The conference began with opening remarks by Cam Messina, Executive Director of Voices for Children of San Antonio.  Megan Kromer, program director of "Precious Minds, New Connections," and Palmer Moe of the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation set the tone for the day.  The morning session kicked off in earnest with the annual issue and policy updates.  The panel on child abuse and neglect was moderated by task force co-chair Janet Ketcham, Executive Director of Child Advocates--San Antonio, CASA.  Panel presenters included:  Melissa Tijerina, External Relations Specialist for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services;  Kendra Sippel, Policy Analyst at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, speaking on the nurse-family partnership programs, and Sen. Carlos Uresti.

The early care and education task force followed with featured speakers.  Co-chairs Tammy Morales-Bernal, Director-Child Development Program, Good Samaritan Community Services, and Jensie Madden, retired early childhood educator, introduced panelists who discussed recent initiatives affecting early care and education.  Panelists included:  Rebecca Ramos, TEEM Program Coordinator-San Antonio, UTSA Health Sciences Center -- Houston --Circle; Rep. Joe Straus, Texas House of Representatives, District 121; Dr. Bryan Alsip, Assistant--Director, Metropolitan Health District, City of San Antonio; and Nicole Rogers, Executive Director of the Bexar County Health Collaborative.

The press conference for state CHIP funding featured George Hernandez, President/CEO of the University Health System; Pilar Oates, Executive Director of Methodist Healthcare Ministries; and Robert Puente, Texas House of Representatives, Dist. 119.

Rev. Ted White, Protestant Chaplain from the Bexar County Detention Center provided the invocation for lunch.  Toni-Marie Van Buren, Director of Public Policy at the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County celebrated the efforts of local legislators who championed children's issues during the last legislative session.  Honorees included:  Rep. Trey Martinez-FIscher, Dist. 116;  Rep. David Leibowitz, Dist. 117; Rep. Joe Farias, Dist. 118; Rep. Robert Puente, Dist. 119; Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, Dist. 120; Rep. Joe Straus, Dist. 121; Rep. Mike Villarreal, Dist. 123; Rep. Joaquin Castro, Dist. 125; Sen. Carlos Uresti, Dist. 19; Sen. Jeff Wentworth, Dist. 25; and Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, Dist. 26.

Dr. Cheryl Charles provided the keynote address, talking about her new campaign, "Leave no Child Inside," which was inspired by New York Times bestseller "Last Child in the Woods:  Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder" by Richard Louv.  The campaign is an initiative of a new non-profit, co-founded with Richard Louv and others, the Children and Nature Network.  During her keynote address, Dr. Charles discussed the developmental benefits for children who are encouraged to experience the outdoors, engage in unstructured play, and spend time with family and friends, enjoying nature.

Following Dr. Charles' speech, representatives from local non-profit organizations made PowerPoint presentations showing safe, local environments where children can explore and learn about nature.  Megan Kromer moderated the following speakers:  Siri Lindholm, Educational Director for the San Antonio Botanical Garden; Lupita Castrejon, Education Director for the San Antonio Children's Museum; George Shannon, Director of Public Programs for the Witte Museum; Lacy Morrison, Nature Spot Supervisor for the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium; and Kim Bowers, Vice President of Valero Energy Corporation and Chair of the United Way's Children's Issue Council.  Voices for Children of San Antonio Board Chair George Block made the closing remarks and issued a call to action, asking conference attendees to help make San Antonio a city for kids.

Voices for Children of San Antonio
210 Lewis Street in San Antonio, TX 78212.
Phn. 210-737-0742 | Fax 210-226-9151