Staff Spotlights
Meet Connie!
Connie has been with Family & Children’s Center for over two years. She was referred by an employee from FCC to apply for a position of Family Support Specialist and then was quickly promoted to Family Resource Specialist. Connie’s position involves introducing the program to families, while finding out their immediate needs and long-term goals. Connie graduated from Indiana University with a Communications degree and she has been in the nonprofit world for almost her entire life. She started out with March of Dimes, Habitat for Humanity, Real Services and was a Family Development Consultant and After Care Specialist at Residential Drug & Treatment Center in St. Joseph County. She has utilized all her case management experiences in the field for Healthy Families.
“I enjoy being the first face that our families get to see! I love listening, doing the assessment and finding realistic and holistic referrals for our parents. Also, I have three grown children and seven grandchildren, which has given me empathy for young mothers and helping them through their journey of parenthood. My maternal instincts have impacted my career for the better.”
– Connie
In Connie’s spare time, she loves to do stain glass projects. She enjoys fine art and visiting local museums and exhibits. Also, she loves working on her family garden and trying to grow new vegetables every year.
Fun Fact: Connie was raised for eight years as a “Navy Brat” by traveling all over and experiencing different cultures. It has motivated her to continuously travel to places like Newfoundland, Hawaii and Cancun.
"Connie is the definition of a "go-getter!" She strives each month to successfully complete her individual goals and help new employees in their training. Her team spirit and passion for her profession is evident each day in the way she serves her clients and assists her colleagues. She is always willing to lend an ear and delights in making people smile."
- Andrea DiGregorio, Healthy Families Supervisor
Connie has been with Family & Children’s Center for over two years. She was referred by an employee from FCC to apply for a position of Family Support Specialist and then was quickly promoted to Family Resource Specialist. Connie’s position involves introducing the program to families, while finding out their immediate needs and long-term goals. Connie graduated from Indiana University with a Communications degree and she has been in the nonprofit world for almost her entire life. She started out with March of Dimes, Habitat for Humanity, Real Services and was a Family Development Consultant and After Care Specialist at Residential Drug & Treatment Center in St. Joseph County. She has utilized all her case management experiences in the field for Healthy Families.
“I enjoy being the first face that our families get to see! I love listening, doing the assessment and finding realistic and holistic referrals for our parents. Also, I have three grown children and seven grandchildren, which has given me empathy for young mothers and helping them through their journey of parenthood. My maternal instincts have impacted my career for the better.”
– Connie
In Connie’s spare time, she loves to do stain glass projects. She enjoys fine art and visiting local museums and exhibits. Also, she loves working on her family garden and trying to grow new vegetables every year.
Fun Fact: Connie was raised for eight years as a “Navy Brat” by traveling all over and experiencing different cultures. It has motivated her to continuously travel to places like Newfoundland, Hawaii and Cancun.
"Connie is the definition of a "go-getter!" She strives each month to successfully complete her individual goals and help new employees in their training. Her team spirit and passion for her profession is evident each day in the way she serves her clients and assists her colleagues. She is always willing to lend an ear and delights in making people smile."
- Andrea DiGregorio, Healthy Families Supervisor
Meet Jane!
Jane has been with Family & Children’s Center since November 2018. Currently, she is a Healthy Families Family Support Specialist and she empowers families through her advocacy, education and support. Jane graduated from Ferris State University in Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She has worked within schools and social work agencies for years. Three years ago, she moved to South Bend to be closer to family. Jane wanted to have a fresh start, so she found this position and felt that it fit her well because she loves being close to families and helping them with education.
“I love the people I work with. Everyone is very supportive. I feel a lot of purpose within my job. I enjoy getting close to families and watching them succeed and grow. It is very inspiring. I love to hear about other family’s beliefs, cultures and experiences. I just really love working here! I couldn’t ask for a better a job and it works perfect for my family. I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do.” – Jane
In Jane’s spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with her family. She has three daughters that are 17, 13 and 8. Also, she loves playing basketball and coaches one of her daughter’s teams.
Fun Fact: Jane absolutely hates frogs!
"Jane's genuine caring spirit is the reason she has been able to build positive, trusting relationships with her families. Her willingness to always help is inspiring and a true example of being a part of OUR team. I am so proud of Jane!"
