Melanie Richardson knows some of the biggest influences in a child’s life happen before they ever enter a classroom. As co-founder and executive director of TrainingGrounds, she works with parents and caregivers during a child’s first five years, helping families build the foundation children need to learn, grow and thrive.

Melanie came to this work after seeing what happens when support comes too late. In higher education, she worked with students struggling academically. Later, while leading a residential treatment facility for adolescents, she saw behavioral, emotional and academic challenges that often traced back to early childhood. Those experiences convinced her that the greatest opportunity for change comes long before a child enters a treatment program or falls behind in school. She chose to focus on the years that shape a child’s development most.

At TrainingGrounds, supporting children starts with supporting the people raising them. Families learn through play, better understand their child’s development, receive screenings and connect with resources such as early intervention, healthcare and housing support. Just as importantly, they find a place to ask questions, build relationships and feel less alone.

A child’s future is often shaped by the support surrounding them. Sometimes that means helping a parent feel more confident. Other times, it means identifying a concern early or connecting a family to the right resources. By reaching families early, Melanie is helping prevent challenges before they grow and giving children a stronger start in life.