Staff & Board Members
Board Members
Board Meetings are open to all RIAEYC/NAEYC Members and Guests and are held quarterly around the state. Please contact Lisa Hildebrand at Lhildebrand@riaeyc.org for more information.
- Martha Donovan, President
- Khadija Lewis Khan, Vice President
- Elizabeth Azevedo, Treasurer
- Kayla Arruda, Secretary
- Aimee Salazar
- Carol Patnaude
- Erica Saccoccio
- Estefany Ortiz
- Joe Pinsonneault
- Kim O’Connell
- Kristen Allen
- Leslie Sevey
- Rongina McClelland
- Tyler Bickford
- Zelma Malave
Administration Staff
Lisa A. Hildebrand, M.A.
Executive Director — ext. 301
Sizer Avila
Operations Manager — ext. 304
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Sizer Avila, started at the agency as an Administrative Assistant over 9 years ago, moved on to Program Assessment Specialist where she conducted assessments in different child care and education settings, and has now become the new operations manager. Sizer has worked in the education field for more than fifteen years. Before joining RIAEYC/BrightStars, Sizer worked for the Department of Human Services in New Jersey as a Bilingual Human Service Specialist. She had also worked as crew leader assistant, for the Unites States Department of Commerce and as a school bus driver for Providence Schools District. Sizer is reliable on the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3 Environment Rating Scales. Sizer is also a certified Pre-K CLASS Observer.
Sizer holds a degree in Business Administration from Berkeley College of Business in New Jersey and a B.A in Theology from DaySpring University. In her free time, she likes to volunteer to serve in events that serve and give back to the community.
Saimary Osorio
Administrative Assistant/Child Care Referral Specialist— ext. 302
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Saimary Osorio is a bilingual certified medical assistant that has worked for the RI Free clinic for 2 years helping the people with no insurance access quality health care. Saimary loves working with children, she has been the director of the children’s ministry at her local church for the past 3 years and has worked as an assistant director for over 5 years. Saimary has worked with the Providence YMCA before and after school programs, and in summer camp teaching art classes and has started studying Early Childhood Education. In her free time she loves to sing, write songs, do nails, drawing and spending time with her family.
Miriam Scheff
Marketing and Communications Specialist - ext. 326
Mimi joined RIAEYC as the Early Childhood Counselor for the Step Up to WAGE$ program before transitioning to Marketing and Communications. She has been working in non profit administration for over 10 years. With a focus on community engagement and education, her work includes event planning, fundraising and program development. She graduated from Rhode Island College with a Bachelor of Science in Management. Mimi also has experience in foster care and healthcare administration. Outside of the office, she is an avid dance and theater teacher.
Kerri Silva
Fiscal and Billing Clerk
Kerri is a dedicated professional with over 10 years of experience as a Chief Financial Officer and 8 years as the owner and operator of a successful bookkeeping company. With a passion for numbers and an unwavering commitment to helping businesses thrive, Kerri has become a trusted expert in financial management and strategy.
Beyond work, Kerri treasures family life with her loving spouse, two energetic boys, and their loyal dog and cat. A firm believer in giving back, Kerri enjoys contributing to the community and supporting meaningful causes. Balancing professionalism with compassion, Kerri is driven not only by career success but also by her desire to make a positive impact both at work and at home.
Quality Improvement Staff
Hannah DeConti, M.Ed.
Manager of Quality Improvement — ext. 305
Hannah DeConti, M.Ed. is the Manager of Quality Improvement at the Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children. She has a Master of Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island.
Hannah has extensive experience managing the daily operations of high-quality early learning centers. Her experience teaching in early childhood classrooms has fueled her passion for supporting anti-bias, child-driven environments to better the lives of young children and their families. Her competency in relevant and effective business administration skills are regularly being developed through continuous learning.
Alyson Panzarella Girard, M.J.
