After learning about a couple concerning symptoms, Sarah made a suggestion about health monitoring. And then she gave her most important advice, which she gives to all pregnant mothers with symptoms.

“Your doctor wants to know.”

Sarah’s own experience informs the way she cares for other expectant mothers. While pregnant with her first child, Sarah struggled with symptoms that, when she mentioned them to others, were dismissed.

“I’d be like, ‘Oh, okay, I’m being dramatic,'” she said. “It turns out, a lot of my symptoms led to preeclampsia.”

Though she doesn’t share her personal medical journey with parents until after they’ve given birth, she does allow it to serve as a reminder that people may need encouragement to speak up about their symptoms.

This particular mother took her advice to heart, following up with her doctor. Intervention swiftly followed, with ultimately positive outcomes for both mother and baby.

The significance of the partnership between parent educator and mother couldn’t find a better illustration. The soon-to-be mom, though still growing up herself, wanted to learn everything she could in preparation for motherhood.

“She wanted to be the best mom she could be,” Sarah said. Though she lacked the support she needed at home, she found in Sarah someone she could turn to.

“It’s definitely a privilege,” Sarah said of the opportunity to participate so deeply in the lives of families.

Before joining Parents as Teachers, Sarah and her husband served as foster parents, caring for 13 children over the course of three years. Through this experience, as they worked hard to partner with the families of their foster children, she observed firsthand the need for connecting families lacking in support to the community resources available to them.

“Some of the families [whose] kids came into our home, they loved their kids deeply,” she said. “They just didn’t have a support system.”

Now the chance to make those connections counts as one of her favorite parts of her role. Initially drawn to the job posting because of the schedule – which aligns with the school calendar the rest of her family follows – after 1.5 years in the position, Sarah now feels she’s found her ideal role.

“It’s so much fun,” she said, “but then it’s so meaningful and impactful, too.”

Sarah envisions herself educating children and families this way for the long haul, imagining the children she cares for today becoming parents of their own whom she might also have the chance to serve.

“That’s something for me to look forward to.”

Generation after generation, one piece of advice at a time, she’s ready to build strong communities, thriving families and children who are healthy, safe, and learning.

After learning about a couple concerning symptoms, Sarah made a suggestion about health monitoring. And then she gave her most important advice, which she gives to all pregnant mothers with symptoms.

“Your doctor wants to know.”

Sarah’s own experience informs the way she cares for other expectant mothers. While pregnant with her first child, Sarah struggled with symptoms that, when she mentioned them to others, were dismissed.

“I’d be like, ‘Oh, okay, I’m being dramatic,'” she said. “It turns out, a lot of my symptoms led to preeclampsia.”

Though she doesn’t share her personal medical journey with parents until after they’ve given birth, she does allow it to serve as a reminder that people may need encouragement to speak up about their symptoms.

This particular mother took her advice to heart, following up with her doctor. Intervention swiftly followed, with ultimately positive outcomes for both mother and baby.

The significance of the partnership between parent educator and mother couldn’t find a better illustration. The soon-to-be mom, though still growing up herself, wanted to learn everything she could in preparation for motherhood.

“She wanted to be the best mom she could be,” Sarah said. Though she lacked the support she needed at home, she found in Sarah someone she could turn to.

“It’s definitely a privilege,” Sarah said of the opportunity to participate so deeply in the lives of families.

Before joining Parents as Teachers, Sarah and her husband served as foster parents, caring for 13 children over the course of three years. Through this experience, as they worked hard to partner with the families of their foster children, she observed firsthand the need for connecting families lacking in support to the community resources available to them.

“Some of the families [whose] kids came into our home, they loved their kids deeply,” she said. “They just didn’t have a support system.”

Now the chance to make those connections counts as one of her favorite parts of her role. Initially drawn to the job posting because of the schedule – which aligns with the school calendar the rest of her family follows – after 1.5 years in the position, Sarah now feels she’s found her ideal role.

“It’s so much fun,” she said, “but then it’s so meaningful and impactful, too.”

Sarah envisions herself educating children and families this way for the long haul, imagining the children she cares for today becoming parents of their own whom she might also have the chance to serve.

“That’s something for me to look forward to.”

Generation after generation, one piece of advice at a time, she’s ready to build strong communities, thriving families and children who are healthy, safe, and learning.

A Story With HeART: Substance Use Transformation in Appalachia

In the Appalachian region of Ohio where affiliate staff Christina Coulter serves, it seems like everyone knows someone who struggles with substance use.

“We’re all in it together,” she says, including the parent educators. “They all have their own personal stories.” This shared experience uniquely positions her staff to serve their community.

