Parker, Elizabeth K.

Minus 9 to 5 is a community-led, collective impact initiative that works to support families with children 0 to age 5. Although we are heavily data driven, we rely on existing sets of data reported by our coalition partners. This model allows our initiative to focus on moving forward over a dozen action steps that are determined by our stakeholders, based on gaps and disparities that are identified throughout the five cities of South Hampton Roads.

Beth Parker, MS Ed, is Assistant Director for Minus 9 to 5 and Instructor of Pediatrics. Ms. Parker earned an undergraduate degree in English and Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master's in Education with a concentration in Counseling from Old Dominion University. Specifically trained in elementary and middle school counseling, she has worked in several Norfolk Public Schools in the guidance department. She has over a decade of experience in individual and group behavioral education and therapy, contracting with Child and Family Services of Eastern Virginia, now The Up Center. Prior to coming to EVMS in 2016, Ms. Parker worked in International Programs at Old Dominion University, where she worked with faculty from the five colleges developing study abroad curriculum and programs. Ms. Parker also worked as Director of Operations for Smart Beginnings South Hampton Roads.

Minus 9 to 5 is a community-led initiative that focuses on families with young children in the Hampton Roads region, using an equity lens to ensure that ALL families have access to resources and support in order to raise children who are healthy, thriving and ready to learn.