-Michelle Pellot, Healthy Families Family Support Supervisor
Jane has been with Family & Children’s Center since November 2018. Currently, she is a Healthy Families Family Support Specialist and she empowers families through her advocacy, education and support. Jane graduated from Ferris State University in Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She has worked within schools and social work agencies for years. Three years ago, she moved to South Bend to be closer to family. Jane wanted to have a fresh start, so she found this position and felt that it fit her well because she loves being close to families and helping them with education.
“I love the people I work with. Everyone is very supportive. I feel a lot of purpose within my job. I enjoy getting close to families and watching them succeed and grow. It is very inspiring. I love to hear about other family’s beliefs, cultures and experiences. I just really love working here! I couldn’t ask for a better a job and it works perfect for my family. I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do.” – Jane
In Jane’s spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with her family. She has three daughters that are 17, 13 and 8. Also, she loves playing basketball and coaches one of her daughter’s teams.
Fun Fact: Jane absolutely hates frogs!
"Jane's genuine caring spirit is the reason she has been able to build positive, trusting relationships with her families. Her willingness to always help is inspiring and a true example of being a part of OUR team. I am so proud of Jane!"
-Michelle Pellot, Healthy Families Family Support Supervisor
Meet Carly!
Carly has been with Family & Children’s Center for the past three months. Currently, she is The Brain Train Family Coordinator. She meets with families one-on-one and in group settings to facilitate play sessions and provides support through curriculum, community referrals, and developmental assessments. Carly graduated from Penn State University with a Nutrition degree and she lived in New Orleans for two years after college for an internship at Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, while working with patients with congestive heart failure at a local hospital. After her internship, she moved back to Pittsburgh and started working with kids 0-3 as a Dietitian doing home visits in the greater Pittsburgh area. She recently moved to South Bend with her fiance and saw an opportunity to work for Family & Children’s Center in The Brain Train program!
“Everyone at Family & Children’s Center is so nice and helpful. I love being able to work with families and help them with their needs and help them be the best families they can be.” – Carly
In Carly’s spare time, she enjoys running and she would like to run a marathon in every state. She enjoys spending time with her puppy that she rescued from Mississippi. They love to take long walks along the Mishawaka Riverwalk.
Fun Fact: Carly grew up in a town called Mars. Her high school mascot was a Fightin’ Planet!
"Carly has gone above and beyond to help me feel welcomed and explain The Brain Train program to me. She has displayed a passion for the program through her innovative ideas. She wants to see the program run at its best and continue to grow. She isn't afraid to make suggestions that make the team and program stronger. All the families really enjoy working with her and have expressed how much she has helped them with community and developmental resources. We are very lucky to have her a part of the program!"
- Audrey Goddard, The Brain Train Program Manager
Carly has been with Family & Children’s Center for the past three months. Currently, she is The Brain Train Family Coordinator. She meets with families one-on-one and in group settings to facilitate play sessions and provides support through curriculum, community referrals, and developmental assessments. Carly graduated from Penn State University with a Nutrition degree and she lived in New Orleans for two years after college for an internship at Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, while working with patients with congestive heart failure at a local hospital. After her internship, she moved back to Pittsburgh and started working with kids 0-3 as a Dietitian doing home visits in the greater Pittsburgh area. She recently moved to South Bend with her fiance and saw an opportunity to work for Family & Children’s Center in The Brain Train program!
“Everyone at Family & Children’s Center is so nice and helpful. I love being able to work with families and help them with their needs and help them be the best families they can be.” – Carly
In Carly’s spare time, she enjoys running and she would like to run a marathon in every state. She enjoys spending time with her puppy that she rescued from Mississippi. They love to take long walks along the Mishawaka Riverwalk.
Fun Fact: Carly grew up in a town called Mars. Her high school mascot was a Fightin’ Planet!
"Carly has gone above and beyond to help me feel welcomed and explain The Brain Train program to me. She has displayed a passion for the program through her innovative ideas. She wants to see the program run at its best and continue to grow. She isn't afraid to make suggestions that make the team and program stronger. All the families really enjoy working with her and have expressed how much she has helped them with community and developmental resources. We are very lucky to have her a part of the program!"
- Audrey Goddard, The Brain Train Program Manager
Meet Tracy!
