The visitation center currently under construction near downtown Austin has a new director, according Parenting Resource Center Inc., which has hired Crisis Nursery coordinator Heather Steinkamp.

Steinkamp has 12 years experience working with battered women and their children, having worked at the Rochester Women’s Shelter. For three years, she’s been the program coordinator for Crisis Nursery in Freeborn and Mower counties and the Parent WarmLine, which provide tips by phone to English- and Spanish-speaking parents.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position, and we are pleased to welcome her into this new position,” a press release said.

The Michael E. Seibel Family Visitation and Exchange Center is nearing completion at 105 First St. S.E. It’s anticipated to be ready for staff training by July 25. Two weeks of training will follow for full-time staff, with appointments to begin early August

An operations manager has also been hired.

Andy Gray has a degree in law enforcement from Riverland Community College, undergraduate degrees in psychology and sociology and post-graduate work from Minnesota State University in Mankato.

During training, representatives from the Office on Violence Against Women, the U.S. Department of Justice and other dignitaries will visit the site. All have been responsible for some aspect of funding, which totaled $922,000. The center, named after a late Mower County judge, will provide safe haven for children and parents during exchanges and visitations, some of which will be court ordered.

More information is available at www.families andcommunities.org.