RBC I Connections 4 Kids, the early childhood council of Rio Blanco and Moffat counties, announces the hiring of its new coordinator, Michelle Balleck. Her first day was Monday, Dec. 5.
“We are pleased to welcome Michelle to Connections 4 Kids. Michelle’s education and experience in marketing and education, along with her enthusiasm for the work of the council, make her a great addition to the organization,” said Corrie Ponikvar, chairwoman of the council. “Michelle’s expertise will help us continue to support existing programs and provide new programs around our four domains of health: early learning, social, emotional and mental health, and family support and parent education.”
Most recently, Balleck served as news editor at the Craig Daily Press. She has several years of experience in the journalism industry and has also served as director of the Moffat County Tourism Association and marketing coordinator for Greene Memorial Hospital in Xenia, Ohio. She earned a bachelor of arts in psychology with a certificate in journalism from Indiana University.
Balleck, her husband, Keith, and her 9-year-old stepson, Shane, live in Craig. She serves on the Sunset Elementary School Advisory Committee and the Moffat County School District Accountability Committee and is a founding member of Friends of Moffat County Education. She and Keith are also den leaders for Cub Scout Pack 166.
“I am excited to join the Connections 4 Kids council in its important and fulfilling work,” Balleck said. “I am ready to dive in and begin building relationships with our partners in Moffat and Rio Blanco counties, as well as statewide. I very much look forward to continuing the work of the council to foster early childhood programs and educate parents and the community about the opportunities available to them.”
For more information about Connections 4 Kids, call Michelle Balleck at 824-8282, ext. 47, or visit connections4kids.org.
About Connections 4 Kids:
Connections 4 Kids is the early childhood council that serves Rio Blanco and Moffat counties. Our mission is to strengthen resources and services for children 0-8 and their families primarily in four areas of focus: health; early learning; social, emotional and mental health; and family support and parent education.