Top left: George Vega, second from left, parent educator in Turner USD 202, earned the Parent Educator of the Year award at the 2025 Parents as Teachers (PAT) International Conference. (Photo submitted by Lisa Williams)

Top right: Brittnie Brake, center, Shawnee Mission USD 512/Growing Futures Early Education Center, earned the Inaugural Parents Choice Award at the 2025 Parents as Teachers (PAT) International Conference. (Photo submitted by Lisa Williams)

By Lisa Williams, KSDE early childhood team 

Two Kansas Parent Educators recently received recognition at the 2025 Parents as Teachers (PAT) International Conference for their outstanding dedication, compassion and impact on families. 

George Vega and Brittnie Brake’s achievements provide a glimpse into the impactful and meaningful work being done by more than 275 parent educators in 61 PAT programs across Kansas. 

George Vega - Parent Educator of the Year – Turner USD 202 Parents as Teachers – Kansas City, Kansas  

A bilingual educator and proud member of the Turner USD 202 Parents as Teachers team, Vega exemplifies the heart of home visiting. 

He has devoted more than 20 years to serving children and families—eight of those as a home visitor. While holding a master’s degree and 36 hours in early childhood education, Vega is known for his unique gift of building deep, trusting relationships with every family he serves. 

Families who work with Vega often refer others to the Turner USD 202 Parents as Teachers program because of the positive changes they’ve experienced with his support. From playgroups to story times to the program’s advisory board, Vega’s commitment fosters a true community of connection. 

“I am proud to be a representative for Parents as Teachers—especially to represent my culture, and to also break the barriers of being a male home visitor,” Vega said. “I find it rewarding when parents become confident in their parenting skills, and I get to see them grow as a family.” 

There are seven goals/outcomes expected with implementation of the Parents as Teachers evidence-based home visiting model: 

• Increase parent knowledge of early childhood development and improve positive parenting practices; 
• Provide early detection of developmental delays and connection to services; 
• Improve parent, child and family health and well-being; 
• Prevent child abuse and neglect; 
• Increase children’s school readiness and success; 
• Improve family economic well-being; and 
• Strengthen community capacity and connectedness. 

Brittnie Brake - Inaugural Parents Choice Award - Shawnee Mission USD 512/Growing Futures Early Education Center, Overland Park   

Brake is the first-ever recipient of the Parents as Teachers – Parents Choice Award. This new honor was inspired by stories shared directly by families — whose lives have been deeply touched by their parent educator’s care and support. 

With a degree in Family Studies and Human Services, Brake’s passion for working with children and families has blossomed into a decade of meaningful, life-changing work. Known for her empathy, resilience, and authenticity, she has become a trusted resource for parents navigating their most challenging times. 

“Brittnie worked with my daughter who passed away and was there for us through our grief,” the nominating family’s message read in part. “She definitely has a special place in my heart. She stuck by our side, and if we didn’t have her, I am not sure where we would be. Brittnie has made such a huge impact on our family and has been so extremely supportive, even through our hardest times.” 

Lisa Williams, KSDE Parents as Teachers coordinator, attended the awards ceremony and said “there wasn’t a dry eye in the room” when the more than 2,000 home visiting professionals heard the nominating family’s words.  

“These recognitions not only celebrate Brittnie and George’s exceptional work, but also honor the heart and commitment shared by all home visiting professionals who strengthen families and communities across Kansas and beyond,” Williams said. 

Click here to review the latest (2024-25) Kansas annual report for Parents as Teachers services: https://www.ksde.gov/Portals/0/Early%20Childhood/PAT/2024-2025-Kansas-PAT-Affiliate-Performance-Report.pdf  

A few statistics from the Kansas report that support the overall goals of the Parents as Teachers home visiting model are the following: 

• Kansas Parents as Teachers affiliates (programs) served 7,675 children and 5,612 families. 
• Kansas Parents as Teachers home visiting professionals conducted 53, 243 personal visits from July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. 
• Health and developmental screenings resulted in the following: 2,234 potential delays/concerns were identified; 762 of those identified were referred for further assessment; 469 of those referred for further assessment received follow up services. 
• 5,176 families set at least one goal during the program year; 3,398 families met at least one goal they set. 
• 5,265 families were linked to at least one community resource during the program year. 

Contact Lisa Williams, lisa.williams@ksde.gov with questions about the Kansas Parents as Teachers program.