The Council introduces personal perspective into the evidence-based home visiting organization’s approach and engagement with its network of 57,000+ families.
DENVER, COLO. (March 3, 2026) — Changent launched its Family Advisory Council for Transformation (FACT), a move that will integrate the voices and experiences of families who have participated in Child First and Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) programs into its programming and policy development. The 13-member advisory council – comprised of a diverse family group that represents Changent’s clients – will shape the development of programs, inform policy decisions and infuse family perspectives into organizational decision making. The Council’s input and guidance will inform care delivery for nearly 60,000 families across 39 states, USVI, Puerto Rico and tribal nations.
The move by Changent underscores the organization’s belief that the families who they serve should be closely involved in shaping solutions. Changent believes that those experiencing its programs can truly speak to its results and growth opportunities. Annually, Changent will publish a report on the impact of the Council’s guidance on organizational practice, ensuring that the Council’s input translates into concrete change.
“It is easy for programs like ours to become based upon perception of experience, rather than reality,” said Charlotte Min-Harris, President & CEO of Changent. “The Council serves as an impetus for stronger connection between the communities we serve, and the programs designed to support them. The result: care that is responsive, impactful and patient informed. I thank the Council for generously sharing their lived experiences, and I am confident that we will all be better for it.”
The Council will begin working on the efforts that would most benefit from its perspective, including:
- Assessing existing training materials for Changent’s home visiting nurses, care coordinators and mental healthcare providers.
- Reviewing family resources to ensure these are reflective of today’s diverse realities.
- Informing Changent’s current methodology and areas of assessment for program quality measurement.
Councilmember and 2025 Nurse-Family Partnership graduate, Taisha Butler, was selected to join the council based upon a nomination process that prioritized lived experience in the programs and commitment to systemic improvement in early childhood services. Butler has a passion for education, advocacy and lifelong learning to support strong families and equitable systems. She is a mother to a 2-year-old while simultaneously working as a registrar at a virtual K–12 cyber school and attending Penn State University. “I’m excited to be part of Changent’s Family Advisory Council for Transformation,” said Butler. “I want to use my experiences to help create meaningful change for families. I look forward to collaborating with other members and staff to ensure every family feels seen, heard and valued.”
“Evidence-based practice requires more than fidelity to a model – it requires proximity to the families we serve,” said Meghan E. López, Chief Program and Network Officer at Changent. “When families closest to the work have authentic voices in decisions, accountability becomes authentic rather than aspirational. The Council is the first of many ways that Changent is working to increase the input of our families in our program nationally and regionally.”
To learn more about the Family Advisory Council for Transformation and follow their journey, visit changent.org/family-leadership.
Meet Changent’s FACT Members
Tanchanika Austin (Philadelphia, PA) is a Child First graduate who completed the program in October 2025. A stay-at-home mother of two, she is a caregiver, advocate and author focused on autism awareness and family empowerment. She is the mother of a teenage daughter pursuing entrepreneurship and a young son on the autism spectrum. Tanchanika transforms lived experience into storytelling, advocacy and systems-change work that uplifts and supports families.
Taisha Butler (York, Pa.) is a Nurse-Family Partnership graduate who completed the program in 2025. She works as a registrar at a virtual K–12 cyber school and is a Penn State University student and student leader. A devoted mother of a 2-year-old son, Taisha is passionate about education, advocacy and lifelong learning to support strong families and equitable systems.
Andie Jacobs (Eau Claire, Wis.) is a Nurse-Family Partnership graduate who completed the program in 2023. A stay-at-home mother of two young daughters, she previously served as a director for a community-based care provider supporting children and adults with disabilities. Andie is passionate about family, community engagement and helping children thrive. She enjoys nature, crafting, reading and watching women’s sports while fostering strong bonds between her daughters.
Susan Leos (Toms River, N.J.) is a current participant in the Nurse-Family Partnership program. A stay-at-home mother of two young boys, she is passionate about supporting families and advocating for positive outcomes. Susan enjoys reading, exercising and spending quality time with her children through play, walks and family meals. She values meaningful conversations and looks forward to collaborating with others to make a lasting difference in the lives of families.
