About Us

Family Connections of Newbury, Rowley, Salisbury, Newburyport, West Newbury, Groveland, Merrimac, Amesbury & Haverhill is a Massachusetts Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) program serving families with children from birth through school age.  We provide access to comprehensive services, child development information and educational opportunities to support you in your role as your child's first teacher. ​

Family Connections is funded by the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) grant awarded to the Triton Regional School District by the Department of Early Education and Care.

All of our programs are FREE to residents of Rowley, Newbury, Salisbury, Newburyport, West Newbury, Georgetown, Merrimac, Amesbury & Haverhill.

Meet the Team

  • Sarah Houghton - CFCE Program Director


    Sarah Houghton is the Director of Family Connections, an organization dedicated to supporting families through education, community building, and empowering parents. With a background in early childhood education Sarah has built a career focused on providing families with the resources and support they need to thrive.

    As a mother of two boys, Sarah deeply understands the joys and challenges of parenting, which fuels her commitment to helping other parents navigate their own journeys. Her work emphasizes the importance of community and the power of connection, ensuring that families feel supported, informed, and connected to the resources they need.

    Outside of her professional life, Sarah enjoys cooking and practicing yoga, activities that provide her with balance and peace. With a blend of professional expertise and personal experience, Sarah remains dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of families.

  • Jesenia Tejada-Perez - Assistant to the CFCE Director


    Jesenia Tejada-Perez is a passionate and dedicated Assistant to the CFCE Family Connections Director, as well as the Community Resource Liaison for Triton Regional School District. With a Master’s in Social Work, Jesenia is deeply committed to supporting students, families, and schools.

    Whether it's marketing playgroups, providing administrative support, creating or implementing programming to engage students and families, or fostering strong relationships across the district, Jesenia brings a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate approach to every project.

    When not working to make a positive impact in the community, Jesenia loves spending time with family and exploring new places through travel. Combining a love for people with a dedication to service, Jesenia is always seeking new ways to make a difference and grow both personally and professionally.

  • Cynthia Krafton - Playgroup Facilitator


    Miss Cindy has been part of the Salisbury School community for 15 years, serving first as an Instructional Aide and then as a Playgroup Facilitator. Cindy loves working with children and building relationships with families over time. She is a mom of 4 and has 3 grandchildren. Cindy is a Salisbury resident who grew up in Newburyport. One of her favorite activities is boating at the lake.

  • Ashley Roes - Playgroup Facilitator


    Miss Ashley is a licensed therapist who left her desk job to focus on her growing family, and spend more time with her children. Having once been a participant in Family Connections groups, she is now thrilled to step into a leadership role within them. With a deep passion for working with children and their caregivers, Ashley finds joy in creating meaningful connections and exploring fun, engaging activities together.

  • Nicole Callas - Playgroup Facilitator


    Miss Nicole has been coming to groups with her boys for the last 5 years and is very familiar with our program. Nicole lives in Amesbury and is a mom of 2 boys ages 3 & 5. Playgroups have been a huge part of her parenting journey and she is excited to lead one for you all!