When Danielle Fields walks around her hometown of Bristol, VA on weekends, it’s not uncommon for a child to run up to her with a generous hug. The kids’ embrace is thanks to the connections she’s made as a home visitor over the last nine years at nonprofit People Incorporated.  

From hugs to helping families become stronger and more resilient, Fields is making a big impact as a home visitor. This year she’s being honored as a Home Visitor of the Year for her unwavering commitment to the profession and support of caregivers and children.  

"Danielle goes above and beyond to educate, advocate, and support the families she serves by building a strong, meaningful connection with them," says Jackie Gilliam, People Incorporated CHIP Coordinator. "Danielle works tirelessly to ensure family needs are addressed and resolved while also empowering them to be self-sufficient." 

Growing up, Fields felt drawn to the teaching profession and later, the science and behavior of the mind. Through a combination of early childhood degrees and a bachelor’s in psychology, she found her way to a Head Start program at People Incorporated. When a home visiting position opened at the agency, she read the description and knew it was the role for her. She’s never looked back.  

Today, Fields manages a case load of about 20 families. At the beginning of each week, Fields starts sending messages to her families to schedule home visits. Most of her parents work hourly jobs with changing schedules, and the regular check-in gives them a chance to find a convenient time for Fields to come by. 

Her families value their relationships with Fields.  

“Me and my husband are very much homebodies and were nervous to meet new people, especially someone that was going to be so important to us,” said Ashley, a parent enrolled in People Incorporated’s CHIP of Southwest Virginia program. “But Danielle was so nice and has always been so nice. She came in and told us exactly what she was there for and what she could and couldn’t help with.” 

Through the home visits, Fields works with families to reach their goals by providing support and access to healthcare resources, education and more. In addition to teaching early childhood best practices, she helps families understand the importance of credit scores and financial management and has helped parents achieve a variety of personal goals, like obtaining a driver’s license.    

“I'm very passionate about what I do,” said Fields. “I feel that everybody at some point in their life needs a hand up and I just really love the opportunity to be able to offer that to families.” 

Fields is an advocate for the Institute for the Advancement of Home Visiting Professional’s free online training and Career Compass. She is proud to have earned her National Family Support Certification.  

“I have the certification hanging in my office,” said Fields.  

She enjoyed modules focused on effective family interviewing. 

In some ways, the drive to help others through home visiting in an inherited trait. Fields’ family has a long history in the church. Her dad was a pastor, while her mom played piano. Fields’ grandmother played the organ and her grandfather served as a song longer. Today, Fields is a strong and compassionate voice in the chorus of home visitors committed to helping families in Virginia and beyond succeed.  

To learn more about People Incorporated visit www.peopleinc.net.  

Congratulations to Danielle Fields for being selected as a 2025 Home Visitor of the Year.