Career Corner

A shipboard link with TCC led to UVA and EVMS

“I was working as an avionics tech aboard the USS Kennedy when I enrolled in a class at TCC,” he recalls. “I wasn’t sure I would be successful, with deployment and duty schedules, but I knew I had to try.” 

His efforts paid off. After two years, Sylvester earned an associate degree in engineering. “My TCC experience was fantastic. My professors worked with me to ensure success and really went that extra mile. It was a great place to

prepare for my next step.” 

Sylvester transferred to the University of Virginia to study biomedical engineering in the fall of 2007. “I always wanted to study medicine, but it wasn’t until I started doing well with my TCC classes that I really gave it serious thought,” Sylvester adds.

His current studies include a research project on motion-estimation software to be used for imaging procedures. “The program here is very rigorous, but satisfying all the same.”  

Sylvester plans to become an interventional radiologist, a medical doctor involved in the treatment of patients, as well as the diagnosis of disease. He has been accepted at Eastern Virginia Medical School. “I see biomedical engineering as a great way to personalize engineering work.”

TCC paved the way for early childhood educator

Working as an electrician at a local shipyard, LaVern Theus had a steady income, regular hours and a pension. And she gave it all up, after 14 years, to answer a “higher calling” – “to build an ark and welcome children twoby two,” explains Theus.

Saying she stepped out in faith by giving up her secure job, Theus enrolled at TCC to prepare to open an educational child-care facility. With the support of her husband George, who took a second job, Theus began her studies. “I enjoyed what I was learning. Professor Marie Baker prepared me to teach children, not just keep them for the day,” Theus adds.  

After graduating with a 4.0 grade-point average, Theus opened an in-home child-care business, and was the first family child care in the region accredited by the National Association for Family Day Care. She received a three-year license, a rarity in the business, for exemplifying high standards and offering services well above minimum standards. Theus now owns and operates Abby’s Ark, an early learning center.  

Theus has gone on to get her master’s in early childhood education, after earning more than enough credits from TCC to qualify for Regent University’s independent learning program. She serves as a mentor for child-care providers and as a consultant through the Planning Council.

“It’s my mission – my calling – to take these kids and set the right foundation. I want them to be successful at whatever they choose to do,” says Theus.

Computer-savvy alumna claims a

long-awaited career

Teresa Jones is passionate about computers. “I’ve always been fascinated with anything connected with computers and often spent my free time fixing them for friends and family. Then I realized I could turn it into a paid career by getting a formal education.”

Jones took classes at TCC right after high school, but family responsibilities and work intervened. For over 30 years, she held administrative support positions, enjoying the work, but knowing she “always wanted something more.” 

A few years ago, she enrolled at TCC again, ready to go the distance. “I came back to TCC because it was affordable and the class schedule fit my life,” Jones says. With high honors she earned her degree in information systems technology with an emphasis in network infrastructure through TCC’s Regional Cisco Academy.  

“The coursework was challenging and I spent much of my weekends in the Cisco lab,” she says with a laugh. “But it was so worthwhile – I put my skills to work on the job from day one.” 

Jones now works as a network administrator for WR Systems, an IT and engineering firm. “My company has been so supportive. They helped pay my tuition, provided on-the-job training opportunities while I was in school, and had a position open for me when I obtained that degree.” 

“I love what I do now. We provide desktop support for more than 200 computer users, ensure that our servers run smoothly and handle daily backups of electronic data. I feel like I’ve finally made it.” 

Jones plans to continue taking TCC classes to enhance her knowledge and keep her skills sharp. Also tapping TCC are her brother, aimed at nursing, and her nephew, working toward a teaching degree.

Global goals in business

A globetrotter while growing up in an Army family, Byron T. Morgan sees “international” as today’s norm for business. Shortly after transferring to The College of William and Mary for marketing and finance, he applied that thinking – traveling to Southeast Asia to complete market research with the college’s Mason School of Business.

Morgan, who graduated from TCC with a business administration degree in December 2007, believes business success relates to building networks both locally and around the world. “My ultimate goal is to be a mover and shaker in the media and entertainment market. I’d like to be the next Rupert Murdock,” he adds with a laugh.

