Dr. Mitsi Pair Willard

FSN News:

Family Strengths Network (FSN) announced today that it has hired Dr. Mitsi Pair Willard to fill the vacancy of executive director left by Carie Fanning who retires June 30.

Willard received her MA and PhD in Foreign Language Education from the University of Texas – Austin. She has worn many hats in her professional life. These include teaching (Spanish and Reading to kids ages 3 to 8th grade, and Secondary Education at the college level), other educational roles, coaching basketball, and directing children’s programs at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, all in various Texas cities.

Willard and her family, which includes four children, moved to Los Alamos from Abilene, Texas two years ago. Since moving here, she’s worked as an educator at Pajarito Environmental Education Center in capacities that have allowed her to get to know many families of the area.

Willard said that she was drawn to FSN and the executive director position because as a relatively new resident of Los Alamos, she knows the importance and challenges of establishing personal connections. This position pulls together her background in education, her interest in working with families, and her desire to make a difference in the community.

She said that she looks forward to collaborating with the staff, board and other organizations to continue the mission of FSN.

“The services, classes and opportunities provided through the Family Strengths Network are an invaluable resource for our diverse and ever-changing population,” Willard said. “I am honored and excited to serve the Los Alamos community through my work at FSN.”

Willard and her family enjoy traveling (these days, road trips and National Parks), hiking, skiing and camping. She also has a musical side and is relearning to play guitar and recently played the role as Mrs. Phelps in Los Alamos Light Opera’s Matilda the Musical.

Willard officially begins her new position as executive director on July 1, 2023.

FSN is a United Way partner.