One of the most special things about the River Center is that many of the people who eventually help carry our mission forward first arrive as participants. This month, I’m excited to introduce two of our newest staff members, Martha Duffy and Katie Blanchard. While both are brand new to the River Center team, each brings a deep, personal connection to children, families, and community care.
Martha Duffy joined the River Center staff this year, but her relationship with the Center began years ago as a parent. She attended Mini Explorers and Wild Wednesdays with her three girls during a season when simple, outdoor connection felt essential. Those programs became a lifeline for her family, a place for friendships to grow, for her children to learn through play, and for everyday days to feel a little more expansive and supported.
Outside the River Center, Martha has long been involved in supporting children and families in meaningful ways. She’s spent years volunteering with Girl Scouts as a troop founder and leader, worked closely with young children in the ConVal School District, and brings a thoughtful understanding of child development shaped by both education and experience. Now, as one of our newest team members, she carries that background, and her lived experience as a parent into her work here. While she’s still settling into her role, Martha is especially excited about building relationships with families and helping shape programs that meet them where they are, including ideas like open gym time and family night events.
Katie Blanchard is also brand new to the River Center staff and brings a natural warmth that immediately puts families at ease. With a background in early childhood education and years of hands-on experience supporting children in home, classroom, and community settings, Katie has always been drawn to work that blends caregiving, learning, and service. She’s spent time supporting children with diverse needs, volunteering in inclusive athletic programs, and showing up wherever families needed an extra set of caring hands as a Nanny.
Katie found the River Center just a few months ago after becoming a first-time mom. Attending Baby Time and Walk and Talk with her newborn son, she quickly felt she had found her community. Today, she brings that same sense of belonging into her work, often with her baby right by her side, modeling the kind of family-centered, welcoming environment that defines the River Center.
Though still new to both the River Center team and the area, Katie is full of ideas and excitement for what’s ahead. She’s eager to help expand programming in ways that support whole families, from movement and outdoor play to practical learning opportunities that bring people together.
Martha and Katie are wonderful new additions to the River Center team, and though they are just beginning this chapter with us, their stories reflect something timeless about our work: When families feel supported, they are often inspired to give back. Together, they now lead the majority of our parenting programs, with Katie also facilitating our New Ipswich Toddler Time independently, and we are so grateful for the energy, warmth, and leadership they bring. We hope you’ll come meet them at one of our free programs, including New Ipswich Toddler Time, Mini Explorers (outdoor play for ages 2 to 5), Baby Storytime, Walk & Talk (Thursdays, 1 to 2 p.m. at various locations), Generations Together at RiverMead (first Mondays), or Pop-Up Create & Play in Greenfield.
To learn more or register, visit our calendar at rivercenternh.org/calendar.html
Odette Butler serves as executive director of The River Center Family and Community Resource Center. She can be reached at 603-924-6800.