Once a teen connected with the wrong crowd, with his grades plummeting, Morgan says, “I wasn’t expected to go to college. My grades were not great and I got in a lot of trouble. Family difficulties and negative influences in my neighborhood made things even worse.”

Things began to turn around for Morgan when he enrolled at TCC. “I decided to follow the right path,” he says, “and the people at TCC helped make that possible.” Morgan excelled in his studies and got involved in college life. He served as senator and vice president for the Portsmouth Campus Student Government Association, as well as secretary and vice president for Virginia 21.

His outreach included mentoring youth through the Beating the Odds program, helping inspire, motivate and enlighten young black men. During his tenure at TCC, Morgan was recognized with several awards including the Martin Luther King Jr. scholarship award, the Mary Ferrell Flickinger scholarship, Distinguished Student Award and the Student Achievement Award.

TCC alumna writes pioneering ER-orientation nursing guide

Jennifer Buettner began her career as a licensed practical nurse in the emergency department of DePaul Medical Center. At that point, thinking she would someday write a groundbreaking primer for emergency-nurse orientation never crossed her mind.

“My career is a real answer to prayer. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. When I tried my hand at nursing, it was a great fit from the start,” Buettner says.

A native of Virginia Beach, Buettner turned to TCC to advance her career, enrolling in the registered nursing program at the Portsmouth Campus. “TCC gave me a great foundation and the knowledge to pass my state board exam on the first try,” she adds. 

Buettner now lives in Georgia and works as a registered nurse/certified emergency nurse at Jasper Memorial hospital. As a trainer for newly employed or interning nurses, Buettner teaches emergency nursing on the job. To aid this process, she wrote a pamphlet on basic nursing procedures. “I saw a need, so I started by organizing the information by body system,” she explains. “I used 12 references and spent the better part of three years working on the project.” 

Buettner’s pamphlet evolved into a 250-plus page book – Fast Facts for the ER Nurse - Emergency Room Orientation in a Nutshell. “It’s designed for anyone who wants to be an ER nurse. It covers all of the emergencies you’ll see in the setting, from delivering babies to broken bones to respiratory problems to cardiac conditions,” she says.

“Giving quality care to every patient is the goal,” believes the nurse-author, who works three 12-hour shifts a week, allowing for quality time with her husband and young children.

From a small town to the Navy to TCC and new career

Johnny Moye, supervisor of career and technical education for Chesapeake Public Schools, grew up in a small community tucked in the “Hoosier Hills” of Indiana.

Going to college was never discussed around the dinner table, as farming or factory work were the main employment options during the mid-1970s. That he would someday be named Virginia High School Technology Education Teacher of the Year never entered his mind.

While on shore duty and thinking about life after the Navy, Moye enrolled at TCC’s Virginia Beach Campus. He graduated with a general studies associate degree in 1999, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and a master’s in occupational and technical studies. “I was the first in my family to earn a college degree,” he says. “TCC boosted my confidence, and it was there that I learned that I could be successful in the classroom.”

Moye was back in the classroom in 2003, this time as a technology teacher at Hickory High in Chesapeake. For five years he taught classes like geospatial technology, graphic communications and computing systems. He also served as an advisor for Hickory’s successful Technology Student Association and was named the Virginia High School Technology Education Teacher of the Year in 2008.

“TCC instilled in me a love of learning, and helped lay the ground work for my Ph.D.”  Moye will complete his doctorate in education during the summer of 2009 through ODU.

Moye and his wife have four children; two of them attended TCC’s Chesapeake Campus after high school.

Caring for the elderly

Newly divorced, Sher Amerson knew that she needed to prepare for the future. She enrolled at TCC’s Chesapeake Campus which was near her work in the business office at Autumn Care. “After taking one accounting class, I was hooked,” Amerson says. “I’ve been in the healthcare area for most of my work life, but I was excited about learning a specific skill set, so I just kept going,” Amerson explains.  

In 2007, after three years, Amerson earned her associate degree in accounting and was then offered an internship for administrator training at the nursing home where she works. She completed that training, and passed the state board exam that qualifies her to be the lead professional in any nursing home in Virginia.  

Waiting for a position to become available in the Hampton Roads area, Amerson continues her work at Autumn Care and says, “When you oversee the care of the elderly, you go home at the end of the day with a great deal of satisfaction. We're working in their home, and it's rewarding to help them enjoy each day.”

