Home Visiting in the News

Helpful tips, stories, and the latest from the Institute. Be sure to find the links below to other home visiting news and stories from across the country.

Joey Beck 4/24/26 Joey Beck 4/24/26

Research, Relationships, and the Power of ABC: Meet Sydney Ballenger, a 2026 National Home Visitor of the Year

Sydney Ballenger’s path into home visiting began at the University of Delaware, where she majored in psychology and minored in human development and family science and women and gender studies. She knew she wanted to work with children and families — she just didn’t yet know how.

Joey Beck 4/23/26 Joey Beck 4/23/26

Prevention with Purpose: How Mario Drain Is Changing the Future for Milwaukee Families

Mario Drain serves as a Fatherhood Involvement Specialist and home visitor with the City of Milwaukee Health Department through the DAD (Direct Assistance for Dads) Project, a father-focused home visiting program that operates within the city limits of Milwaukee. Using the Parents as Teachers evidence-based curriculum, he works primarily with fathers — many of whom are navigating parenthood for the first time.

Joey Beck 4/22/26 Joey Beck 4/22/26

Celebrating Excellence in Home Visiting: Wendy Welch Named 2026 National Home Visitor of the Year

Wendy Welch’s journey into home visiting began after seven years of teaching elementary school. Following a family relocation back to Idaho, she took time off to raise her young children. A friend encouraged her to consider a part-time home visiting position, recognizing her background as an educator. Initially hesitant, Wendy quickly discovered the profound impact of home visiting and has never looked back.

Joey Beck 4/21/26 Joey Beck 4/21/26

National Home Visitor of the Year: Sanquinita Martin’s Commitment to Supporting Families

For more than two decades, Sanquinita Martin has dedicated her career to supporting families and strengthening communities across upstate South Carolina. Now serving as a Lead Home Visitor with The Parenting Place through the Healthy Families America model, Martin’s work has earned national recognition as one of five recipients of this year’s National Home Visitor of the Year honor.

Joey Beck 4/20/26 Joey Beck 4/20/26

A Village That Grows With You: Shanna Carswell-Worley’s 26 Years in Home Visiting

Shanna Carswell-Worley is a Family Support Specialist and Supervisor with Catawba Valley Healthy Families, a program of Children's Hope Alliance based in Morganton, North Carolina. Nestled in the foothills between Asheville and Hickory, Morganton has been the heart of Shanna’s life’s work for more than two decades.

Joey Beck 4/25/25 Joey Beck 4/25/25

2025 Home Visitor of the Year: Alina Arutyunyan in Salt Lake City, Utah

National Home Visitor of the Year: Alina Arutyunyan

“There can be initial distrust, especially if someone has had negative experiences in the past or sees government systems as threatening,” she said. “It takes time, effort and patience to build trust — but once you do, the relationship can be incredibly rewarding.”

Joey Beck 4/24/25 Joey Beck 4/24/25

2025 Home Visitor of the Year: Mason Nazzareno in Abilene, TX

National Home Visitor of the Year: Mason Nazzareno

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.

Joey Beck 4/23/25 Joey Beck 4/23/25

2025 Home Visitor of the Year: Danielle Fields in Bristol, VA

National Home Visitor of the Year: Danielle Fields

Joey Beck 4/22/25 Joey Beck 4/22/25

2025 Home Visitor of the Year: Jocelyn Martinez in Los Angeles, CA

National Home Visitor of the Year: Jocelyn Martinez

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see how a small amount of support from someone they don’t know can help families grow stronger and become more resilient,” Martinez said. “But home visiting also leaves a positive impact on my own professionalism. Everyday I’m developing stronger communication skills, building relationships with families and community resources, and gaining leadership and advocacy skills.”

Joey Beck 4/21/25 Joey Beck 4/21/25

2025 Home Visitor of the Year: Azuzena Flores in Sioux City, Iowa

National Home Visitor of the Year: Azuzena Flores

“Azuzena’s positive energy is a detectable force,” said colleague Brynn Friedrich. “She brings her work team and the families she serves a dedication and willingness that comes from within. Her eagerness to improve her own practices makes her a life-long learner. We hope she stays in the field of service to the children and families of Iowa forever.”