July 2026
Welcome to the Team Jailene!
We are proud to announce the newest addition to our team, Family Navigator Jailene Soto! Hiring Jailene builds on the success of the initiative’s partnership with Links to Success and reflects the strong impact of the current navigation programs at both organizations.
Jailene will focus efforts in DeSoto County, working
closely with community partners while maintaining regular, ongoing engagement with families across the county. She brings extensive experience in early childhood and family support services. She holds a Master of Arts in Family and Consumer Science, a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, and is endorsed as an Early Childhood Family Specialist by the Florida Association of Infant Mental Health. Prior to joining First 1,000 Days Suncoast, Jailene worked for The Florida Center as an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant.
Jailene has already made great connections with partner agencies and started supporting families in navigating resources. We are excited to continue to watch her thrive in her role.
If you would like to connect with Jailene, please email Jailene-soto@smh.com.
Children’s Movement of Florida
Family Navigator,Tina Wilson, presented about the initiative’s parent leadership efforts on the Children’s Movement of Florida Future Call Workgroup. The monthly meetings bring together leaders across the state of Florida to share best practices that align with their Early Learning Roadmap. During the
call, Tina shared how the First 1,000 Days Suncoast parent leadership work is structured, what we’ve learned from families, and how those insights are influencing/shaping programmatic elements.
To promote the event, Tina was cited as a “a leader in engaging families and elevating their voice in shaping solutions”. Tina has led the Parent Advisory Committees for the last five years, which continue to grow immensely in participation and engagement. Parents are increasing awareness of the initiative by promoting it in their own communities, tabling events to support the team, participating in workgroups, Steering Committee, and building strategy for programs and projects. Parents on these committees have gone on to work at local partner agencies, co-lead statewide advocacy efforts, and join boards and other non-profit leadership roles. We are so proud of Tina and the work she has led to elevate parent voice.
Nurture Connection
In May, Initiative Director, Dr. Chelsea Arnold, presented on the Nurture Connection webinar. This national collaborative “brings together researchers, practitioners, and parents to develop and implement a research agenda to build our understanding of Early Relational Health, its impact on early childhood development and lifelong well-being, how to promote it, and what gets in the way.”
During the call, Dr. Arnold shared the history of the initiative, its activities, and the impact of our partnerships. The unique model, with Sarasota Memorial as the backbone organization and working collaboratively with professionals and parents, was of major interest to the group as they look to connect early learning networks, healthcare systems, and parent leadership in a “3-legged stool” approach.
Awards & Recognition
Research & Innovation
Initiative Director, Dr. Chelsea Arnold, was honored with the 2026 Nurse Research and Innovation Award at the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System Interprofessional Research Conference for her leadership in evaluating programs and sharing the impact of First 1,000 Days Suncoast. This prestigious award is given to one nurse within the healthcare system each year. Dr. Arnold shares, “The award is only possible because of the incredible work of the First 1,000 Days team in supporting the development and implementation of evaluation frameworks and our community partners for their dedication to the work and diligence in helping families in our community. Being able to share the outcomes of this collaborative work is truly an honor”
Leader of the Quarter
Sarasota Memorial Hospital Director of Women and Children’s, Abby Olsen, was awarded Leader of the Quarter for her exemplary leadership. Abby has led the development of innovative programs to address the OBGYN crisis in the community, rapidly standing up a Pregnancy Care Team and virtual medical visits for pregnant mothers. These programs have already had an enormous impact in the community. Her tireless advocacy and dedication to this work are a testament to her brilliance and heart as a leader.
Building Strong Mamas
Strong Mama’s Support Group continues to meet every month and is facilitated in partnership with First 1,000 Days Suncoast Family Navigator, Renee King, and Sarasota Memorial’s Pregnancy Care Team Nurse Navigator, Kayla Valentich. During these virtual meetings, parents are provided with resources and a safe place to ask questions and share their fears about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum; while also supporting the initiative in building projects, programs, and campaigns to support their local community.
