Amber Hewston, mother of two, State Advisory Council and Families & Communities Committee parent representative, and Early Intervention Physical Therapist, recently traveled with Tanya LaChapelle, BBF Family Leadership Manager, to the Division for Early Childhood Conference in Oregon. Amber (pictured above, right, at the conference with me) graciously shared her reflections on the conference and her “why.” Here is what she wrote:
Anytime you can be in a room with someone who shares your passion for something is an amazing opportunity; to be surrounded by hundreds of people who share the same passion is inspiring. I was fortunate to attend the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) conference in Portland, Oregon, where I had the opportunity to blend both personal and professional interests. The event offered a rich space to learn from, connect with, and share ideas alongside other like-minded individuals who are equally committed to supporting children and families.
A central theme of the conference was sharing your “why”—the personal story behind the work you do and the reasons that brought you to the event. My “why” has always been rooted in the joy I witness and share with families navigating difficult circumstances. Without realizing it, I witnessed this from an early age, when I saw my mother supporting a child in my class with significant medical needs. That experience shaped my understanding of compassion and support, and it continues to guide me in my role as an Early Intervention Physical Therapist. I see the same strength and resilience in the families I work with and in the voices of fellow members of the Building Bright Futures Families & Community Committee that I sit alongside every month. Families face real challenges, and being present to contribute and empower them through those moments is both a personal mission and a professional commitment.
During the conference, I attended a wide range of sessions that deepened my understanding of how to strengthen the supports I provide to children and families. Topics included inclusive practices for children with medical complexity, strategies for creating environments that welcome children with diverse needs, the importance of using both data and lived experience in advocacy efforts, and the integration of gender identity and diversity in early education settings. These sessions highlighted both the challenges and successes in these areas, offering valuable insights and practical approaches.
Beyond the sessions, I connected with professionals from across the country and the world—researchers, practitioners, and family members—who shared their experiences working within and navigating early childhood systems. These conversations were rich with perspective and reinforced the importance of collaboration and storytelling in shaping meaningful change. I also had the opportunity to share my own professional insights and emphasize the critical value of listening to families. Their stories carry power, and amplifying these voices is essential to building more responsive and inclusive systems.
I left the conference feeling energized and inspired to bring new ideas and connections back to Vermont. My goal is to empower others—both in my professional role and within my parenting circles—to foster community and connection. I hope to carry this momentum forward, sparking fresh ideas and encouraging more parent leaders to use their lived experiences to inspire and uplift others, both locally and in future opportunities like the DEC conference.
