Rhonda Parks
Rhonda Parks has devoted her career to young children and families, now approaching her 38th anniversary as an employee of The Children’s Place. Rhonda began as an assistant teacher in our Day Treatment program. The agency quickly recognized Rhonda’s skills interacting with the caregivers of the children we serve, and soon they created the position of Parent Educator within a new Family Support Services program.
“I want all parents to have the opportunity I had as a parent, so I work hard to earn parents’ trust and show them that parenting can be rewarding and enjoyable,” Rhonda said. “I love watching the relief of parents when they learn that they are not alone in their journeys to improve their families. They see that they can receive support without being judged, and they learn that someone is actually listening to their fears and concerns. I get to watch them blossom.”
In her nearly four decades with The Children’s Place, Rhonda has worked with hundreds of children and families. She remembered one particular client, a mother whose child was exhibiting difficult behavior at school. The child was hard of hearing, and Rhonda soon learned that the mother knew very little sign language to interact with her child.
Having grown up with a deaf sister, Rhonda signed “hello” when she met the child. She remembers the child’s face lighting up when she saw that Rhonda could communicate with her. Working together over several months, Rhonda and the family identified that many of the child’s challenges stemmed from an inability to communicate. The mother focused on becoming more fluent in basic sign language, and the child’s behavior significantly improved.
Several years after working together, this mother eventually pursued a career working with children, including working at The Children’s Place for a short time before joining an organization that empowers families to advocate for their child’s special educational needs. Years later, the mother followed up with Rhonda to inform her that her child graduated high school with honors. That family is just one of the hundreds that Rhonda has impacted in her nearly four decades working at the Children’s Place.
“I believe that every child should experience love, laughter and joy,” Rhonda said. “I was fortunate to experience the joy of being a child with siblings and friends that sought out new adventures and cherished friendships. I want this for all children.”
Rhonda will be recognized at the Gratitude Bruncheon on Thursday, June 6. Learn more about our other honorees who will be celebrated at the Gratitude Bruncheon here.
