Kathy Phillips of Gloucester retired late last month after working for 31 years for the Middle Peninsula-Northern Neck Community Services Board, including 20 years as director of the Early Intervention Services Program. Elizabeth “Liz” Lyons of Mathews was appointed in her stead.

As director of Early Intervention’s Rural Infant Services and Healthy Families programs, Phillips said it had been wonderful to spend so many years working with children and families seeking early intervention guidance for special needs children ages birth to three years.

“That time period is so magical,” said Phillips. “The brain growth, the changes that can be made. These children might be born with challenges, but to see parents who are so competent and good and to see each child reach his or her own potential is amazing.”

Phillips said that over the years she has worked with children with a wide range of challenges, from those who “just need a little boost and will be fine” to those with profound...