Community
Local Parents

Ryan and Adrianna Walden have been married for 12 years. The two met when she was working for an arena football team in Norfolk where he was playing football. Ryan is a service coordinator with the Chesapeake Early Intervention Program and Adrianna is a Licensing Specialist for Children's Programs. Both have enjoyed teaching CHKD’s "Happiest Baby" class together for the past eight years. Together they have one daughter, who despite early health issues, is now a thriving and happy school-age child. The Walden's also lead a weekly community group through their church for married couples and their children.

Posts written by Adrianna and Ryan Walden

NICU
Contributing author and NICU mother

Allison Planchak is a Richmond native, but has lived in Virginia Beach for over a decade. She has two boys, Ryan (5), and Will (2), and she and her husband have a third child on the way. Will is a former 24 week micro-preemie who spent 4½ months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at CHKD. Allison is a pediatric physical therapist who enjoys running and playing outside with her family. She is a member of the NICU Family Advisory Council.

Posts written by Allison Planchak

Mental Health
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Anne Russell has worked with children in the community since 2005 and has been providing therapy to children since 2009. Russell became a licensed clinical social worker in 2013 and started her LCSW career as a clinician at CHKD’s Child Abuse Program in 2013. She is considered an expert in child maltreatment and trauma. She joined the CHKD Mental Health Program in 2018. Read more.

Posts written by Anne Russell, LCSW