Darci Peterson #293

Darci Peterson is a wife, mother, and grandmother who has dedicated her career to supporting families and children. Her journey began in 2013 as a foster parent, where she gained firsthand experience working with children and teens impacted by early childhood trauma and its long-term effects. In March 2014, she founded Hope Restored, deepening her commitment to family support.
In 2018, Darci joined Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) as a foster care case manager, later transitioning to an active role in the Parenting® Program. It was there that she was introduced to the Nurturing Parenting® curriculum to deliver evidence-based parenting education across three counties in Southwest Missouri.

Darci was promoted to Parenting Supervisor at LFCS in June 2021, expanding her leadership to support staff working with families in ten counties. In Spring 2022, she completed the process to be Recognized as an Organizational Trainer in Nurturing Parenting® Program. In those three (3) year Darci has trained and mentored over 75 Nurturing Parenting® Program Facilitators in Seventy-Six (76) counties where LFCS currently provides Nurturing Parenting® Programs.  

In November 2024, Darci took on the role of Parenting Program Manager for the Home Visitation program at LFCS. In this expanded role, she supports not only LFCS staff but also partner organizations throughout the southern half of Missouri.
Darci is deeply passionate about fostering nurturing relationships and empowering caregivers. She brings years of experience in family engagement, grounded in best practices and a strengths-based approach. Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding LFCS’s Home Visitation program across Missouri, strengthening communities through compassionate and informed support.