For more than 30 years, a dedicated group of community leaders helped to shape one of Alexandria’s earliest home visiting programs, ensuring thousands of children and families had access to support during life's most critical early years. Earlier this month, Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) welcomed supporters, partners, and community leaders to an Insights & Impact conversation that celebrated the extraordinary legacy of the Healthy Families Alexandria Advisory & Development Board while exploring the evolving needs of children and families in Alexandria and Arlington counties.
Established in 1993, the Healthy Families Alexandria Advisory Board was formed when the City of Alexandria partnered with NVFS to bring Healthy Families to the community. The program became one of the earliest Healthy Families programs in Virginia and the nation, bringing evidence-based home visiting services to local families during pregnancy and early childhood.
Healthy Families is an evidence-based home visiting program that partners with parents from pregnancy through early childhood, promoting healthy child development, strengthening family well-being, and connecting families with the resources they need to thrive.
For more than three decades, board members provided strategic guidance, championed early childhood services, led fundraising efforts, and cultivated partnerships that expanded Healthy Families into a trusted resource for children and families across Alexandria and Arlington counties.
“The Advisory Board was deeply committed to ensuring families had equitable access to services and opportunities,” said Nanci Pedulla, director of Healthy Families at NVFS. “I feel very fortunate and privileged to have worked alongside them for all these years and to have witnessed the incredible impact of their commitment to the community.”
Among those recognized was Rodger Digilio, a founding member who served on the board from 1993 until the board's transition in 2025. Over his 33 years of service, Digilio helped to lead fundraising efforts, build community support, and champion the importance of early childhood services among community leaders.
“I have always felt that all children need to have an upbringing that provides the best developmental options possible so that they would really have an equal opportunity to achieve their potential,” said Digilio. “When the Healthy Families Program came to Alexandria in 1993, I eagerly accepted an invitation to join the Advisory Board. Working with NVFS staff for the past 33 years has been a real pleasure as we put a program into place that put children in a safe and rich family environment.”
Tracy Nickelsburg, who recently retired from the board, reflected on the importance of Healthy Families Alexandria’s work. "Every child deserves a strong start, and every parent deserves someone in their corner. Healthy Families gives Alexandria parents the support, guidance, and resources they need to help their children thrive. It has been a real privilege to support this organization and the dedicated staff who show up every day to make a difference for local families and our community."
As Healthy Families expanded to meet the evolving needs of families across Alexandria and Arlington counties, its volunteer leadership has evolved as well. Today, that work continues through the Healthy Families Alexandria-Arlington County Community Advisory Council. The council brings together community members, service providers, former participants, and advocates to help ensure the program remains responsive to the needs of local families. Members provide insight on community priorities, program outreach, and eligibility to ensure services remain responsive, equitable, and culturally informed.
“Serving on The Healthy Families Alexandria Advisory Board has truly been an honor,” said Maria McDonald, who is continuing as a member of the new combined advisory council. “To see the long-term commitment of so many Advisory Board members is inspiring. They support the work of the dedicated Healthy Families team who I see as true team players in the holistic approach to supporting families with young children in Alexandria. We know that a child’s early years lay the foundation for success in life. Supporting families in their own home to promote child development and healthy relationships is a game-changer for many families.”
NVFS extends its gratitude to every member of the Healthy Families Alexandria Advisory & Development Board for their decades of leadership, generosity, and vision. Their commitment helped build a lasting foundation for Healthy Families, and their legacy lives on through the Community Advisory Council and the many partners, volunteers, and supporters who remain committed to helping children and families thrive.
Learn more about the Healthy Families program and how you can help ensure children and families continue to receive the support they need to thrive.
“The Advisory Board was deeply committed to ensuring families had equitable access to services and opportunities. I feel very fortunate and privileged to have worked alongside them for all these years and to have witnessed the incredible impact of their commitment to the community.”
