As families prepare for the transition into kindergarten, Pam Thornburg, Parent Mentor for Fayette County Schools, is making sure they don’t walk that path alone. Pam recently participated in the Head Start Preschool Screener, where she connected with 26 families, offering not just information but a warm welcome into a supportive community.
Pam introduced herself and her role as a Parent Mentor, explaining the services she provides and inviting families to share their concerns and hopes for their children. She collected contact information and followed up with each family, ensuring that the support extended well beyond the initial meeting.
One of the most immediate outcomes of this outreach was the creation of a “Show Your Craftiness” night, which brought together 25 children and their families for an evening of creativity and connection. Parents joined their children in hands-on activities, and the event sparked a new tradition: monthly gatherings that continue to strengthen relationships and build a network of support.
Pam also distributed materials from the Blue Envelope Program, a statewide initiative designed to improve communication between law enforcement and individuals with developmental disabilities during traffic stops. The kits are provided free through the Fayette County Board of Developmental Disabilities and include a blue envelope for important documents, a discreet vehicle decal, and a wallet card to help officers respond with care and awareness. This initiative is just one example of how Pam’s work extends beyond the classroom to promote safety and understanding in the broader community.
Through these early conversations and ongoing engagement, Pam is helping families build trust and navigate the special education process with confidence. Her efforts as a Parent Mentor in organizing preschool playgroups, designing informative events for parents, and treating each family with the individual care and support they deserve to ensure that parents know they have a partner who will walk alongside them as their children grow and learn.
The impact of Pam’s work is captured in the words of the families she supports:
“Mrs. Pam is truly one of a kind. From the very first day, she welcomed us with so much warmth, love, and resources. Her playgroup quickly became more than just a place for kids to play—it became a second family. She has an amazing way of bringing all the kids together, making every single one feel special, safe, and loved. The bond she creates with the children and even us parents is something so rare and beautiful. We are beyond grateful for the joy, care, and sense of community she’s given us. Mrs. Pam has been a blessing that we’ll treasure forever.”
— The Tackett Family
“My 7-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son attend play groups organized by Ms. Pam. My son has certain sensitivities to noises and large groups, and the connected nature of the playgroup works so well for him without the pressure of a playground full of kiddos. The diversity in ages and unique differences are wonderful for my children to see, and I feel like it facilitates a better understanding of the world around them and how they will navigate it. I’ve never seen anyone so passionate about children as Pam. She is an asset not only to our school systems but also a precious and valuable resource to all who know her. We only wish that we had found it sooner!” — Beatrice Newland
“Our playgroup is magical! I truly mean this…we have become a family, a network of support for each other. When my grandson was about three, I reached out to Pam Thornburg. Ryan was not speaking clearly, and we were worried about his social skills due to the fact he was not around kids his own age. Pam immediately thought of having a play group. She reached out to several families, and it came together. We started out with five kids and their families. The kids became fast friends and learned how to interact with others. They did crafts, made pancakes, went to the pumpkin patch, and most importantly, they played. They learned to take turns and share. They learned to help others and to have empathy. It was beautiful to watch. Pam was the string that pulled us together and the glue that holds us. The group has grown over two years and is still magical. We parents and grandparents needed this as much as the kids.”
— Rebekah Bennett, Intervention Specialist, Miami Trace Learning Center
Pam Thornburg’s work exemplifies the heart of the Ohio Parent Mentor Program, building early connections, fostering community, and supporting families every step of the way.
