We’re excited to share some inspiring highlights from across Colorado. From impactful conference presentations and community celebrations to meaningful conversations with caregivers and exciting program milestones, this quarter has been filled with moments that reflect the heart of our mission.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us, your support helps give families tools, strengthen partnerships, and invest in the future of Colorado’s children.

Leona Martinez, LMFT-S, RPT, Child First® Clinical Supervisor at Solvista Health, and Bonnie Ortega, LPC, CAS, Child First Clinical Supervisor at San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group, recently presented at the Parent Possible Home Visiting Conference 2025: Rooted in Resilience.

At the conference, they highlighted IIK’s ongoing efforts in Early Childhood Advocacy. Their session provided valuable insights into the importance of elevating family voices, building community partnerships, and shaping policies that support young children and their caregivers.

IIK just completed 2 focus groups with caregivers participating in the invest in play® (iiP) pilot parent program.

The first group was a Spanish speaking group in Commerce City. The discussion focused on the program experience and how their relationship with their child has changed.

The second focus group took place with the program that was delivered in English in Westminster. Their 12-week program ended last week and graduates shared their enthusiasm and gratitude for the program, and also identified some ways the program could be improved for the future.

We look forward to processing data from these discussions to learn how to improve the way we deliver the program.

In photo: Graduates from the Westminster Group.

For the second year in a row Suzy Hannen, from the Early Learning and Family Education team, represented IIK at the Annual Children’s Fair in Grand County. The theme was Superheroes in Action: In Life and Literacy! The event celebrated fictional superheroes and community helpers who support children and families everyday.

Suzy and Wally, a puppet used for The Incredible Years Dinosaur School curriculum, wore “Super Friend” capes and provided materials to make friendship bracelets.

The event was a huge success with over 600 families attending.

In first photo: Wally (puppet), Suzy, and Daniel Tiger from PBS

In second photo: Wally & Suzy with the director and teachers at Granby Play Days (Molly, Gretchen, and Jamie)

Allison Mosqueda, IIK’s Director of Community Health Nursing, attended a fundraiser for Hope House Colorado and met Ashley Sandoval, a current client in the Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) program. She invited Allison on a home visit with her nurse. Ashley has just graduated with her GED and is enrolled in Red Rocks Community College with a goal to one day work as a Kindergarten teacher. Ashley spoke about her experience with NFP, how her nurse is a trusted resource for information, is non-judgmental, and has provided encouragement for Ashley to pursue her dreams.

In photo: Allison, Kelli Dunn (NFP Nurse Home Visitor from Adams County Public Health), Ashley.

IIK staff members Marisa Gullicksrud and Kimberly Hirst recently attended the Perinatal and Substance Use Disorder Integration Conference in Avon, Colorado. Both presented on the resource panel, representing NFP and Child First® (CF) and spoke to IIK’s Whole Child Approach (WCA). The WCA considers all aspects of a child’s growth and development and understands how investing in one area of development often benefits others.

In Photo: Kimberly Hirst (Referral and Outreach Nurse with Community Health Nursing) and Marisa (Director of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health).

Clinc Award – Clinica Tepeyac

We celebrated NFP’s Referral Partner of the Quarter, Clinic Tepeyac Community Health Center, with an award. We are lucky to have such a strong community partner. 

Individual Reward – Emily Anderson

This quarter’s individual referral partner is Emily Anderson, PA at Intermountain Lowry OBGYN. She is a consistent and steady champion for NFP! Thank you, Emily!

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