April 23, 2025
National Home Visiting Week 2025
This week is National Home Visiting Week, an opportunity to celebrate the work of home visitors who provide vital support to young children and families. Our home visiting workforce in Illinois includes many dedicated professionals -- and this week, we're excited to bring you a more personal introduction to four of them: Jessi Bathon, Niah Hamilton, Patrick Nakamura, and Alisha Perkins!
Jessi Bathon, Family Support Specialist at Shawnee Health
How did you become a home visitor, and how long have you been in the field?
I had never heard of home visiting before this job but when I heard about what I’d be doing I thought it sounded like something I would enjoy doing. I believe that God put me in this position for a reason. I have been in the field for 3 ½ years and I look forward to continue growing in my career.
What's your favorite thing about home visiting?
My favorite thing about home visiting is having the opportunity to build relationships with families and watching them grow.
What do you do for fun?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being involved with my church, traveling and making art.
What are your hopes & dreams for infants, toddlers and expecting families in Illinois?
My hope for every child is that they receive the love and care that they deserve and for every family to know they are not alone. They say it takes a village to raise a child. As a home visitor, I am privileged to be a part of a family's village and support them in expanding theirs through community resources and social connections.
Niah Hamilton
How did you become a home visitor, and how long have you been in the field?
I became a home visitor after my younger sister had a doula with her first child. I've been working as a home visitor for 13 years.
What's your favorite thing about home visiting?
Seeing the families later in life and witnessing their growth and success.
What would you say to someone interested in becoming a home visitor?
It has its own rewards.
What do you do for fun?
Laugh lots with my family and coworkers!
What are your hopes & dreams for infants, toddlers and expecting families in Illinois?
That every child has access to early learning programs.
Patrick Nakamura
How did you become a home visitor, and how long have you been in the field?
Volunteering through school. Started volunteering with dad’s groups in 2014 and started this job in 2021.
What's your favorite thing about home visiting?
Watching my participants grow with their children.
What would you say to someone interested in becoming a home visitor?
It is very rewarding.
What do you do for fun?
Play video games, listen to music, hang out with friends and my dog.
What are your hopes & dreams for infants, toddlers and expecting families in Illinois?
For the children to grow up physically and emotionally healthy. To end generational trauma.
Alisha Perkins
How did you become a home visitor, and how long have you been in the field?
So I didn’t know what a Home Visit was until I did the interview with my supervisor. I was a teacher for 10 years with preschool and kindergarten, so this was so new to me but very exciting and interesting. I have been a Home Visitor for 2 years now and I am loving every bit of it .
What's your favorite thing about home visiting?
My favorite thing about home visiting is seeing my parents and their children , when I walk through the door ready for me to show them good activities or give them resources.
What would you say to someone interested in becoming a home visitor?
If you’re interested in home visiting please do it! The feeling of helping and teaching parents and children is so rewarding.
What do you do for fun?
When I am not working I am with my family and friends, playing with my Shih Tzu (Zoey), or reading a good book.
What are your hopes & dreams for infants, toddlers and expecting families in Illinois?
My hope and dream is that everyone will know more about home visiting and get a chance to experience the great resources in their community.
Our gratitude to Jessi, Niah, Patrick, Alisha and all other home visitors!