About 116 families participate in Parents as Teachers services through the affiliate where Coulter serves. She assesses that substance use accounts for one of the primary reasons these families are first connected to services, considering factors downstream of the experience—children in CPS, children who were born addicted, and grandparents raising children.

A Story With HeART:
Substance Use
Transformation
in Appalachia

In the Appalachian region of Ohio where affiliate staff Christina Coulter serves, it seems like everyone knows someone who struggles with substance use.

“We’re all in it together,” she says, including the parent educators. “They all have their own personal stories.” This shared experience uniquely positions her staff to serve their community.

About 116 families participate in Parents as Teachers services through the affiliate where Coulter serves. She assesses that substance use accounts for one of the primary reasons these families are first connected to services, considering factors downstream of the experience—children in CPS, children who were born addicted, and grandparents raising children.

When Parents as Teachers connected with this particular mother, she was newly clean and staying in a sober living home while a family member cared for her infant child. Parents as Teachers services began even before she was reunited with her child and continued as she began the reunification visits.

Coulter recalls challenging moments in the mother’s journey as she faced dejection and despair. “And then it was like month after month we saw this progression,” Coulter said. She wanted to learn everything she could, even before she had her child back again.

Now, this program graduate has a job, an apartment, and custody of her child. And behind her, she has a team of Parents as Teachers staff cheering her on, celebrating her story and the future she’s creating.

Journeys like this one – and futures like these – spark the fire for the HeART initiative, inspiring research and development to ensure that the families in Coulter’s region and around the world have the tools and support they need to move forward.

Thank you to the Elevance Health Foundation for the generous grant that makes this initiative possible,

When Parents as Teachers connected with this particular mother, she was newly clean and staying in a sober living home while a family member cared for her infant child. Parents as Teachers services began even before she was reunited with her child and continued as she began the reunification visits.

Coulter recalls challenging moments in the mother’s journey as she faced dejection and despair. “And then it was like month after month we saw this progression,” Coulter said. She wanted to learn everything she could, even before she had her child back again.

Now, this program graduate has a job, an apartment, and custody of her child. And behind her, she has a team of Parents as Teachers staff cheering her on, celebrating her story and the future she’s creating.

Journeys like this one – and futures like these – spark the fire for the HeART initiative, inspiring research and development to ensure that the families in Coulter’s region and around the world have the tools and support they need to move forward.

Thank you to the Elevance Health Foundation for the generous grant that makes this initiative possible,

Reach New Heights

For an average of 2,000 attendees from across the globe, the Parents as Teachers annual conference signals an important value: continually sharpening home visiting skills, so that every family in every corner of the world experiences the very best service possible.

If you’re a home visitor considering attendance, explore the conference here! If you’d like to invest in the work of serving families and children by sponsoring this educational opportunity, learn more about that here.

Reach New Heights

Reach New Heights

For an average of 2,000 attendees from across the globe, the Parents as Teachers annual conference signals an important value: continually sharpening home visiting skills, so that every family in every corner of the world experiences the very best service possible.

If you’re a home visitor considering attendance, explore the conference here! If you’d like to invest in the work of serving families and children by sponsoring this educational opportunity, learn more about that here.

A Global Group, Together In One Room

State and country office leaders oversee the growth and quality of Parents as Teachers services across the globe. They serve the “visionary professionals” of which Gully spoke, so that parent educators can serve families. In addition to sessions given by senior leadership on topics like strategy and marketing, attendees also shared their own practices with one another, providing insight into specific methods for common responsibilities.

“I’m so excited,” said Delores Rock, Parents as Teachers State Co-Leader for South Carolina. “I cannot wait to get back and share [what I took away] with supervisors and parent educators.”

On the heels of these two days, it was time for the Parents as Teachers National Center staff to take their turn at two annual in-person meeting days.

With an agenda centered around R.I.S.E. – Resilience, Innovation, Strength, and Elevation, teams discussed topics ranging from identity and constructive communication to strategies for optimizing efficiency through artificial intelligence.

Preston Benally, who recently stepped into the newly created Indigenous Engagement Manager role, appreciated the collaboration with other staff.

“I’m thankful for all of the questions I received surrounding everything Indigenous; everyone is excited to be learning more about Indigenous communities, experiences, and how we as an organization can help improve our Indigenous engagement/responsiveness,” he said.

With staff traveling from 20 different states, this time together offered a rare opportunity for the unique connection that face-to-face conversation and ideation can generate.

“I look forward to continuing to build bridges across the organization and to strengthening our network,” said Tiedra Marshall, Director of Expansion, who attended both the State and Country Leader Spring Summit and the National Center all-staff meeting. “I enjoyed engaging with others to move the vision of [Parents as Teachers] forward.”