Tracy has been with Family & Children’s Center for the past 19 years and Healthy Families for 5 years! Tracy started out in Home Support, which was a home visitation program to help the elderly maintain their independence. After that program closed, she worked in the Outpatient Counseling Center as the Intake Coordinator until it closed in 2013, which led to her current position as Office Manager at Healthy Families.
“With being here for so many years I have seen many changes with the agency, but the mission has always remained strong and true. It is rewarding to see so many families being served in our community and the work that all our staff do to make that happen. It is a pleasure to work with so many caring and talented people.” – Tracy
In Tracy’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, John, and their daughter, Amanda. She is a big Notre Dame and Chicago Cubs fan and loves watching and going to the games when she can. She also enjoys helping her husband on their farm and loving on her two fur cat babies.
Fun Fact: Tracy enjoys gardening in her yard with annual and perennial plants.
"Tracy is on the most loyal and dedicated people that I know. She is always willing to go the extra mile and assist others. Tracy is key to the success of our Healthy Families program and reflects the mission of Family & Children's Center each day. Her positive attitude, kind smile, and team mentality is evident each and every day in the office."
- Roxanne Ultz, Executive Director
Tracy has been with Family & Children’s Center for the past 19 years and Healthy Families for 5 years! Tracy started out in Home Support, which was a home visitation program to help the elderly maintain their independence. After that program closed, she worked in the Outpatient Counseling Center as the Intake Coordinator until it closed in 2013, which led to her current position as Office Manager at Healthy Families.
“With being here for so many years I have seen many changes with the agency, but the mission has always remained strong and true. It is rewarding to see so many families being served in our community and the work that all our staff do to make that happen. It is a pleasure to work with so many caring and talented people.” – Tracy
In Tracy’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, John, and their daughter, Amanda. She is a big Notre Dame and Chicago Cubs fan and loves watching and going to the games when she can. She also enjoys helping her husband on their farm and loving on her two fur cat babies.
Fun Fact: Tracy enjoys gardening in her yard with annual and perennial plants.
"Tracy is on the most loyal and dedicated people that I know. She is always willing to go the extra mile and assist others. Tracy is key to the success of our Healthy Families program and reflects the mission of Family & Children's Center each day. Her positive attitude, kind smile, and team mentality is evident each and every day in the office."
- Roxanne Ultz, Executive Director
Meet Luis!
Luis has been with Family & Children’s Center for the past two months. Currently, he is a Family Support Specialist and he enjoys working directly with families. Luis is a home-visitor and is helping with translating for families. He has found success with his families and is making sure that they use their resources well. He enjoys every moment when sitting down and talking with families!
“I want to fill people with awareness, so they know what they are doing before they make any decisions.” - Luis
In Luis’ spare time, he enjoys doing yard work, reading and exploring the Michiana area with his girlfriend. Also, he loves watching college football, mainly Alabama! He is a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs too!
Fun facts: Luis is from the Dominican Republic. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Columbia College in Missouri and was in the Navy for many years. Also, Luis has done counseling for families all over the country.
"Luis is goal-driven and has a servant’s heart. He is always willing to go an extra mile for his clients and co-workers. Luis is a calming and dedicated presence in the agency and we are incredibly privileged to have him as a part of Family and Children’s Center and the Healthy Families Program.”
– Janelle, Healthy Families Supervisor
Luis has been with Family & Children’s Center for the past two months. Currently, he is a Family Support Specialist and he enjoys working directly with families. Luis is a home-visitor and is helping with translating for families. He has found success with his families and is making sure that they use their resources well. He enjoys every moment when sitting down and talking with families!
“I want to fill people with awareness, so they know what they are doing before they make any decisions.” - Luis
In Luis’ spare time, he enjoys doing yard work, reading and exploring the Michiana area with his girlfriend. Also, he loves watching college football, mainly Alabama! He is a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs too!
Fun facts: Luis is from the Dominican Republic. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Columbia College in Missouri and was in the Navy for many years. Also, Luis has done counseling for families all over the country.
"Luis is goal-driven and has a servant’s heart. He is always willing to go an extra mile for his clients and co-workers. Luis is a calming and dedicated presence in the agency and we are incredibly privileged to have him as a part of Family and Children’s Center and the Healthy Families Program.”
– Janelle, Healthy Families Supervisor
Meet Dre!
