Aaron Fields: When Passion Meets Purpose
Fathers are important. It’s Parkland Healthy Start’s Fatherhood Coordinator Aaron Fields’ job to support them.
“I believe in putting the onus on myself, as well as other men who I work with,” the coordinator said in response to why male role models are needed. “The decisions we make affect everyone, even on a spiritual level.”
Not all heroes wear capes. Some quietly change lives every day in our community. Aaron Fields is one of them, and his work as a fatherhood coordinator in Dallas County has already made a lasting impact.
He might be providing employment options for men seeking work, leading workshops that nurture infant mental health or connecting families to resources within the Parkland Health system network. The 31-year-old is the ultimate Swiss army knife.
“I work to address the parenting needs for fathers and provide them with the necessary tools to become a better man, father, as well as being a better supporter, spouse or boyfriend to the mother of your child,” Fields described.
The work he does takes many forms—shifting and modifying based on the needs of the specific family. The needs, often called non-medical drivers of health, are support service areas that cover the everyday realities that influence how families function, stay healthy and support their children’s growth.
Those everyday realities include prenatal care, parenting, child development, family planning, health issues, safety and housing.
Take Keenan Johnson for example, who alongside Key’Thanna Love, began working with the fatherhood coordinator after having their now 2-year-old son.
“As a first-time dad, there were questions that popped up that I wasn’t even aware of when I stepped into being a father,” Johnson said.
But that’s where Fields stepped in—providing answers and a peace of mind. Education goes a long way, and he shares a wealth of information that furthers the plan of care for each patient.
The “what” and “why” of the job
Despite a low profile and a calm demeanor—the work that Fields does, echoes loudly among his patients in Parkland’s Healthy Start program. The program’s mission is to reduce infant deaths, pre-term and low-weight births.
As an extension of the program, the fatherhood coordinator strengthens its mission by ensuring fathers are actively engaged, supported, and empowered—recognizing that children benefit most when both parents (or all caregivers) are involved.
While developmental screenings are often used—testing the baby’s cognitive, fine and gross motor skills—Fields defers to the parents, trusting that they often know what’s best for their child. Because as he simply puts it, “I don’t see their baby all the time, while the parents are with them every day.”
He imparts wisdom crucial to the child’s growth, then allows the parent to take over but is always a text or call away if needed. “Parents ultimately know their children better than I do, so my job is to give them developmental information or knowledge that they can incorporate into their babies’ lives.”
Whether in the office or out in the community, Fields’ days are filled with countless possibilities—each driven by the same unwavering purpose. There may be a poverty-stricken family that needs his help with securing supplies such as diapers, a sleeping crib, etc. Or a man seeking guidance as his partner suffers from postpartum depression.
For example, 39-year-old Walter Hargrave, a father of five and stepfather of one, spoke about the desire to find resources and stumbling upon Fields during his research.
“I was just searching for resources for myself and my kids,” the Mississippi native said. This due diligence resulted in a two-year partnership that has not only expanded Hargrave’s network of parental guidance but given him an emotional sounding board.
“Aaron’s a mentor to me as well, he’s added to my repertoire as a person,” he explained. “He’s someone that I can go to and be vulnerable with.”
Parenthood isn’t always the easiest job to navigate. And sometimes help, in any capacity, is welcomed and can make all the difference in the world.
Ask 22-year-old mother of three Tiara Taylor—who despite only being with the Parkland Healthy Start program for a little over a month, appreciates how proactive Fields is when offering his services.
“He’s a real go-getter,” she said. “He’ll do anything to help which I’m really grateful for.”
Raising a child can take a village. And Aaron’s own story is proof of that.
The importance of villages
Every personal and professional experience led to the version of Fields that stands before us today—refining him as a person every step of the way.
Born and raised in Baytown, Texas, his family also spent ample time in Dallas—often dividing their days between the two cities. His childhood was a pleasant one and he reflects with pride about the love fostered between his parents and the camaraderie shared among his three siblings.
“I was very fortunate,” said Fields—acknowledging that love was all around him. This emotionally stimulating environment allowed him to mature and become a well-rounded adult. However, during this time, he also developed an understanding and sympathy toward those who weren’t as fortunate.
“Growing up, I noticed that a lot of my peers weren’t experiencing the same things that my parents or family were doing for me,” he remorsefully recalled, showcasing the same empathy that helps him with present-day patients.
While still carrying this weight well into adulthood, he understands the importance of balance—finding ways to take his mind off his work to decompress.
“Being surrounded by good people is always good,” he said. “You always want to make sure you take care of yourself.”
For Fields, self-care involves exercising, reading and writing. He even jokes that his love for literature has become an obsession. Coincidently, this obsession is one of the reasons that led to him becoming a fatherhood coordinator in the first place.
Art Imitates Life
Being well-read wasn’t a consequence of his studies or work. Instead, he molded a love that was already there by using it to acquire as much knowledge as possible.
The man didn’t choose the job, the job chose the man.
Everything played a part. His upbringing laid the foundation, his relationships shaped the framework, and books and academics refined the professional he ultimately became.
“I’ve been in this field since I was 19 years old,” he said. “Whatever knowledge or value I bring, stems from that foundation.”
With a bachelor’s degree in speech language pathology and child development, a master’s in human development and early childhood disorders, both at the University of Texas at Dallas—Fields was the perfect candidate for the job.
After celebrating four years at Parkland that has seen Fields help hundreds of families—he remains grounded about the journey ahead, looking to help hundreds more in the future.
“A long, healthy life isn’t promised,” he expressed—citing his desire to have a positive impact on the community while bettering Parkland’s Healthy Start program in the process.
“At the end of the day, that’s all I’m really here for.”
As Johnson, Love, Hargrave, and Taylor can all attest, his presence has left a lasting mark—and the community stands better for it.
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