During the most recent meetings, the following testimonials about the impact of the group were shared:
“These monthly video chats help me feel less alone”
“When I had my first baby, I felt like I should hide how I was feeling because I was scared that what I was feeling wasn’t normal. With this baby, I have learned that it is ok to ask for help and talk to my care team. I am usually a quieter person, so I am proud of myself for coming today and sharing how I have been feeling.”
Partner Spotlight
Thank you to Kelly Romanoff, VP of Evaluation and Strategy with Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, for serving as First 1,000 Days Steering Committee Chair for the last several years. Throughout her term as chair, she was instrumental in piloting new projects, expanding work into DeSoto County, advancing Unite Us adoption, and securing additional
funding for the initiative, while also acting as a sounding board for the First 1,000 Days team. Kelly is an incredible advocate for families, with both a passion for the work and a brilliant mind that has lent itself to many creative ideas and strategies.
Spring Events
The First 1,000 Days was very busy participating in events this spring. A huge thank you to the partners who put on these amazing events and allowed us to be a part of it!
Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level ReadingReMake Learning Days
Kiwanis Club of Sarasota and Healthy Start Sarasota Community Baby Shower
Children First Head Start Health and Safety Resource Fair
One Check Away, Inc. - Key Quest Festival
New Partnership to Address
Housing Needs
First 1,000 Days Suncoast is thrilled about our new partnership with One Stop Housing. Some of the families supported through our family navigation program were given priority access to The Nest housing facility, which provides low-cost housing for Manatee County residents. We are grateful for the leadership and vision of One Stop Housing and the ability to address one of the major challenges for families in our community. This is likely just the beginning of our collaboration together, and we look forward to what the future brings!
Voices of the Families We Serve
“I found you all to be encouraging to help me find resources. Renee made me feel so seen and supported me as I struggled to find resources as a large family in this economy. I was scared about how we will survive, but Renee made me feel reassured.”
“My life has changed a lot since connecting with First 1000 Days. I have never been a parent before, and I feel like I learn things that help me better handle my kids and situations that I honestly have no experience in. I love that I don’t feel so alone anymore and have people I know I can call when I’m crying.”
“With support from the First 1000 Days Navigators, I feel more comfortable and more prepared to be a mom again to a newborn. I feel like it’s taken the weight off, and if I can't get an item, they will find it.”
“Support from First 1000 Days has helped me a lot. It has helped me with my self-esteem. It has helped me to feel less alone. Even though I have family nearby, it’s a different kind of support. You get to meet other strong women in the process. It’s been very beneficial.”
Save the Date and Join Us for the 2026 First 1,000 Days Suncoast Partner Celebration & Community Conversation
November 4th or 5th, 2026 at Resilient Retreat
Join us for a special gathering to celebrate the collective impact, partnerships, and progress of First 1,000 Days Suncoast and help shape the initiative's future.
Partners will be able to select the session that works best for their schedule:
Wednesday, November 4- Afternoon Session
Thursday, November 5- Morning Session
The gathering will include:
A keynote speaker highlighting state and local efforts
Celebration of partnership and impact
Time to connect with colleagues and meet new parents and professionals
Small group facilitated conversations
Your expertise matters. Your partnership has helped build the momentum behind this work, and your voice is essential as we continue to strengthen supports for children and families across the region.
More details and registration information coming soon.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Our community partners are vital to our mission. First 1,000 Days Suncoast is committed to working collaboratively to develop innovative solutions that make a lasting difference for families, organizations, and communities.
Here's how you can get involved:
- Join a First 1,000 Days workgroup.
- Screen for social and mental health needs.
- Volunteer with organizations serving pregnant women and families.
- Join the Unite Us platform to streamline referrals and care coordination.
-Share this information to spread awareness.
If you know someone who is pregnant or has a child under the age of three and needs support, encourage them to request assistance through First 1,000 Days: www.first1000dayssuncoast.org/help-form.
941-917-7421 | First1000Days@smh.com | First1000DaysSuncoast.org