Suzanne Vuillet-Smith has been awarded the 2013 Bobbi Figdor Early Education Award.
Vuillet-Smith is care coordinator, handling intake and referrals for REACH, where she’s worked eight years. The agency provides information, referrals, supports and services for children, adults, and families experiencing developmental delay or disabilities in northern Southeast.
Kim Phillips, supervisor for the local Parents as Teachers program, said Vuillet-Smith has worked extra hours behind the scenes, including in securing grants and funds for the program. “How can we thank somebody for all the work that they do that nobody ever sees? Suzanne has gone out of her way, and in a lot of ways, has dedicated her life to supporting children and families.”
Vuillet-Smith said she learned a lot from Figdor, including that it’s okay for children to be different from their peers. “Bobbi taught me that a family needs as much support as a child needs. That was an important lesson for me to learn. I feel fortunate enough to have spent enough time with Bobbi to make me a better mom and person.”
Bobbi Figdor was a Haines early childhood educator who advocated for families of children with special needs. She died in 2005. Vuillet-Smith was presented the award during a ceremony Oct. 18 at Haines HeadStart.