TCC grad builds a successful life

Clay Dills had a rocky start with college life. He went from major to major, never finding anything to get excited about. He flunked out of both TCC and ODU – all before turning 21.  

Enjoying the surf scene and working for Wave Riding Vehicles at the Oceanfront, Dills was unsure about what to do with the rest of his life. “I still remember the day my counselor at ODU gave me a form and told me to put a check in the box for my major. I was stunned. They were essentially asking me to choose a career path, and I just had no idea what to do,” Dills recalls.   

“Things started to turn around for me when I realized that I wanted to use my skills to build things. Growing up with a father who is an architect, I sort of rebelled against the idea of following in his footsteps. It was only as I got older that I became excited about doing that work,” Dills recalls. 

                                                                                                 Clay Dills and family at home in Virginia Beach.

Dills turned to TCC to get back into college. “I really needed a second chance. I had to get top grades to be accepted in architect school, and while it sounds simple, TCC gave me that chance,” Dills says.

Transferring to Virginia Tech with a 4.0 grade point average, Dills excelled and graduated first in class. His studies included a year at The Cooper Union School in Manhattan, a prestigious institution accepting a mere 30 students a year for its architect program. “As an adult student, it was sometimes tough going,” Dills adds.  

Dills now works with his father designing school additions, home renovations, multi-million dollar homes, marine terminals and more. “The practice is very challenging, and I enjoy the work. It’s great to see something you design come to life in a constructed project.” Dills and his firm also work with Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing to provide architecture services for those with limited incomes.

Back in the classroom, this time as an adjunct faculty for Hampton University, Dills shares his professional expertise with budding architecture students. “It’s all a blur to me now,” Dills adds, “but what I know is that TCC is a really good enabler and you can launch from there.”

“Lost Boy” gets a new start

One of the Lost Boys of Sudan, Bul Thuc Dut remembers running for his life in his native country during the ravishes of civil war. He and his brother fled from home and sure captivity when they were only four and five years old. They walked hundreds of miles through deserts and mountains with little food, and the fear of attacks from wild animals and enemy soldiers. Dut’s brother did not make it – he was killed by soldiers, leaving Dut to travel without him to the safety of Ethiopia. Dut spent his growing-up years, separated from family, in refugee camps, first in Ethiopia, then in Kenya.  

While there he worked to get an education, learning the alphabet by tracing letters in the dirt with his finger. Later he attended school, sharing one pencil and a notebook with four other students. By the age of 22 he’d earned his high school diploma from the camp high school. 

Things changed for Dut quickly after that; he was granted asylum in the United States.  “I was so happy to come here,” Dut recalls, “It was the start of a new life.”  Dut managed the cultural changes that come with entering a new country, while working full time. He also enrolled at TCC, first taking English as a second language, and later working up to a full load of business classes. “I’ve learned so much,” Dut adds. “TCC is a good place to start, especially for foreign students who need to be connected to accessible professors and staff.” 

Four years later in December 2007, Dut found himself graduating again, this time with an associate degree in business administration. The civil war in Sudan has officially ended, making travel there safe again. “Compared to where I was, I have a new life, but with this life, I have much responsibility. I want to help my people, by going back and working in administration and healthcare services.” 

Continuing his studies in business management at Old Dominion University, Dut is excited about the future. “People talk about America as the land of opportunity, and it is, but you still have to work hard to earn this American dream. It becomes your dream, and your hard work makes it possible.”

From foodie to faculty

Working with food always appealed to Deanna Freridge. Her first job was as a counter worker and then manager of a fast food restaurant. From there, she became a server in a fine dining restaurant in New York. When the chef quit, she became the lunch cook and, within a year, was the lead chef of the restaurant.

“It was not until I got into the kitchen that I fell in love with what I was doing,” Freridge recalls. “When you create dishes that people enjoy, you get immediate feedback. My rule of thumb: if I would not pay for a dish and eat it myself, I would not expect anyone else to either.”

Married to a military member, Freridge relocated to Virginia. She had young children to consider and a husband that spent much of his work life at sea, so she opted for a day job as a breakfast cook, and later a banquet chef for a local hotel. “It was at this point that I knew I needed a degree if I was going to get ahead,” she says, “so I opted to enroll in TCC’s hospitality management program.”