Early Learning & Policy Specialist - ext. 313
Alyson Panzarella, M.J. is the Early Learning & Policy Specialist at RIAEYC. She joined the team as a Program Assessment Intern for BrightStars in January 2014 was hired as a BrightStars Navigator in December 2015. Her years at RIAEYC been dedicated to advancing equity and developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood education policy by supporting the implementation of various state-funded projects.
Alyson holds a Master of Jurisprudence in Children’s Law and Policy at Loyola University Chicago and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a focus in child settings from the University of Rhode Island. She has recently returned to the University of Rhode Island as a doctoral candidate in Health Sciences and graduate teaching assistant. She hopes to advance evidence-based policy in the birth to five sector, and her area of focus remains the long-term benefits of access to high-quality early childhood education.
Dilcia Perdomo
Senior Bilingual BrightStars Navigator — ext. 308
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Dilcia Perdomo, Bilingual BrightStars Navigator, has been in the field for nine years. She volunteers her time in the community to benefit a variety of organizations. Before coming to RIAEYC/Bright Stars, Dilcia was employed as a Bilingual Family Child Care Case Manager Child & Adult Care Food Program for Children’s Friend and Service where she offered technical assistance and support to family child care providers through regular home visits and phone contacts to ensure compliance with the Child and Adult Care Food program (CACFP) requirements as well as providing and created opportunities to educate individual and group training for the CACFP.
Dilcia holds a bachelor’s degree in Arts from the University of Rhode Island.
Alba Escalante
Bilingual BrightStars Navigator — ext. 316
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Alba Escalante, is a Bilingual BrightStars Navigator, and has been working with RIAEYC since 2018. She has a Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, with a concentration in Child Settings from the University of Rhode Island. Alba’s passion in early childhood education began in college while working as a student teacher assistant at the Child Development Center at the University of R.I. Upon graduation she worked as a lead preschool teacher, and then went on to work for Head Start as a lead teacher and a family support worker for two years. Alba is excited to be a staff member of RIAEYC where she can help advocate for high quality early childhood education, and help early childhood programs reach their full potential.
Vivian Eyssallem
Data Specialist — ext. 319
Prior to joining RIAEYC as the LearnERS Program Assistant, Vivian worked as a special education teacher and case manager for children and young adults with moderate to severe autism. During her time as a teacher she learned about the many things that go into creating a warm, nurturing, and supportive educational environment for these learners, and in the process found a passion for working with this most vulnerable population. Over the years, she worked with students between the age of 3 and 21, but found the greatest reward in working with the youngest of these students. She saw the value in building a strong foundation for early and emerging skills and is excited to continue in the field of early education to improve the lives of young children and their families.
Vivian received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Florida. She also received her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western New England University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as creating art and spending time outdoors.
Jennifer Bakios
BrightStars Navigator — ext. 310
Jennifer joined RIAEYC as a BrightStars Navigator with 16 years of experience as an early childhood educator. Over the years she taught children from 12 weeks to 5 years old and saw first-hand the impact that a quality early learning experience has on a child, their family, and the community. Jennifer learned how to create a warm, engaging, and supportive learning environment in her classrooms to meet the needs of her students. Her passions are in developing emergent curriculum, creating engaging classrooms, and strengthening relationships with families. Jennifer understands the joys and challenges that go along with being an early childhood educator and is excited to bring her extensive background and experience to improve the quality of early childhood education throughout Rhode Island.
Jennifer received her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She received her Master’s in Teaching from Rhode Island College. Jennifer has two children and loves spending time outside, reading, and traveling.