Christelle Lezin (Waterbury, Conn.) is a current Nurse-Family Partnership participant. She is onboarding as an Aetna Health concierge and previously worked in pediatric applied behavior analysis and advocates for individuals with mental and social challenges. Christelle is a proud mother of one son and enjoys reading and creating meaningful experiences with him. She is passionate about cultural understanding, social equity and improving family support systems.
Vakeria Lewis (West Memphis, Ark.) is a Nurse-Family Partnership graduate who completed the program in January 2025. She works as a behavioral health case manager supporting clients with mental health and substance use needs. A devoted mother of two young daughters, Vakeria is passionate about family, personal growth and helping others. She enjoys fitness, family outings and plans to open a nonprofit supporting women who have experienced abuse and neglect.
Sarah Manasrah (Brooklyn, N.Y.) is a Nurse-Family Partnership graduate who completed the program in 2020. She is a senior community liaison with the Bridge Project, advocating for transformative justice, perinatal support and community care. A mother of two young daughters with a third on the way, Sarah is passionate about maternal health, family empowerment and social equity. She enjoys building community initiatives, caring for her family and bringing creativity and advocacy into her work.
Mishon Moore (Warren, Mich.) is a Nurse-Family Partnership graduate who completed the program in 2019. She works as a customer service representative for AAA and founded a nonprofit in memory of her parents, called Tony and Najuan’s Place. A mother of an 8-year-old and a 3-year-old, as well as two bonus children ages 15 and 11, Mishon enjoys dance, family game nights and movies. She is passionate about supporting parents, empowering families and giving back to her community.
Venecia Ortiz (Pasadena, Texas) is a Nurse-Family Partnership graduate who completed the program in 2023. She works full time while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in applied linguistics and freelancing in graphic design. A single mother of a 4-year-old son, Venecia is deeply committed to creativity, personal growth and supporting other parents. While her journey reflects meaningful progress, sustaining this balance is a daily challenge that requires intention, resilience and consistency. She enjoys art, family activities and self-care, using her lived experience to strengthen her parenting and foster resilience for herself and her child.
Ambrose Reynolds (New Salisbury, Ind.) is a current Nurse-Family Partnership participant and is a full-time student and devoted mother. Ambrose credits the program with supporting her parenting journey. She has a 17-month-old daughter and enjoys reading, drawing, playing and spending quality time with her. Ambrose is passionate about planning, personal growth and creating a nurturing environment for her family while balancing school and motherhood.
Natasha Robinson (Kalamazoo, Mich.) is a Nurse-Family Partnership graduate who completed the program in 2011. A parent advocate and freelance communications professional, she has worked in health communications, journalism and community outreach. She is the mother of a teenage son who enjoys gaming, building with Lego sets and learning new skills. Natasha is passionate about using her lived experience to strengthen programs, expand access to information and support families and communities.
Autom Steele (Philadelphia, Pa.) is a current Child First participant. A devoted mother, Autom lost her spouse in 2024. She credits the program with supporting her family through grief and growth. She has two young children and enjoys reading, arts, crafts and outdoor adventures with them. Autom is passionate about helping others overcome hardship and turning personal experiences into opportunities to support families and communities.
Dr. Milagros Thompson (Tacoma, Wash.) is a Nurse-Family Partnership graduate who completed the program in 2017. She is a school counselor with Tacoma Public Schools and an educational leader dedicated to promoting equity, empowering students and advocating for mental health. Dr. Thompson holds a doctorate in educational leadership and has completed additional academic and professional training in counseling, sociology and equity-focused studies. A mother of a 10-year-old son, she enjoys STEM activities, movies, desserts and family time. She is passionate about supporting youth, families and community programs.
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About Changent
Changent is a national organization dedicated to improving health outcomes by scaling and supporting data-driven programs that create lasting, multigenerational impact for children, families and communities. As the umbrella organization for Child First and Nurse-Family Partnership®, Changent works to ensure every child and family has access to the resources they need to thrive. Through innovative partnerships, inclusive care and a commitment to long-term transformation, Changent empowers healthier futures for generations to come.