“After two years, and a lot of juggling, I had my degree and a plan.” Freridge opened Toques Creative Catering, a high-end catering business. For 15 years, she planned, organized and prepared food for more than 200 events a year, employing six full-time and 60 part-time employees. She ran two commercial kitchens, including one kosher setting. Semi-retired now, Freridge says she enjoyed every event and the financial rewards that came from owning her business.

Chef Freridge arranges gingerbread houses for a display at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.

“I’ve had a great career and I love the industry. I’ve come full circle and now it’s my time to pass knowledge to the next generation of American chefs.” Freridge took her love of cooking to the classroom in 2006, joining TCC’s culinary program faculty.

Cancer could not keep her from earning a degree

Joyce Ballance-Tapley has always believed in living life to the fullest. And even though she is battling stage-4 colon cancer, she’s still setting and meeting goals. The latest – earning her associate degree in early childhood education from TCC.

“I’m not going to let the cancer beat me or control me. I have one life, and I’m going to live it,” Tapley says.

Married and the mother of two boys, ages 5 and 14, Tapley says, “When I was first diagnosed, I asked God to give me the strength to make it through for my kids.” With the support of family, friends, neighbors and her church, Tapley has overcome some incredible odds.

Over the past two years, she has endured five rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. “I was determined to get to class. I was late some days because of treatments, but I was following this dream.”

Upbeat and positive, you wouldn’t guess that Tapley is battling cancer by her outward appearance and attitude. She inspires those around her as evidenced by the signs and balloons festooning the front of her home on graduation day. “It was a thrilling evening to walk that stage, and then to come home to see that my neighbors recognized this accomplishment – it was overwhelming.”

Tapley is still looking ahead. A substitute teacher for Chesapeake public schools, she plans to take the summer off to be with her children. Then it’s back to TCC to complete three classes enabling her to earn a second associate degree, this one in general studies.

“It’s been a long, but very rewarding journey. Many people have asked me why I continued at TCC, and my answer is always the same – because I’m not giving up on life or letting go of my dreams.”

Davis earns degrees, sets example

Becoming a teen mom did not stop Santia Davis from pursuing her dream of a college education. She enrolled at TCC for the first time in 1995, when she was working as an apprentice pipe fitter for NORSHIPCO. Not long after, she joined the Army and put her studies on hold.

Davis returned to TCC five years later and earned her associate of applied science in Computer Aided Drafting and Design.  “Attending TCC helped me focus on my future goals, and paved the way for my educational career and ultimately my success,” Davis says. She continued her education through the design cooperative program through Northrop Grumman, and from there went on to earn a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering and a master’s in engineering management from Old Dominion University.

Davis now works as a mechanical engineer for the U.S. Navy. “I see my educational journey as an example for my daughter, who began her own college career last year,” she adds. “Today I am working on a Ph.D. and also teaching for the CADD program at TCC.  Life is busy, but wonderfully full.”

An example for her child and grandchild

After graduating from Bayside High in Virginia Beach, Raeanne Reece decided to go to work, thinking that she had plenty of time for college later. “I just wanted a job and planned to make lots of money,” she recalls. “Of course, that’s not what happened.”

She married and had a child, and life was in full swing. “I was working long hours and caring for my son. My marriage ended, leaving me solely responsible for my child.”

Working as a civilian federal employee for the U.S. Navy, Reece was encouraged by her supervisor to continue her education.  “I started working on my supervisory management certificate with TCC professors who came right to the command,” Reece adds. “It was challenging, but my teachers understood the pressures of working and going to school, and they went out of their way to make sure I was successful.”

The first in her family to attend college, Reece graduated with an associate of applied science in business management in May. “I’ve come along way since I started as a GS 2. I’m hoping to encourage education with my son and my grandchild.”

“What I know for sure is that even if you just take a class or two, the camaraderie and things you take away from the learning process are helpful career-wise and in life.”

Putting talent to work

Eddie Johnson, a native of New York City, always planned to go to college. “My mom moved us to Virginia Beach to keep my focus on the right things,” Johnson recalls.

A 2000 graduate of Salem High, Johnson was not ready for college. “TCC was a good place for me. When I came out of high school, I was not focused. The people at TCC helped me calm down and get my head in the game.” 