Melissa Hyde
BrightStars Navigator — ext. 322
Melissa began her work with RIAEYC in January 2023 as a BrightStars Navigator and LearnERS coach. She has her bachelor’s degree from URI in Early Childhood Education and spent 25+ years teaching in the preschool setting working with young children and families. Melissa knows firsthand the joys and challenges that educators face as they strive to create meaningful and highest quality experiences for the youngest of learners. As a classroom teacher, she went through the BrightStars process, and she is excited to share her knowledge and real-life classroom experiences with other educators. Melissa also spent time working with Head Start as their home visitor working with at risk children and families. She is a certified Parent As Teachers coach and enjoyed helping to support families to reach their goals and strive for independence. In addition, Melissa spent time working for Perspective Corporation as a PASS worker with children and adolescents guiding them in developing daily living and social skills and empowering them as they build and maintain relationships in their lives.
Melissa lives in Narragansett with her son, and she enjoys photography and the outdoors and especially area beaches.
Chelsea Louzon
BrightStars Navigator — ext. 323
Chelsea comes to RIAEYC with 9 years’ experience in the field of early childhood education. Chelsea graduated in 2014 from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Child Development. Chelsea worked her way from being a Teaching Assistant in the toddler room at Joyful Learning Child Academy to becoming the Lead teacher. In 2019 she made the move from Joyful Learning to work in the Early Head Start classroom of Tri-County Community Action Agency. There she was able to continue to help young children grow and develop as well as foster strong relationships with the families. Her love for helping children become the amazing people they are meant to be by starting with the youngest and most influential has brought her to RIAEYC and BrightStars where she hopes she can continue to educate young minds.
Gretchen Dugan
BrightStars Navigator — ext. 328
Gretchen Dugan, BrightStars Navigator, joined the team in July of 2023 with 17 years of experience in the education field, the last 7 in early childhood education. She graduated in 2005 from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders. Gretchen began as a paraprofessional in various classroom settings in the Portsmouth School Department. After 10 years working and gaining invaluable experience in the school system, she decided to open her own family childcare business in 2016.
She helped children learn and grow through a play-based learning environment; she supported parents through the ups and downs of raising their children by providing a loving environment, resources, and assistance. Her approach to education has always been child-centered and backed by researched. She has firsthand experience in running a successful family home childcare which helps her to relate to the providers that she supports as a BrightStars navigator at RIAEYC where she continues to empower educators and works to support their programs through best practice.
Sarah Vecoli
BrightStars Navigator — ext. 330
Sarah Vecoli, M.Ed. joins RIAEYC as a BrightStars Navigator with over 15 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She graduated from Colby-Sawyer College with a Bachelor’s Degree, specializing in Early Childhood Education and went on to earn a Master’s in Education from Lesley University. This included a study tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy where she enhanced her learning of the Reggio Emilia Approach to early childhood education.
She has been an assistant teacher at Head Start programs, lead teacher and administrator at a Reggio-inspired school, administrator at a Parent Cooperative and presenter in this field. Sarah’s varied experiences have provided a deep understanding of the critical role nurturing environments and empowered educators have in a child’s formative years. She has witnessed firsthand the impact of intentionally structured, inclusive, and inspiring learning environments on a child’s development.
Eladia Costello
BrightStars Navigator — ext. 329
Eladia Costello, BrightStars Navigator, holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, a master’s degree in Literacy Curriculum and Instruction, and a Rhode Island Teaching Certificate in Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade. Eladia has been immersed in the field for over seven years, working in various positions in high-quality early childhood settings. Prior to joining the RIAEYC team, she served as an education coordinator and kindergarten teacher for three years, balancing coaching educators and meeting the varying needs of her students. Her experience has helped her acquire a deep understanding of the benefits of quality practice and has helped her develop a passion for advocating for early childhood teachers and students. Eladia enjoys supporting teachers, advocating for young children, and helping to further develop preschool programs around the state.
Program Assessment Staff
Stephanie Ferreira
Manager of Program Assessment — ext. 311
Stephanie Ferreira, Manager of Program Assessment, has worked in Early Childhood Education for more than 20 years. Stephanie has spent most of her career as a Pre-K classroom teacher. For several years, she was a Program Assessment Specialist for BrightStars, and most recently served as the Anchor of Program Assessment before assuming her current position as Manager. Stephanie is reliable on all Environment Rating Scales and is a certified Infant, Toddler, and Pre-K CLASS observer. Most recently, Stephanie has become a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI.) Stephanie has also represented the agency presenting at numerous National conferences on ERS topics and RI quality improvements.
Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Rhode Island as well as a RI Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education, Grades PK-2. Her exceptional organizational skills and assessment-oriented lens enable her to objectively view programs and approach their strengths and needs through building strong partnerships. As a mother of three young children, Stephanie has a passion for helping programs work towards improving their overall quality while supporting the workforce and advocating for all children and families.
Emily Souza
Senior Program Assessment Specialist — ext. 312
Emily is a Senior Program Assessment Specialist and has been working with BrightStars and RIAEYC since 2019. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina University in Psychology and Spanish, with a special interest in cognitive development and early childhood education. Emily had several years’ experience as Lead Teacher in an Infant classroom, where she became familiar with the ITERS tool. She also completed Level II of the RI Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS) to improve her skills in curriculum development, child assessment, and family communication. Emily is reliable on the ITERS-3, ECERS-3, and FCCERS-3 tools, and is a certified observer of the Infant, Toddler, and Pre-K CLASS tools. She is step-mom to a teenager, as well as “Mama” to two young children. Emily is thrilled to be a member of the RIAEYC/BrightStars team, as well as an advocate for early childhood educators, children, and families of Rhode Island.
Jasmin Urquilla
Bilingual Program Assessment Specialist — ext. 315
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Jasmin Urquilla was hired beginning of June 2019 as a Bilingual Program assistance for BrightStars. Jasmin graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Spanish, and Human Development and Families. During her time at URI, she volunteered her time translating at the Providence Community Health Center and interning at different Child Care Centers while being a full-time sales associate.
Since her time at Brightstars, Jasmin has become a Bilingual Program Assessment Specialist and is reliable on the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, FCERS-3 & SACCERS- U Environment Rating Scales. As of summer 2022, Jasmin is also a certified Pre-K CLASS observer.
Jasmin is filled with excitement and thrilled to continue working on helping improve the education being provided to our children.
Raycily Castillo
Bilingual Program Assessment Assistant — ext. 317
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Raycily Castillo is the Bilingual Program Assessment Assistant at BrightStars. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Rhode Island College.
Raycily has experience working with many different age groups. From managing children’s summer camps to leading semester-long study and review groups on campus, her communication and team management skills are well rounded. Raycily has also spent a summer abroad in Central Asia working with an English-speaking school as an assistant teacher. Her experiences have made her passionate and committed to serving the communities around her.”
Sarah Behm
Program Assessment Specialist
— ext. 318
Sarah Behm started working with RIAEYC and BrightStars as a Program Assessment Specialist in November 2022. Prior to this, she started as an intern for RIAEYC/BrightStars in January 2022 and officially joined the team as a LearnERS Navigator in May 2022. During this time, Sarah connected with a variety of sites to help support them with their quality improvement needs. This involved working with sites participating in LearnERS, a continuous quality improvement coaching framework that provides online professional development and coaching on the ERS.
She holds an Associates in Arts from the Community College of Rhode Island and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science from the University of Rhode Island. Prior to joining RIAEYC, Sarah held the role of a Teacher Assistant until transferring to the University of Rhode Island where she was hired as an undergraduate student research assistant. Sarah is committed to supporting families and early childhood educators as she believes that they both play fundamental roles in a young child’s growth, development, and education. She is a proud and passionate advocate for the early childhood field and is thrilled to continue her journey as an early childhood professional post-graduation.
Michaela Keohane
Program Assessment Specialist
— ext. 324
Michaela started at Brightstars as a Program Assessment Consultant before joining the team full-time as a Program Assessment Specialist. She brings a wealth of experience in the education and human services sectors. She has worked on several education focused research projects and is trained in a variety of assessment tools.