That gives voice to the intention of the time – building bridges, strengthening the network, and moving the vision forward both in the time together and after the week was over, as everyone traveled home to continue serving across the country and around the world.

A Global Group, Together In One Room

“Your individual vision can be the spark that lights the fire behind the visionary professionals that you support.”

Parents as Teachers President and CEO Constance Gully opened the 2025 State and Country Leader Spring Summit, a gathering of the organization’s state and country office leaders, with these words. An annual meeting for shared learning, alignment, and connection, the summit provides an opportunity for these professionals to experience in-person workplace development alongside their peers and to receive important organizational updates.

State and country office leaders oversee the growth and quality of Parents as Teachers services across the globe. They serve the “visionary professionals” of which Gully spoke, so that parent educators can serve families. In addition to sessions given by senior leadership on topics like strategy and marketing, attendees also shared their own practices with one another, providing insight into specific methods for common responsibilities.

“I’m so excited,” said Delores Rock, Parents as Teachers State Co-Leader for South Carolina. “I cannot wait to get back and share [what I took away] with supervisors and parent educators.”

On the heels of these two days, it was time for the Parents as Teachers National Center staff to take their turn at two annual in-person meeting days.

With an agenda centered around R.I.S.E. – Resilience, Innovation, Strength, and Elevation, teams discussed topics ranging from identity and constructive communication to strategies for optimizing efficiency through artificial intelligence.

Preston Benally, who recently stepped into the newly created Indigenous Engagement Manager role, appreciated the collaboration with other staff.

“I’m thankful for all of the questions I received surrounding everything Indigenous; everyone is excited to be learning more about Indigenous communities, experiences, and how we as an organization can help improve our Indigenous engagement/responsiveness,” he said.

With staff traveling from 20 different states, this time together offered a rare opportunity for the unique connection that face-to-face conversation and ideation can generate.

“I look forward to continuing to build bridges across the organization and to strengthening our network,” said Tiedra Marshall, Director of Expansion, who attended both the State and Country Leader Spring Summit and the National Center all-staff meeting. “I enjoyed engaging with others to move the vision of [Parents as Teachers] forward.”

That gives voice to the intention of the time – building bridges, strengthening the network, and moving the vision forward both in the time together and after the week was over, as everyone traveled home to continue serving across the country and around the world.

Community Responsiveness Corner

We recently sent this brief check-in to our staff and affiliates, and we thought you might find it useful, too! We’ve adapted it just a bit to reflect a broader context; feel free to explore if you’d like.

In times of uncertainty, cultivating a strong, supportive community makes a world of difference. We can’t overestimate the power of connection!

How do you see community in your team and/or work? How might you strengthen it as a source of support for colleagues? Pull up a chair in our community responsiveness corner to reflect on what community means to you and learn what it means to those you’re in community with.

How Does Community Show Up in Your Team and Work?

What does it mean to be a team? It can mean people working together towards a common goal — the vision of your workplace, for example. What does it mean to be a community? It can mean a feeling of fellowship with others that share a common interest, goal, or space.

Fostering a sense of community is at the heart of everything we do. Here’s how community can manifest in your team and work:

Creating Space for Open Dialogue Prioritize making space for team members to express their thoughts and feelings. Use perspective-taking questions and encourage others to share their challenges. Foster an environment where assumptions are questioned and different perspectives are valued.

Supporting Mental Health Be present for each other and support your co-workers. Take a break together, go for a walk, or grab a coffee. Familiarize yourself with mental health resources to which you could refer yourself or others.

Regular Check-Ins Regular check-ins with co-workers outside of formal meetings hold crucial value. Set aside even five minutes a week for these check-ins to stay committed to each other’s well-being and foster a sense of connection.

Community-Building Activities Make community-building exercises an integral part of your meetings and gatherings. These activities remind us that we are human and help us stay connected on a personal level.

Promoting Transparency and Fairness Transparency and fairness are cornerstones of a community culture. Keeping conversations ongoing and open demonstrates your commitment to these values.

Fostering a Sense of Belonging Teamwork, collaboration, camaraderie, engagement, commitment, and productivity cultivate a sense of belonging. These elements form the foundation of strong team spirit.

Team Rituals and Communication Channels Establish team rituals and effective communication channels to ensure that everyone feels included and heard. These practices help maintain a cohesive and supportive team environment.

By integrating these community-minded principles into our daily work and interactions, we create a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. Consider what you can start or continue today, to uphold these values and make your team stronger together.

Community Responsiveness Corner

We recently sent this brief check-in to our staff and affiliates, and we thought you might find it useful, too! We’ve adapted it just a bit to reflect a broader context; feel free to explore if you’d like.

In times of uncertainty, cultivating a strong, supportive community makes a world of difference. We can’t overestimate the power of connection!

