PEN in the News: 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Parent Engagement Network Welcomes Melanie Piazza as Executive Director
As PEN celebrates 25 years of supporting parents, Piazza steps into leadership to guide the organization’s next chapter.

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — June 2, 2026. The Parent Engagement Network (PEN) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Melanie Piazza as the organization’s new Executive Director. Piazza first joined PEN as a member of the Board of Directors in 2025 before stepping into the role of Interim Director earlier this year. Following a successful transition period, she has officially accepted the position of Executive Director.

Piazza brings a unique blend of business and marketing expertise, entrepreneurial leadership, and a deep commitment to supporting parents and families. She began her career as a corporate buyer before realizing her passion lay in building meaningful community connections for parents and families. Drawing from her own experiences navigating early parenthood, she founded Family Village, a cooperative coworking, childcare, and community center that served families across Boulder, Denver, and Fort Collins for eight years.

Through that work, Piazza developed a strong understanding of the challenges parents face and the importance of accessible support systems.

“Parents were never meant to do this alone,” said Piazza. “Every parent deserves connection, support, and access to trusted resources. PEN has spent the past 25 years creating those opportunities for families, and I’m honored to continue and grow that work alongside this incredible community.”

Piazza’s leadership reflects PEN’s mission to connect parents with practical tools, expert resources, and a supportive community so families can thrive.

“Melanie brings both professional expertise and genuine compassion to this role,” said Kathy Valentine, President of the PEN Board of Directors. “Her entrepreneurial background, community-centered leadership, and deep commitment to parents and caregivers make her a great fit to lead PEN into our next chapter. We are very much looking forward to what is to come.”

Founded in 2001, PEN was created in response to a call to action from the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) to address growing concerns around youth substance use. Supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, BVSD established a Substance Abuse Task Force that included a parent-led initiative focused on engaging, educating, and empowering parents. That initiative became the Parent Engagement Network.

Today, PEN serves families across Boulder, Broomfield, and Weld Counties through workshops, conferences, peer groups and community gatherings, speaking engagements, parenting book groups, and collaborative partnerships with local organizations and experts. Many programs are offered in English and Spanish.

PEN’s vision is for all parents to feel supported and empowered throughout their parenting journey. The organization takes a holistic approach to family support by combining parent education, leadership development, and human connection. PEN serves parents and caregivers of children from birth through adulthood. Over the past 25 years, PEN has supported thousands of parents and caregivers, helping families build resilience, confidence, and connection.

“Joining PEN during its 25th year feels especially meaningful,” said Piazza. “I’m really excited to be part of what comes next as PEN continues to grow and expand to meet the evolving needs of parents and families.”

Learn more at www.parentengagementnetwork.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Parent Engagement Network Announces 10th Annual Reducing Stress & Anxiety Conference
A day of expert insight, practical tools, and connection for parents, caregivers, and grandparents

Broomfield, CO – February 3, 2026. Parent Engagement Network (PEN) will host its 10th Annual Reducing Stress & Anxiety Conference on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM  at Dawson School in Lafayette, Colorado. This year’s theme, “Fostering Resilience and Wellbeing at Every Stage of Parenting,” focuses on meeting parents and caregivers wherever they are in their parenting journey, including grandparenting. This signature conference provides participants with practical strategies to build resilience, reduce stress, and support the wellbeing of both parents and children. 

This year’s keynote speaker, Dan Fox, MA, LPC, will present “Crushing Anxiety at Every Stage of Parenting,” exploring the dynamic and emotional journey of parenting while offering insight into building resilience and supporting mental wellness across all stages of life. With more than 25 years of experience helping adolescents and their families with the work of growing into healthy, happy adults, Dan uses a variety of approaches to help families get more functional and feel more successful.

Attendees will participate in age-specific breakout sessions in the morning, addressing the unique challenges and triumphs of early childhood, school age, adolescence, young adulthood, and grandparenting. Afternoon breakout sessions will focus on tools and strategies for parental wellbeing, including stress reduction, mindfulness, communication, self-compassion, and supporting neurodivergent children. All sessions are led by leading parenting and mental wellness experts from across the community. The conference also includes a resource fair to learn about local parenting and mental health organizations, lunch, and dedicated time for community connection.

“For 25 years the Parent Engagement Network has supported parents in raising happy, healthy humans,” said Paula Nelson, Program Director and Founder. “This conference is a powerful reflection of our mission to reduce isolation, strengthen families, and build a connected, resilient community.”

Since its founding in 2001, PEN has reached more than 25,000 parents, caregivers, families, and educators across Boulder, Broomfield, and Weld Counties (and beyond), building a strong foundation of connection and support throughout the region. PEN partners with top parenting and mental wellness experts to offer evidence-based educational programs and resources that help parents and caregivers strengthen their parenting toolkit. 

The Reducing Stress & Anxiety Conference is open for registration. Learn more and register at parentengagementnetwork.org/2026rsaconference/.