Michaela’s career experiences have allowed her to see firsthand the positive effects that supportive relationships and healthy, stimulating environments can have on development. Having worked with young children in early learning centers, teenagers in a group home, and older adults in senior living communities, she believes this to be true for people of all ages.
Michaela earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Vermont and a Master of Education degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Arianna Mendez
Program Assessment Specialist
— ext. 321
Arianna Mendez, Program Assessment Specialist began her journey with RIAEYC in 2022 as an intern. She continued as an administrative assistant to support the T.E.A.C.H RI scholarship and CTE Pathways Program. Afterwards she joined the Assessment Team where she began her exposure to the environment rating scales.
Workforce Development Staff
Marinel Russo, M. Ed.
Assistant Director for Early Childhood Workforce Initiatives — ext. 307
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Marinel Russo is the Manager of Early Childhood Initiatives. Marinel has been a vital part of our team for the last four years, serving as both a Program Assessment Specialist and more recently as a BrightStars Navigator. She is dedicated and loyal to RIAEYC, but more importantly, passionate about improving quality for the providers, families and children of the state. As the Manager of ECI, Marinel is responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of child care program quality improvement initiatives, including: TEACH Early Childhood RI budgeting and competency assessment process, program and scholar outreach and recruitment, program referrals to state supports including technical assistance and professional development, support for programs in increasing star rating and annual report and quality improvement plan development and support.
Marinel holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Baruch College in New York and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Lesley University in Boston. Marinel is author trained and reliable in the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS), Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERS) as well as in the Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale (FCCERS). A mother of three young girls, Marinel knows the importance of providing children with learning environments that promote emotional, physical and intellectual development.
Elizabeth Polanco
TEACH Coordinator — ext. 314
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Elizabeth Polanco is the TEACH Coordinator for TEACH Rhode Island. Elizabeth began at RIAEYC as the first TEACH Counselor after completing her internship with the agency through the University of Rhode Island. As the coordinator, she works closely with the TEACH Early Childhood National Center to report on the incredible impact the TEACH Scholarship has on early childhood educators, and in turn, young children across Rhode Island. Prior to completing her Bachelor’s degree, Elizabeth was an administrator for eight years at a home care agency until she decided it was time for a change. She was so encouraged by the support she received in her higher education journey that she was thrilled by the opportunity to be that support for so many dedicated educators. She believes in their efforts to motivate and guide those who, like she did, need support to reach their academic dreams. Outside of the office, Elizabeth is mom to 3 incredible kids and has seen TEACH Early Childhood Rhode Island’s impact in her own children’s education.
Briana Assante
WAGE$ Coordinator — ext. 306
As the Step Up To WAGE$ RI Coordinator at RIAEYC, Briana coordinates the Child Care WAGE$® Rhode Island Program, the state’s first wage supplement initiative for early childhood educators in center-based settings. In this pivotal role, she drives operational excellence, overseeing day-to-day program management, quality assurance, and outreach initiatives. Briana started at RIAEYC as consultant focused on data collection for the PreK/Kindergarten transition and filled many roles for the agency before contributing to the successful launch of the DHS Infant Toddler Registered Apprentice Program as the program’s counselor. After presenting her work on the RA Program at the national level, Briana transitioned to launching the WAGE$ pilot program.
Briana is dedicated to enhancing the professional development and financial stability of early childhood educators, thereby enriching educational experiences for Rhode Island’s youngest learners. Briana is passionate about driving positive change in early childhood education and committed to advancing impactful initiatives that empower educators and elevate educational standards statewide. This dedication and passion is also seen in her performing arts work where she inspires her students’ growth as artists and individuals in the classroom and on the stage.
