Lana Athey has been serving children and families in Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties since 2010. She began her work with Gunnison County Health and Human Services serving in various roles in the Nurturing Parenting Program (NPP) for the Women, Infant, Children (WIC) program as a lactation counselor, and most recently as the Co-Coordinator of the Gunnison-Hinsdale Early Childhood Council (GHECC). Lana also serves as the Program Director for Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink, a local non-profit that supports individuals going through cancer. Another passion that Lana holds dear to her heart is supporting families through pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period as a Doula, Although she is not currently practicing she feels lucky to see many of the babies whose birth she attended as they grow up in the close knit community that she calls home.
In her role as the GHECC Co-Coordinator she deepened her understanding of the importance of the prenatal period and the first years of life. A strong and inclusive early childhood system can truly be life-changing for young children, families, and whole communities. Developing more opportunities and support for the early childhood workforce and parents is something that Lana believes is of utmost importance as we move forward in this work to enhance the early childhood system. She promotes learning new ways to ensure that those caring for the next generation are heard and understood, and that they feel valued and appreciated by their communities, the state and the nation. As a Gunnison native Lana feels drawn to serve her community and surrounding communities in the beautiful valley that she has been fortunate to call home her entire life. This connection makes the work that she does each day even more meaningful as she works with the GHECC and community partners to create a system that ensures EVERY child has the opportunities and resources to thrive.
Lana holds a Bachelors of Science in Health and Human Services, is a certified lactation counselor, adverse childhood experiences (ACE) master trainer and a Gunnison County 4H Club Leader. Lana feels so fortunate to be a member of the 14th cohort of the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program learning from and alongside innovative and inspiring leaders.
When Lana is not working she enjoys exploring the outdoors, reading good books, and learning new skills. She lives in Powderhorn, Colorado with her husband and three children.
In her role as the GHECC Co-Coordinator she deepened her understanding of the importance of the prenatal period and the first years of life. A strong and inclusive early childhood system can truly be life-changing for young children, families, and whole communities. Developing more opportunities and support for the early childhood workforce and parents is something that Lana believes is of utmost importance as we move forward in this work to enhance the early childhood system. She promotes learning new ways to ensure that those caring for the next generation are heard and understood, and that they feel valued and appreciated by their communities, the state and the nation. As a Gunnison native Lana feels drawn to serve her community and surrounding communities in the beautiful valley that she has been fortunate to call home her entire life. This connection makes the work that she does each day even more meaningful as she works with the GHECC and community partners to create a system that ensures EVERY child has the opportunities and resources to thrive.
Lana holds a Bachelors of Science in Health and Human Services, is a certified lactation counselor, adverse childhood experiences (ACE) master trainer and a Gunnison County 4H Club Leader. Lana feels so fortunate to be a member of the 14th cohort of the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program learning from and alongside innovative and inspiring leaders.
When Lana is not working she enjoys exploring the outdoors, reading good books, and learning new skills. She lives in Powderhorn, Colorado with her husband and three children.