This winter, Relief Nursery Director of Early Childhood Programs Leslie Finlay was honored with the Minalee Saks Champion of the Children Award by Parenting Now, a local organization providing Parenting Education and support to families with young children. At the event, Relief Nursery Executive Director Kelly Sutherland shared the following remarks about Leslie:
“Leslie’s life’s work has been devoted to improving the lives of children and families in our community, earning her Master of Arts in Early Intervention in 1994 and simultaneously beginning her career as a Parent Educator/Home Visitor at Birth to Three.
Over the next 30 plus years, Leslie shared her expertise with many early childhood organizations – among them, Early Childhood Cares, Moss Street Children’s Center, the Child and Family Center, Parenting Now, and Relief Nursery.
Leslie values all community partners in service to high needs children. If you have served a child or parent in Oregon, Leslie’s research – curriculum and training development – and special education expertise has influenced your work.
The breadth and impact of her efforts are truly remarkable, bringing consequential results for children and families, and making sure that programs and services are caring, compassionate, and first and foremost responsive to children’s needs. At Relief Nursery we know her to be amazingly versatile and flexible – and she keeps it all running smoothly. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Leslie.”