Johnson earned his associate of applied science in 2004 and transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) to study mass communications. “I needed to get my portfolio together for the art school there,” Johnson adds. “By the time I applied it was filled with drawings, paintings and digital work.” 

While at VCU, Johnson interned behind the camera for the college’s media services. He earned his bachelor’s in 2008 and was offered a job on campus as director of interactive media for the athletic department. “From the start, I knew I wanted to draw and use my artistic skills. This job is a great fit, because I enjoy sports and creative challenges.” 

Johnson’s work days are spent creating billboards, magazine advertisements, promotional items and media guides. “The journey was so worth it. TCC was affordable and it was there that I learned important life skills like goal setting and time management. I would not be here, if I had not started there.”

Student from Spain earns degree in a year

Thanks to his father’s career with NATO, Ignacio Delgado Carrillo found his way to TCC – all the way from Spain, his home country. When the family moved from Catalonia to Virginia Beach two years ago, Carrillo decided to make the most of it and work toward a degree.

At just 18, he reached his goal this summer, completing an associate of applied science degree in information systems technology from TCC. “My father’s work offered many different places to live; Norway, France, you name it. But when I saw that one of the choices was America, I knew I wanted to come here – and finding TCC’s IST program was what I needed,” says Carrillo, who has also lived in Italy. “Being here is almost like a movie, the buses, cars, cops, everything.”  

The young Spaniard came to America with a very ambitious mind. As soon as he found out they would go to the United States, he immediately began to study English and take oral English classes. “It was hard in the beginning here, understanding English; I even had to have a translator,” says Carrillo, “but I know I will come across harder things in life.”  

This ambitious attitude carried over into the classroom where Carrillo earned his degree in just one year. Able to test out of some classes, he took 22 credits one semester and 28 the next, all while maintaining a GPA of 3.86.  

Outside of the classroom, Carrillo continued his extracurricular work as a soccer referee, as well as spending time with new friends and playing tennis. “I already had my certificate as a referee in Spain, but one of the first things I wanted to do here was get my certificate to referee soccer in this area,” he says. The second thing accomplished on his list was to get his driver’s license.  

The youngest of three, Carrillo will follow in his sister’s footsteps and attend college in Spain. He has been accepted into Charles the III University of Madrid in the law and business program.

Having already accomplished so much at his age, Carrillo has even bigger plans for his future. After finishing his bachelor’s degree he expects to move to London or obtain a working or student visa and live in New York City.  

“My dream job is to work on Wall Street,” he says. “When I got a chance to visit New York City, that was the first place I went – and where I hope to end up.”

International film maker got her start at TCC

People who knew Cherise Ellingsworth as a child assumed she’d grow up to be an artist, painting along the Left Bank in Paris. Indeed, while she uses art in her work, her career took a different turn:  she became an international filmmaker.

Her work has aired in more than 100 countries and includes TV shows, FBI Files and Body of Evidence, as well as documentaries, American Skinheads and American Nazis.

“Art is my passion, and after high school I did wander through Europe for a while. But when I returned to the States, I decided to give college a try,” Ellingsworth says.

While working full time, she enrolled in TCC’s art program and earned her degree in fine arts in 1996. “One of my professors cautioned me to not let my art degree limit job options, because really it’s a degree in problem solving. For me this has rung true time and again, especially since I have the advantage of seeing things visually,” she adds.

After earning a bachelor’s in printmaking in 1998 from Old Dominion University, she went to work for New Dominion Pictures, a television production house based in Suffolk. “I was hired for my portfolio and my degree, and started in the art department, doing faux painting and set decorating.”

From there, Ellingsworth branched out, working in myriad areas, from props to casting to writing and producing. “I’ve never been bored in the 10 years I’ve been in this business, and I love that I’m always learning something new.” Now she works as a freelance documentary writer, producer and director.

“I didn’t know where I was going to end up when I started this journey in the mid-‘90s. I knew that I wanted to tell stories,” Ellingsworth says. “And I love working with a team of people, and seeing my creative voice added to the mix.”

A job to love

By most standards, Adrienne Pack was successful. As an administrator for a Big Four accounting firm, her work was challenging and included travel to cities across America. “Both of my parents were in business and they pushed me that way, even though it really wasn’t my area of interest,” Pack recalls. “After a lot of years, I simply burned out.” 