Dre has been with Family & Children’s Center for more than 2 years. She has been in in both the Family Support Specialist and Family Resource Specialist roles and enjoys working with families in different capacities. Currently, as a Family Resource Specialist, Dre is home-visiting and completing assessments for new families joining the program. She loves being the first face they see in the program!
“I love working with women…empowering them to find their purpose and strategically walking with them throughout their journey of motherhood.” - Dre
In Dre’s spare time, she keeps busy! She teaches a dance class at Hope Church and volunteers in a drug & addiction program, Jane’s House. Dre loves the outdoors, hiking and spending time with friends. Fun fact: Dre is a transplant from the East Coast and graduated from Wagner College on Staten Island, NY with a degree in vocal performance!
“Dre is engaging, creative and dedicated. Her energy is contagious! She is always willing to go above and beyond to assist others. Dre is a team player and truly an enormous asset to the agency, her coworkers and the families we serve.”
– Roxanne, Executive Director
Dre has been with Family & Children’s Center for more than 2 years. She has been in in both the Family Support Specialist and Family Resource Specialist roles and enjoys working with families in different capacities. Currently, as a Family Resource Specialist, Dre is home-visiting and completing assessments for new families joining the program. She loves being the first face they see in the program!
“I love working with women…empowering them to find their purpose and strategically walking with them throughout their journey of motherhood.” - Dre
In Dre’s spare time, she keeps busy! She teaches a dance class at Hope Church and volunteers in a drug & addiction program, Jane’s House. Dre loves the outdoors, hiking and spending time with friends. Fun fact: Dre is a transplant from the East Coast and graduated from Wagner College on Staten Island, NY with a degree in vocal performance!
“Dre is engaging, creative and dedicated. Her energy is contagious! She is always willing to go above and beyond to assist others. Dre is a team player and truly an enormous asset to the agency, her coworkers and the families we serve.”
– Roxanne, Executive Director
Meet Mary!
Mary has been a Family Support Specialist for almost 7 years at Family & Children’s Center. She is a local Saint Mary’s alumna and double majored in psychology and Spanish. Mary also minored in economics and brings a wealth of knowledge to her families about finances and how to save to meet their goals! Mary’s bilingual skills have also allowed us to work with the diverse population living in St. Joseph County.
“I love working with our families and watching both the children and the parents grow together. The flexibility of this job has also helped me with my own family,” said Mary.
In Mary's spare time, she enjoys spending time with her 16 year old daughter. They look forward to trips to the beach, the waterpark and Florida this summer.
"Mary constantly goes above and beyond for the organization. Over the last few months, Mary has worked in several other roles within the organization while still completing the duties of her own job. Whether it is assisting with assessments for Spanish speaking families, or helping with supervisions for her co-workers, Mary is always willing to take on extra with a smile. Mary acts as a mentor for newer staff, and does an excellent job showing them the ropes.”
– Leah, Program Manager
Mary has been a Family Support Specialist for almost 7 years at Family & Children’s Center. She is a local Saint Mary’s alumna and double majored in psychology and Spanish. Mary also minored in economics and brings a wealth of knowledge to her families about finances and how to save to meet their goals! Mary’s bilingual skills have also allowed us to work with the diverse population living in St. Joseph County.
“I love working with our families and watching both the children and the parents grow together. The flexibility of this job has also helped me with my own family,” said Mary.
In Mary's spare time, she enjoys spending time with her 16 year old daughter. They look forward to trips to the beach, the waterpark and Florida this summer.
"Mary constantly goes above and beyond for the organization. Over the last few months, Mary has worked in several other roles within the organization while still completing the duties of her own job. Whether it is assisting with assessments for Spanish speaking families, or helping with supervisions for her co-workers, Mary is always willing to take on extra with a smile. Mary acts as a mentor for newer staff, and does an excellent job showing them the ropes.”
– Leah, Program Manager
Meet Lynne!
Lynne has been with Family & Children's Center for nearly 20 years! She has her Masters in Counseling & Human Services and before she started with FCC, Lynne spent many years as a school substitute at the local Catholic schools. Lynne leads her team of staff with motivation, kindness and a strong commitment to help the families we serve.
“I love helping families, being a part of FCC's Mission, and helping my team of home visitors and assessment workers,”
said Lynne.
Lynne has three grown boys she loves visiting in Washington, Texas & North Carolina. She enjoys hiking, reading and watching a great movie.
