The nonprofit Family Development Center, which has served parents and children from birth to school age in Routt County for 40 years, has appointed Lisa Nelson as program manager for the Newborn Network following the retirement of longtime manager Sharon Butler.

The Newborn Network assists parents by enhancing parent-to-parent networking as well as offering baby groups, Parents as Teachers free home visitations, and Play and Learn programs in South Routt and Hayden.

Colleagues hosted a retirement celebration this week for Butler, who served the organization for more than a quarter century.

“For 25 years, Sharon has been the heart and guiding light of our Newborn Network, supporting families, advocating for young children and working tirelessly to provide resources and guidance for parents as they navigate the earliest stages of their children’s lives,” Family Development Center Executive Director Colleen Miller said.

Nelson brings more than 18 years of experience in early childhood education to her new role with previous positions at Young Tracks and Holy Name preschools. She earned a degree in family and consumer sciences from Colorado State University.

Nelson oversees parent education programs and works to build strong, collaborative relationships with health care providers, educators and local organizations to enhance programs to meet the evolving community needs.