[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 65 (Thursday, April 10, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S2554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING NATRONA COUNTY CDC'S ART A LA CARTE GALA

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the Child 
Development Center of Natrona County as it celebrates the 25th 
anniversary of its largest fundraiser, the Kids' Art a la Carte Gala.
  On May 3, 2025, the Natrona County Child Development Center will host 
its annual fundraiser at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, WY. 
Proceeds from this special event go directly toward supporting the 
CDC's services and programming. It is a wonderful opportunity for the 
community to share its support for the CDC's important mission: 
providing premiere, family-focused, developmentally appropriate 
services for Wyoming's kids.
  The child development center opened its doors in 1967. Over the 
years, the CDC has helped to ensure that the social, developmental, and 
educational needs of the children in our communities are being met. 
Today, this organization, led by executive director Alisha Rone, serves 
close to 700 children each year. Its team of 120 individuals provide 
support, advice, and--when needed--intervention to parents and their 
children.
  The CDC's early intervention services are key to ensuring the 
lifelong success of our children. Offering free screenings and 
educational materials, the CDC provides children in Natrona County with 
a solid foundation. The center's certified teachers and therapists help 
provide a plan tailored to every child and their needs. Its accredited 
preschool prepares kids ages three through five for kindergarten.
  For children who need extra assistance, there is the CDC+ program. In 
addition to providing speech, occupational, and physical therapies, the 
program offers audiology services and reading coaching.
  The teachers, therapists, support staff, and leadership continue 
demonstrating selflessness and compassion. This year, the CDC received 
the Daniels Fund Medal of Excellence and a $250,000 grant. The grant 
will fund its continued operations and expansion of its services at no 
cost to participating families.
  Providing the excellent service the CDC is known for takes a team of 
talented people. This team includes the CDC's senior leadership, board 
of directors, foundation board, and dedicated employees. The Child 
Development Center's Senior Leadership team includes: Alisha Rone, 
executive director; Lori Kapeles, program director; Jan Hinz, special 
education director; Geoff Dean, finance director; Shannon Hillibush, 
human resources director; and Renate Pullen, compliance director.
  Members of the CDC Board of Directors are: Bryce Row, president; 
Michelle Larsen, vice president; Patricia Cloud, treasurer; Anna Birch 
DeWitt; Tayla Trujillo; Ally Orr; Nikki Hawley; Scott Wells; Tony 
Hager; Bobby Pickle; Brad Diller; and Fleur Tremel.
  Those serving on the CDC Foundation Board include: Mark Zaback, 
chairman; Jeff Bishop, treasurer; Robyn Landen; Shannon Orr; Peter Van 
Houten; Pete Fazio; Isaac Swanson; Dave Dundas; and Alisha Rone.
  Mr. President, it is an honor celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 
Child Development Center of Natrona County's annual Kids Art A La Carte 
Gala. The positive impact the CDC has made on the families and children 
of our community is genuinely remarkable. I offer my appreciation for 
all those who support the CDC. Your efforts ensure children in Wyoming 
have a strong foundation to prepare them for a lifetime of success.

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