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Community Outreach

Sam Fabian, Community Outreach Manager
Sam Fabian, Program Manager
Michele Tryon, Community Outreach Coordinator
Michele Tryon,  Coordinator

The Community Outreach staff are committed to helping our community raise happy, healthy families. We offer educational classes and programs for parents, children and teens, coaches and professionals, and host an annual chronic illness school-based conference. Thanks to a grant from Kohl’s department stores, we are able to provide additional outreach to our schools and sponsor local and national speakers to present on timely topics that enhance the well-being of all families.

The Team

Sam Fabian, community outreach program manager, oversees and coordinates CHKD parent education, special events and conferences. Contact Sandra.Fabian@chkd.org or call (757) 668-7402.

Michele Tryon, community outreach coordinator, is responsible for coordinating and teaching parent and child education programs in support of healthy lifestyles and related parenting topics. She co-chairs the Hampton Roads Parenting Education Network (HRPEN), and works with healthcare, school, and community partners to enhance and promote parent education opportunities. Please contact Michele.Tryon@chkd.org or call (757) 668-9304.

Parenting Classes/Lectures

We offer a variety of classes for parents and professionals. A listing of our current classes available at www.chkd.org/classes. In addition, CHKD offers various support groups to patients and their families.



Kohl’s Cares Family Forum Programs

Thanks to Kohl’s generous donation to CHKD and ots commitment to the health education of our community's family, we can provide local and national programs and speakers to address family health and wellness issues in locations throughout Hampton Roads. More information on Kohl’s Family Forum Programs is available.

Parent and Professional Education

Classes and forums are presented by national experts in the field of parenting. Click here for current programs.

School-Based Programs

CHKD On Tour: A free school-based program for 1st graders

CHKD staff will come to your school to present a 40-minute program designed specifically for first graders to demonstrate what to expect if they ever need to visit the emergency room or are admitted to the hospital. This program helps to reduce the fear and anxiety children may experience when visiting a medical facility. Click here for more information about CHKD on Tour.

Steps to Fitness

CHKD offers Steps to Fitness, which is an SOL-supported, 40-minute interactive presentation focusing on nutrition, fitness and self-esteem for grades 1 – 5. To find out more click here.

CHKD School Partnerships

We are proud to be Partners in Education with the following Virginia Beach City Schools/Programs:

*CHKD received the 2010 Model Partnership Award from Virginia Beach City Schools and the 2010 Virginia Association for Teachers of Family and Consumer Services Outstanding Business Industry Award.

CHKD Community Outreach

CHKD in the Community

CHKD's community outreach program is committed to providing health and wellness education throughout our community. Send health fair requests to Sandra.Fabian@chkd.org. Please include preferred date, time, location, audience type and expected number of participants.

Sideline Sensibility

This is an injury prevention program for coaches and parents. CHKD Sports Medicine experts provide training to coaches and/or parents on how to keep athletes in the game. Basic injury prevention information and protocols for returning to play after an injury will be covered. To schedule a training, email Sandra.Fabian@chkd.org or call (757) 668-7402.

ACL-Injury Prevention Program for Female Athletes

CHKD Sports Medicine program for female athletes. Click here to learn more.

Child Passenger Safety Program

Learn more about car seat safety and locations for car seat checks.

Healthy You

Learn more about a comprehensive weight management program designed to help overweight children gain control of their weight and improve their self-esteem. 

Family Resources

Care Connection for Children

Care Connection for Children serves children with physical health challenges that are anticipated to be ongoing for a period of 12 months or more and may result in one of the following:
  • A need for medical or related services beyond those normally expected for the child's age, or a need for ongoing treatments, interventions or accommodations at home or school.
  • A limitation in functions, activities or social roles when compared with healthy peers.
  • A dependence on medications, special diets, medical technologies, assistive devices or personal assistance.
All of Virginia's special needs children under age 21 are eligible for care coordination services from Care Connection for Children regional programs. Financial assistance may be available to children who meet medical and income requirements. www.chkd.org/careconnection

Parenting Hot Topics

Do you have a strong-willed child?

If so, you are not alone. Click here to see when the next strong-willed child class will be offered.

You can also download a temperament guide to learn more about your child's personality.

Becoming the Happiest Parent on the Block

Parenting can be a hard job and overwhelming at times, whether you are a first-time parent or a seasoned one, single parent, foster parent or grandparent. Make sure to make time for yourself.
  • Treat yourself to some alone time to read a book, take a bath or see a movie
  • Spend more time with friends
  • Find humor
  • Find a support group

Time Management for the Working Parent

  • Prioritize – what is really important to your family?
  • Realize not everything is a priority; some things will just have to wait.
  • Say “no” to some activities.
  • Share chores and responsibility.