Spotlight on the Staff: Francisca Mendez
LA Best Babies Network’s Staff Spotlight series features staff from the Welcome Baby, Healthy Families America, and Parents as Teachers home visiting programs in Los Angeles County’s Family Strengthening Network.
This month, we’re spotlighting Francisca Mendez, a Parent Educator with the Parents as Teachers program at Human Services Association. Funded by the L.A. County Department of Public Social Services, this program supports pregnant individuals and families raising young children in the communities east and southeast of Los Angeles.
Francisca has been with the program for almost five years. When asked why she decided to become a Parent Educator, she says, “I got started in this work because I’ve always believed in the power of connection and early support. As a parent myself, I know how overwhelming and beautiful the journey can be. I wanted to be someone who could walk alongside families, be a source of encouragement, listen without judgment, and share tools that make parenting just a little easier.”
One of the things she loves most about her work is being able to build relationships with the families she serves. Visits with a client are more than a meeting where she has a checklist to complete, she says. For her, each visit is an opportunity to have conversations and to connect with her clients, which is key to her success in being able to provide families with individualized support.
The Parents as Teachers in-home support program pairs participants with a trained professional who, through one-on-one visits with clients, aims to support the parent, child, and family’s health and well-being. This takes shape in a variety of ways.
One of Francisca’s favorite ways to engage families is through hands-on activities. “I especially enjoy bringing in playful, hands-on activities that spark curiosity and fun,” she states.
“I feel so privileged to witness moments of growth in the parents and children — to witness the little, but huge, milestones that matter so much,” she says. All growth, regardless of how big or small, makes a difference — and Francisca celebrates this.
One recent moment that stands out was when a toddler she had been working with for months took their first steps during a visit. “The mom and I looked at each other, and it was so special to share that with her,” she recalls.
“I’m also proud to say I’ve been with the program for about five years, and every family I meet teaches me something new,” Francisca says.
Thank you, Francisca, for all your wonderful work with families in L.A. County over the years!
Find a Home Visiting Program in L.A. County
- Do you know someone in L.A. County who is pregnant or who recently had a baby? They can find a free in-home support program at eDirectory.HomeVisitingLA.org.
See other Spotlight on the Staff posts »