Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Family Leadership Council!
Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Family Leadership Council!
We are a unique group of parents and caregivers of young children working together to make Nevada better for all families.
Family Leadership helps strengthen families, promotes children’s success, and creates positive changes in the systems that serve and support children and families.
The First 5 Nevada Family Leadership Council is here to ensure parents and families of young children have both leadership and decision-making roles. This can include the development and planning of policies, procedures, and resources to support programs and services for families with young children (ages 0-8).
Now more than ever “Parent and Family Leadership” is a key to serving our communities and YOU can be involved by:
- Talking with your community leaders
- Having an open forum with your neighbors
- Calling and emailing your legislators
The Family Leadership Council provides parents and caregivers with the tools to improve their leadership skills. Most Family Leaders are just like you! Families who have experienced accessing and utilizing Nevada’s supportive services to ensure our children thrive. We provide support to families, enabling them to share their stories, join the Advisory Bodies, and engage with the people who make decisions affecting their children, as well as children and families in your communities. Be part of the experience!
FAQs about the First 5 Nevada Family Leadership Council
What is the cost to attend?
There is no cost to attend any of the First 5 Nevada Family Leadership events!
When are the trainings offered?
We provide virtual training during midday (lunch) and evening times. We alternate as much as we can to accommodate most of our families.
How do I get the ZOOM meeting links?
Families who are officially registered with the Family Leadership Council will be invited to join via Zoon links. All meetings are closed to the public. We ensure safe “spaces” for families to engage and participate in meetings.
Is it difficult to join the Council?
Not at all! Just contact us using the information request below. We will schedule a brief introductory meeting with you to determine if this is a good match, and you will be asked to complete an orientation packet to officially register.
How long are the monthly virtual meetings?
Our virtual meetings are about an hour long. We ask that families join about 10 minutes prior to each training to ensure they understand how to utilize the ZOOM translation services. This is important for all attendees, not just those who speak Spanish.
Will I receive a stipend to attend?
Yes! We provide all families with a stipend for their time attending every meeting. For more information, please contact our Family Leadership Coordinator.
Two of our Family Leaders share their experience on the Council:
Council members are invited to monthly training to support their growth as Family Leaders. Trainings are virtual (you can use your laptop or mobile phone) and are delivered using live translators who support families who speak or are more comfortable learning in Spanish.
Training Schedule for 2026
- January 22, 2026
Family Mental Health
- February 26, 2026
Family Leadership with Children’s Advocacy Alliance
- April 23, 2026
Medicaid & Katie Beckett Program Overview
- May 21, 2026
Tentative: Child Care Subsidy Updates, Eligibility, and Nevada Ready Pre‑K
- June 25, 2026
Tentative: Family Supports
Past training courses included Advocacy and Legislative 101, Policy, Open Meeting Law, Public Speaking, Storytelling, and Nevada’s Early Childhood System. Many of the topics are based on shared requests from our Family Leaders.
In 2025, families were provided with training on early intervention services in Nevada. Dr. Jenna Weglarz-Ward led an insightful session that explored early intervention services available to families of infants and toddlers with disabilities in Nevada. Attendees learned about critical resources, received guidance on individualized support, and discovered ways families had become leaders and advocates within their communities. Parents are also provided with opportunities and support to participate in other initiatives. Many First 5 Nevada Family Leaders have been chosen to share their stories through First 5 Nevada. Check them out! First 5 Nevada Family Leadership Council – First 5 Nevada.
We’re proud to feature many of our Family Leaders as Parent Spotlights on the First 5 Nevada website!
Discover their stories and experiences here:
Strolling Thunder: Strolling Thunder 2025: A National Movement for Babies – First 5 Nevada
Adriana, Northern Nevada Family Leader, advocated for infant and early childhood mental health in Washington, D.C. through Strolling Thunder in 2025.
Northern Nevada Family Leaders Laurie and Adriana attended the 2025 Children’s Week at the Legislative Session.
Family Summit Schedule for 2026:
We also provide opportunities for our Family Leaders to gather in -person so families can spend time together during our Family Summits. Family Summits are scheduled in regions throughout Nevada. In addition to meeting each other, the Family Summits are an opportunity to learn more about services unique to your communities.
March 19, 2026
• Northern Parent Summit (Reno – In Person)
March 26, 2026
• Southern Parent Summit (Las Vegas -In Person)
July 16, 2026
• Northern Parent Summit (Reno – In Person)
July 23, 2026
• Southern Parent Summit (Las Vegas -In Person)
Interesting in learning more? Connect with us!
Meet Anna, our statewide Family Leadership Coordinator:
Anna Villatoro
Anna is currently working as the Family Leadership Coordinator at The Children’s Cabinet. She is a passionate advocate for mental health and has recently obtained a Certificate in Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Family Leadership from Georgetown University. This program has provided her with the skills and knowledge necessary to sensitively and effectively interact with children and families as a community health worker. In her previous roles, Anna has served as an Early Childhood Community Health Worker in Southern Nevada and has been a part of the Strong Start for Children Parent Ambassador program. Anna enjoyed her time volunteering for Books and Buddies at Spread The Word Nevada, as well as mentoring for Women Who Create and the Summer Business Institute (SBI).
Anna holds a bachelor’s degree in English and minor in Digital Technology and Culture from Washington State University (WSU). She was enrolled in the TRIO program that provides support services to low-income students and first-generation college students. This experience has instilled in her the desire to advocate for individuals who have similar backgrounds.