Wanting more, Pack quit her job and found a much-loved part-time position at the Virginia Zoo. “As a zoo educator, I teach children about animals and conservation – both true passions of mine,” she says. 

Adrienne Pack, a zoo educator and keeper aide, welcomes two Aldabra tortoises to the Virginia Zoo.

Pack also enrolled in the science program at TCC and earned her second associate degree in July of 2009. She excelled in her studies and was named the Norfolk Campus Thomas Moss Scholar the year before she graduated.

“My work at the zoo inspires me,” Pack adds. “It’s a real joy to get up in the morning and feel excited about the day ahead.”  She also volunteers at the zoo as a keeper aide. “My goal is to become a zookeeper and to work hands-on with the animals. As an aide, I get a first-hand look at the job of feeding, administering medications and visually checking the animals for signs of injury or illness.”

A Norfolk native and married to a Navy chief, Pack plans to stay here for the duration. She’ll continue her studies at Old Dominion University, working toward a bachelor’s degree in biology. “I love going to work and feeling really good about what I’m doing. I’m in my element, at last.”

Cyberspace designer got his start at the ATC

From an early age, Devin Peck could be found with a video camera at the ready. By age 10, he was making movies using legos and toys as props. During his teen years he took his work to YouTube, using friends as actors and creating elaborate visuals just for fun. 

One of five children, Peck lives in Virginia Beach and gives his older brother some credit for his video interest. “I remember tagging along with my brother and playing video games with him,” Peck says. “It’s just been part of me.”

Now 18, Peck plays in cyberspace creating worlds for NIA Universe for the National Institute of Aerospace in Hampton. “When you enter the game, you get to choose your avatar – the person you become in the world. From there you select where you want to go and what you want to learn,” Peck adds. “The universe is created by many users so you can choose a range of topics from the human body to animals to the Hubble Telescope. My job is to create a tutorial world showing people how to navigate the universe. It’s pretty great because the graphics are realistic and it looks like you’re in a real place.” 

Peck is a first-year TCC student studying social sciences and preparing for a career in special effects. He became interested in this type of work during high school, while taking classes at the Advanced Technology Center through Landstown High. Peck started with a game-design class, followed by a modeling and simulation class, where one of his projects earned a Best in Class distinction.  

Peck also works for Reality Church handling multimedia and some website applications. “I want my life to reflect my beliefs,” he adds. He plans to transfer to Regent University to study film making.  

“It’s been great to take an interest and turn it into a career path,” Peck adds. “I’m excited about the work ahead, and can’t wait to get started.”

Nursing alum oversees Virginia Beach school nurses . . .

Mary Shaw had no idea 15 years ago that she’d be overseeing health services for thousands of school-age children for Virginia Beach City Public Schools.

As coordinator of health services/nurses for the school division, Shaw has been on the front lines coordinating H1N1 vaccination clinics in schools, and preparing for worst-case scenarios with the current pandemic. “It’s been a big challenge responding to the current situation, but it’s going very well,” Shaw says.  

Shaw is no stranger to responding in emergencies. She is a member of the Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps. and has been activated in times of need to assist the public health department. “We’ve spent a lot of time doing dispensing exercises and planning. Now we’re taking what we’ve learned and putting it to good use,” Shaw adds. 

She got her start in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman. “I’d gone to college for graphic arts and wanted to do medical illustration, but the Navy had other plans for me. I was put in the medical setting working on a surgical unit and intensive care and I loved it.”  

Shaw’s experience and training enabled her to become a licensed practical nurse after the service. “Then I decided to work toward my RN because of job options,” Shaw adds. She enrolled in TCC’s nursing program and graduated with an associate of applied science in nursing in 1995. From there, she earned her bachelor’s in nursing from Old Dominion University. 

“Once I got started, I just kept going,” Shaw says. Now working on a nurse administrator master’s degree at ODU, she recently passed the National Board Certification of School Nurses. “TCC was a great place to start. The nursing education was awesome and the coursework prepared me well for the work ahead.” 

Planning to continue in her line of work, Shaw ensures that the school system’s nurses are supported and clinics well stocked. “I love school nursing and working to make sure that our children are healthy and receive the services they need.”