By: Gina Blake, Vice President for Programs

Sharon started with Parents as Teachers (PAT) in 2012 and became the supervisor in 2017. Her passion for helping families, coupled with her supportive leadership style and deep understanding of this evidence-based program, has helped her continue to grow PAT to meet the needs of the families we serve. Sharon truly partners with parents to help them be their child’s best first teacher.

Under Sharon’s leadership, the 18 Degrees PAT program was chosen as a pilot program for a recovery coach. She received additional training and now oversees a PAT recovery coach, the first in Massachusetts, bringing a critical focus and perspective to strengthen families.

In addition to being a whiz at all things PAT, Sharon is an outgoing ball of fire. She is energetic, funny, and a great photographer. She has been doing agency holiday photos for several years with elaborate set designs. Families often remark these are the only “real” photos they have of their children. Sharon loves to be creative and brings her art background into planning activities and bringing fun into her work.

Sharon has walked with many parents to their new beginning. She has been their biggest cheerleader – believing in them as they reach for their goals. Nothing gives her more joy than when a parent is reunified with their child, learns to advocate for themselves, starts reading to their child or recognizes their child’s developmental milestones.

Parents as Teachers (PAT) strengthens families by implementing an evidence-based early childhood home visiting model. By providing families and mothers from prenatal through kindergarten with education and support, we build strong communities, thriving families, and children who are healthy, safe, and ready to learn.