After seven years as Executive Director of the First Born Program of Los Alamos, Ellen Specter has retired. To honor her, First Born threw a retirement party Tuesday evening inside the Small Business Development Center. ‘I’m so grateful to have had an amazing seven years with a life-changing organization,’ Specter said. Regarding her plans for the future, Specter said one of the great things about retirement is not having to plan anything. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

Former First Born Program of Los Alamos Executive Director Ellen Specter, left, stands beside new Executive Director Kristi McBride during Specter’s retirement party Tuesday. ‘I think I’m stepping into big shoes, but I’m very excited to continue to provide home visiting services to the Los Alamos community,’ McBride said. Before stepping into her new role, McBride worked as a program director at Growing Up New Mexico, a nonprofit in Santa Fe that provides early childhood and family support services. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

From left, First Born Program of Los Alamos Board Members Monica Hernandez-Lara, Karen Holmes, Brittany Ouellette and Judith Ramirez take part in the festivities Tuesday evening to wish former Executive Director Ellen Specter a happy retirement. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com