The Viehlands

Christine was a pregnant 16-year-old and in a support group for teen moms when she first met her Parents as Teachers parent educator, Bev.

Bev took an active role in Christine's life, helping her finish high school while learning to be a parent to Samantha.

As Samantha grew up, Christine and Bev noticed she had difficulties speaking clearly. Even though the school district didn't see a need to enroll Samantha in speech therapy, Bev knew she needed additional services to be successful in school. Bev's instincts were correct and Samantha was eventually enrolled in a speech therapy program.

"She was so proud when she learned to say her name correctly," Christine says now. Samantha continued to show significant progress and to gain confidence in her skills and knowledge.

"I think that's where a lot of her confidence came from," says Christine. "She is going to college next year, and I can't imagine where she'd be without the services she received through Parents as Teachers."