First 1,000 Days Suncoast Expands Outreach & Support Team

August 6, 2021 – Sarasota

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System recently welcomed three new family support staff to expand the work of First 1,000 Days Suncoast throughout the region. Thanks to the support of generous philanthropists, the First 1,000 Days Suncoast was able to hire Tina Wilson as its new Family Navigator, Dallas Decklever as Peer Support Specialist, and Sienna Kelley as Administrative Assistant.

First 1,000 Days Suncoast, spearheaded by Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, is a coalition comprised of parents and over 75 partner organizations dedicated to helping pregnant women and families with young children. Since 80% of a child’s brain is fully developed before their third birthday, it is critical that families have the support they need to help their children flourish. Difficulty navigating the system was the biggest barrier identified by families and professionals in the community. The initiative’s recent expansion into Charlotte, DeSoto, and Manatee counties, creates a regional “no wrong door” approach to care to ensure no family struggles through a maze of resources. 

“Relationships are the foundation, driving force, and beauty behind the First 1000 Days,” said Dr. Chelsea Arnold, Initiative Coordinator of First 1,000 Days Suncoast. “The addition of this new staff will help us not only nurture and grow our partnerships with professionals and organizations in the community, but also foster relationships with parents who have difficulty navigating the system.”

Wilson has a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and a minor in Public Health from the University of South Florida and a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Keiser University. For the last 4 years, she has worked as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. With her knowledge and experience, Wilson can help families navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and support them during difficult times.

Decklever has been an active volunteer in the Sarasota community for the last 10 years.  As a mother of 3 children, she understands how critical it is to connect new parents with services. She is passionate about the First 1,000 Days vision and mission and will be a friendly and supportive resource for pregnant women and families in the region.

Before joining the First 1,000 Days team, Kelley worked at SMH HealthFront as a greeter and screener, helping address visitors and patients questions and guiding them to their destination in the hospital. She has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Lynn University and a strong desire to support the work of non-profit community organizations making a difference in the community.

First 1,000 Days Suncoast envisions all children having a healthy and equitable start in life and that begins with parents having the tools and resources they need. By visiting the initiative website, www.First1000DaysSuncoast.org, parents can sign-up for The Basics, a free text messaging service with age-appropriate developmental tips and activities, and/or fill out an Assistance Request form to get connected with community resources. Unite Us, a care coordination platform sponsored by the initiative, seamlessly connects families with medical, mental health, and social services. 

Teri A Hansen, President|CEO of Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation believes this technology is “the biggest gamechanger to human services since arriving on the Suncoast.” After the launch of the system less than a year ago, over 800 individuals have been connected with support such as therapy, housing, food, home visiting, etc.