our meetings. Observing children grow up and assisting families to become stronger and closer to each other gives me immense joy.
Grace Fargas
Healthy Families Supervisor, Oneida County
What year did you start in the Healthy Families Program? 2012
What do you love most about your work?
I love helping families and children through the Healthy Families Program.
What is one piece of advice you can share with someone interested in working with children and families?
When working with families, it's important to remember that each person's journey is unique. It's crucial to be patient and trust the process.
What fills your cup and brings you joy?
It brings me great joy to know that I am capable of helping people and making a positive impact on their lives. Witnessing the happiness and contentment on the faces of the families I assist is truly rewarding.
Tammy Hall
Healthy Families Family Resource & Support Specialist, Oneida County
What year did you start in the Healthy Families Program? 2022
What do you love most about your work?
I enjoy building relationships and providing support to families.
What is one piece of advice you can share with someone interested in working with children and families?
This job is rewarding and can bring happiness and fulfillment!
What fills your cup and brings you joy?
My husband, children, stepchildren, family, friends, and pets bring me immense joy!
Colleen LaPlante
Healthy Families Family Resource & Support Specialist, Oneida County
What year did you start in the Healthy Families Program? 2022
What do you love most about your work?
I love waking up every morning knowing that my work positively impacts families in our community.
What is one piece of advice you can share with someone interested in working with children and families?
Empathy is a fundamental element of human connection, and it is crucial to embrace it.
What fills your cup and brings you joy?
Witnessing growth and excitement among the families we support in the home-based setting.
Kari. A Montes
Healthy Families Family Resource & Support Specialist, Montgomery/Schoharie Counties
What year did you start in the Healthy Families Program? 2022
What do you love most about your work?
What I love most about my job is seeing mothers and children grow alongside me.
What is one piece of advice you can share with someone interested in working with children and families?
It's important to keep an open mind and heart, as everyone has their struggles in life. Always be kind, as you never know what someone else may be going through.
What fills your cup and brings you joy?
Watching Moms gain confidence with their babies and in their own lives fills my cup!
Dr. Keiley Pfeiffer
Healthy Families Program Manager, Montgomery/Schoharie Counties
What year did you start in the Healthy Families Program? 2024
What do you love most about your work?
Maria Montessori once said, "The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six."
Through Healthy Families, we give back to our communities by building a solid foundation for children through establishing rapport and guidance with their families. It is in those small moments and core memories of milestones, achievements, and connection with families that we're given a snapshot of the change and difference we are making. . . and that right there is what it is all about!!
What is one piece of advice you can share with someone interested in working with children and families?
Each child and family will become a piece of your heart, and your life will be forever changed because you have been given the opportunity to meet them.
What fills your cup and brings you joy?
My family and three dogs bring me so much joy!! You will often see me in the community with my daughter, filling my cup by sipping coffee and shopping. I love listening to live music, running (marathoner), going to my family's camp, the smell of a crisp fall morning, the feeling of putting my feet in the sand, and the sound of laughter shared with my family and friends.
Katlyn VanDerVeer
Healthy Families Family Resource & Support Specialist, Montgomery/Schoharie Counties
How long have you been with the Healthy Families program? 2023
What do you love most about your work?
I enjoy helping people and watching children grow. It's rewarding to make a positive difference in the lives of some of these mothers. Sometimes, we are the only adult interaction they get. I also love uplifting and boosting their confidence.
What is one piece of advice you can share with someone interested in working with children and families?
Have patience! Everyone has a story, and you may not know their story. Give grace.
What fills your cup and brings you joy?
It's fantastic to hear the feedback from families about the positive impact of the Healthy Families program. Being part of their story is a privilege!