Amber Mangione
Registered Apprenticeship Coordinator — ext. 320
As a dedicated advocate for children and educators, Amber centers her practice on accessibility and openness. Her lifelong passion for teaching and mentorship is integral to her role as Registered Apprenticeship Coordinator at RIAEYC. With over a decade of experience in Early Childhood as a Preschool Teacher, Amber’s leadership of the RI Early Childhood Registered Apprenticeship is intentional and strategic. Driven by her own experience within the field, she bridges professional standards and competencies with real classroom insights, providing essential support to all Registered Apprentices. Amber delivers on-the-job training and classroom instruction while designing future Apprenticeship Cohorts. In her free time, Amber can be found collecting shells on the beach, watercolor painting, or thrifting a new outfit.
Jackie Whelan
Transcript Evaluator — ext. 325
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Jackie Whelan is a Transcript Evaluator for RIAEYC. Jackie will be supporting BrightStar, TEACH RI, and our upcoming programs. Before joining RIAEYC, Jackie was a primary Teacher in a preschool class and completed her Early Childhood Education Birth to Eight Associate in Arts at Quinsigamond Community College while working full-time in a classroom setting. Jackie firmly believes in providing quality care for children and creating a positive learning environment in a classroom. Due to this belief, Jackie enters our team to support fellow educators in achieving their academic goals.
Caroline Paliotte
TEACH Education Counselor — ext. 327
Caroline has been working with children since 2015. Caroline received her TA certification through CCRI and continued her education at Rhode Island College, graduating with her BA in Healthcare/Business Administration. Over the years she has completed many Professional Development courses. All associated with RIELDS, inclusivity within the classroom, engagement, and classroom management. She worked with children ages from infant– 5 years, but most enjoyed working with infants and young toddlers. While working at a childcare center Caroline was included as a site leader and oversaw implantation of the Creative Curriculum within the infant/toddler programs. When teaching, it is important to her to provide a warm and nurturing learning environment that supports the growth and development of all children as they explore the world around them. For over a year, Caroline has worked as the Education Counselor where she worked closely with the TEACH scholarship program. Caroline supports individuals who are applying for the TEACH scholarship, who want to further their education and experience in ECE.
Cheryl Stascavage
TEACH Administrative Assistant— ext. 331
Cheryl joins RIAEYC as the TEACH Administrative Assistant after working in the early childhood education field for many years. Before joining RIAEYC, she was an assistant teacher in a K-Prep classroom and supported her center’s administration. While teaching, Cheryl completed professional development through the Center for Early Learning Professionals and completed RIELDS and ITERS trainings. Cheryl also worked in an infant classroom for 3 years before transitioning to a toddler classroom. When not in the office you can find her on the soccer field cheering on her daughter, Ella. She is excited to help other early childhood educators achieve their goal of completing higher education to continue bringing high quality care to Rhode Island’s youngest learners.
Carolyn Shields
Registered Apprenticeship Counselor — ext. 309
Carolyn Shields is a seasoned Early Childhood Educator with 22 years of experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and minored in psychology from the University of Maine at Farmington. She is RIELDS certified with a Rhode Island teaching certification for Pre-K-2. She began her teaching career as a kindergarten teacher and later collaborated as a special education teacher at the high school level. Afterward, she returned to her passion for early childhood, balancing running an inspiring program as a preschool teacher and director for the past 15 years.
Carolyn has a dedication to early childhood education and thrives on using a holistic approach to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children. She aims to foster their social emotional, cognitive, and physical development while promoting a love for learning and preparing them for future academic success. Carolyn loves working with people and has a strong desire to help others. She excels at seeing the positive in any situation and strives to help others view themselves in this positive light. She truly values children and their unique selves and finds inspiration in them.
Having gone through the BrightStars process several times herself over the past 15 years, she looks forward to supporting other programs as her Navigators did for her.
In addition to her professional role, Carolyn is a dedicated mother of two teenage children. She loves nothing more than supporting and cheering them on, whether on a ball field or through their personal teenage tribulations. Her children inspire her, teach her empathy, and allow her to feel she is making a positive impact.
