MANSFIELD — An employee at Mansfield’s Parent Aide Program was recently recognized at a national level.

Lisa Burgett of Wooster received 2018 Parent Aide of the Year award July 12 at the National Project Luncheon at Exchange Club’s 100th National Convention in Reno, Nevada.

“I could not be prouder of Lisa, she is very deserving of this award,” said Mansfield Parent Aide Program executive director Lorie Daugherty. “I joke about cloning her, as she has honed a unique skill set, and is a valuable asset to parents. She’s also a great leader and creative genius in developing educational fun activities.”

Daugherty described how the crowd erupted in applause and jumped to their feet, giving Burgett a standing ovation when she was announced the winner.

According to Daugherty, the longtime parent aide excels at building trusting relationships with families and demonstrates creativity and leadership in developing resources and incentives for families as they work to achieve their goals.  

Burgett has worked as a parent aide for the past 11 years, serving more than 200 families in that time.

Her experience raising six children and 14 grandchildren and serving as a foster parent to 52 children over the years has likely helped her in her role as a parent aide. She and her husband, John reside in Wooster.

Daugherty mentioned how parents often comment about how much they’ve learned when taking classes with Burgett. They’ll say her style of engagement helped them feel valued and better understand their jobs as parents to love, nurture, teach and guide their children.  

“It helped me to become a better person,” Daugherty recalled one comment.

Another said, “Lisa personally showed me how to bond with my child, causing me to have a better relationship with him.”

Mansfield’s Parent Aide Program has operated as a small nonprofit for 23 years located at 89 Park Ave West. Via leadership from its board of directors, donations and community partnerships, the program has continually grown, which often leading to a waiting list.  

The Parent Aide Program model has been replicated in more than 80 communities and 28 states nationwide. Each is supported by different grants and donors and is unique to the area it is located. Accreditation ensures uniform implementation with Parent Aides as mentors, who provide intensive support, information and modeling of effective parenting in the home environment.

To contact Mansfield’s Parent Aide Program, call 419-524-9333.