Mary Peniston, Child First National Program Director, is moving to a new phase in her professional career after more than 12 years at Child First. Mary will be seeking new pathways that allow her to continue doing the impactful work that is such an essential part of who she is.
Mary has been an integral part of the development, implementation, and replication of the Child First model since 2009. When Mary joined Child First, the program had just received a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant to replicate the model throughout Connecticut, and Mary worked tirelessly to see Child First expand.
Over the years, Mary took on various roles as Child First’s network grew. As Chief Operating Officer, she was a vital part of building the infrastructure of the National Program Office and expanding the Child First team. As Chief Program Officer, Mary was responsible for all external relationships and the replication of Child First nationally. Recently, Mary played a vital role in the merger of Child First with the National Service Office for Nurse-Family Partnership and the model’s expansion into its fourth state, Colorado.
Child First has thrived with Mary’s leadership and support, and she will be greatly missed, not only for the tremendous work she has done to help Child First flourish, but for her wisdom, commitment to children and families challenged by adversity, and her unwavering support and friendship.
As Mary moves on to the next phase of her professional career, we share our thanks and gratitude for her years of service and dedication to the Child First model, the Child First network, and the many Child First families who have participated in the program.