How do you see community in your team and/or work? How might you strengthen it as a source of support for colleagues? Pull up a chair in our community responsiveness corner to reflect on what community means to you and learn what it means to those you’re in community with.

How Does Community Show Up in Your Team and Work?

What does it mean to be a team? It can mean people working together towards a common goal — the vision of your workplace, for example. What does it mean to be a community? It can mean a feeling of fellowship with others that share a common interest, goal, or space.

Fostering a sense of community is at the heart of everything we do. Here’s how community can manifest in your team and work:

Creating Space for Open Dialogue Prioritize making space for team members to express their thoughts and feelings. Use perspective-taking questions and encourage others to share their challenges. Foster an environment where assumptions are questioned and different perspectives are valued.

Supporting Mental Health Be present for each other and support your co-workers. Take a break together, go for a walk, or grab a coffee. Familiarize yourself with mental health resources to which you could refer yourself or others.

Regular Check-Ins Regular check-ins with co-workers outside of formal meetings hold crucial value. Set aside even five minutes a week for these check-ins to stay committed to each other’s well-being and foster a sense of connection.

Community-Building Activities Make community-building exercises an integral part of your meetings and gatherings. These activities remind us that we are human and help us stay connected on a personal level.

Promoting Transparency and Fairness Transparency and fairness are cornerstones of a community culture. Keeping conversations ongoing and open demonstrates your commitment to these values.

Fostering a Sense of Belonging Teamwork, collaboration, camaraderie, engagement, commitment, and productivity cultivate a sense of belonging. These elements form the foundation of strong team spirit.

Team Rituals and Communication Channels Establish team rituals and effective communication channels to ensure that everyone feels included and heard. These practices help maintain a cohesive and supportive team environment.

By integrating these community-minded principles into our daily work and interactions, we create a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. Consider what you can start or continue today, to uphold these values and make your team stronger together.

Four Parents as Teachers Donors Named Among Time100 Most Influential People in Philanthropy 2025

“The first-ever TIME100 Philanthropy list spotlights the people and ideas shaping the future of giving,” said TIME Chief Executive Officer Jessica Sibley in the release. “At this pivotal moment, we are proud to honor those whose vision is redefining what it means to lead with purpose and inspiring collective action to move us forward.”

Steve and Connie Ballmer, who through their investment company Ballmer Group count among the most visionary supporters of Parents as Teachers, have been named to the TIME list as Titans. Three multi-million dollar gifts, including a $2.7 million investment in 2021 for the Building Capacity for Quality Initiative, cemented their transformational role in the organization.

TIME also designated MacKenzie Scott a Titan on the list of influential leaders. Scott, an author and philanthropist, invested $7 million in unrestricted funds in Parents as Teachers in 2023, the largest single donation in the organization’s history.

La June Montgomery Tabron, President and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, was also honored as a Leader for her impact. An essential partner of Parents as Teachers, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has invested 15 years of instrumental support, including a $100,000 grant equipping staff to serve families virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These incredible individuals make choices that change lives every day,” said Parents as Teachers President and CEO Constance Gully. “Their nomination reflects their generous character and strategic vision, and we are so grateful to count them among our investors and champions.”

PRNewswire. (2025, May 20). TIME Reveals the Inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy List of the Most Influential Leaders in Philanthropy [Press release].

Four Parents as Teachers Donors Named Among Time100 Most Influential People in Philanthropy 2025

“The first-ever TIME100 Philanthropy list spotlights the people and ideas shaping the future of giving,” said TIME Chief Executive Officer Jessica Sibley in the release. “At this pivotal moment, we are proud to honor those whose vision is redefining what it means to lead with purpose and inspiring collective action to move us forward.”

Steve and Connie Ballmer, who through their investment company Ballmer Group count among the most visionary supporters of Parents as Teachers, have been named to the TIME list as Titans. Three multi-million dollar gifts, including a $2.7 million investment in 2021 for the Building Capacity for Quality Initiative, cemented their transformational role in the organization.

TIME also designated MacKenzie Scott a Titan on the list of influential leaders. Scott, an author and philanthropist, invested $7 million in unrestricted funds in Parents as Teachers in 2023, the largest single donation in the organization’s history.

La June Montgomery Tabron, President and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, was also honored as a Leader for her impact. An essential partner of Parents as Teachers, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has invested 15 years of instrumental support, including a $100,000 grant equipping staff to serve families virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These incredible individuals make choices that change lives every day,” said Parents as Teachers President and CEO Constance Gully. “Their nomination reflects their generous character and strategic vision, and we are so grateful to count them among our investors and champions.”

PRNewswire. (2025, May 20). TIME Reveals the Inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy List of the Most Influential Leaders in Philanthropy [Press release].