“Lynne does a wonderful job motivating her staff and helping exemplify the mission of Healthy Families. She always has a smiling face and an open door. Whether someone from her team or someone from another team has a question, she makes time for whatever they need.”
– Leah, Program Manager
Lynne has been with Family & Children's Center for nearly 20 years! She has her Masters in Counseling & Human Services and before she started with FCC, Lynne spent many years as a school substitute at the local Catholic schools. Lynne leads her team of staff with motivation, kindness and a strong commitment to help the families we serve.
“I love helping families, being a part of FCC's Mission, and helping my team of home visitors and assessment workers,”
said Lynne.
Lynne has three grown boys she loves visiting in Washington, Texas & North Carolina. She enjoys hiking, reading and watching a great movie.
“Lynne does a wonderful job motivating her staff and helping exemplify the mission of Healthy Families. She always has a smiling face and an open door. Whether someone from her team or someone from another team has a question, she makes time for whatever they need.”
– Leah, Program Manager
Meet Ebony!
Ebony will be celebrating 1 year at Family & Children’s Center in January 2018.
She has held the Family Support Specialist position at FCC for almost a year and has loved helping all her families. Working with Healthy Families’ clients allows Ebony to have the opportunity to not only reflect with clients, but also reflect and grow personally.
“I enjoy being a part of the process of success and the champion against failures,” said Ebony.
Ebony has three boys of her own (ages 10, 14 and 19 years old). She loves big cats and the color black. Ebony has a degree in Early Childhood Education, and she is currently working on completing her Behavioral Science degree. She enjoys sleeping when she can get it!
“Ebony has a heart for the clients she visits; she goes the extra mile to assist them in reaching their goals and to help them engage in positive interactions with their children. Ebony is also a positive influence around the office. I can hear her laugh all the way down the hall, and she has been helpful and supportive of new staff within the Healthy Families program.”
– Vicki, Supervisor
Ebony will be celebrating 1 year at Family & Children’s Center in January 2018.
She has held the Family Support Specialist position at FCC for almost a year and has loved helping all her families. Working with Healthy Families’ clients allows Ebony to have the opportunity to not only reflect with clients, but also reflect and grow personally.
“I enjoy being a part of the process of success and the champion against failures,” said Ebony.
Ebony has three boys of her own (ages 10, 14 and 19 years old). She loves big cats and the color black. Ebony has a degree in Early Childhood Education, and she is currently working on completing her Behavioral Science degree. She enjoys sleeping when she can get it!
“Ebony has a heart for the clients she visits; she goes the extra mile to assist them in reaching their goals and to help them engage in positive interactions with their children. Ebony is also a positive influence around the office. I can hear her laugh all the way down the hall, and she has been helpful and supportive of new staff within the Healthy Families program.”
– Vicki, Supervisor
Meet Lauren!
Lauren started at FCC a little more than two years ago when she returned with her daughter from Nicaragua. She left for a mission trip after she graduated from college and ended up staying for 5 years! Lauren is a Family Support Specialist for our Healthy Families program, and she is a wonderful resource for many of our Spanish speaking families. Currently, Lauren has 20 families on her caseload. She makes weekly visits to their homes and encourages, guides and supports mothers on their journey of parenthood. In Lauren’s spare time she loves to play with her daughter (age 8) and be outdoors. She is an avid reader and values the time she spends with her family.
“She is very dedicated to her families and has remarkable retention, acceptance and home visit completion rates. Lauren is not only caring, kind and consistent with her families, but she is also a regular mentor for new Family Support Specialists."
– Jane, Supervisor
Lauren started at FCC a little more than two years ago when she returned with her daughter from Nicaragua. She left for a mission trip after she graduated from college and ended up staying for 5 years! Lauren is a Family Support Specialist for our Healthy Families program, and she is a wonderful resource for many of our Spanish speaking families. Currently, Lauren has 20 families on her caseload. She makes weekly visits to their homes and encourages, guides and supports mothers on their journey of parenthood. In Lauren’s spare time she loves to play with her daughter (age 8) and be outdoors. She is an avid reader and values the time she spends with her family.
“She is very dedicated to her families and has remarkable retention, acceptance and home visit completion rates. Lauren is not only caring, kind and consistent with her families, but she is also a regular mentor for new Family Support Specialists."
– Jane, Supervisor
