Search

Newsletter September 2022 | Supporting Infant Mental Health

Summer fun is wrapping up and fall is almost here! That means change is in the air, and even the youngest among us are very attuned to it. As so many rich conversations about mental health are expanding, it is important that we take special care to include infants in that conversation! Read stories from […]

I Screen, You Screen: Getting to know your child through screening tools

When you’re a parent, you may not know what you don’t know. Children are complicated! If you feel like you have questions about your child’s behavior–a screening can help.  What is a Screening? Screenings can be a great way to ensure that your child is on track socially, emotionally, developmentally, and physically. The process can […]

Attitudes, Access, and Barriers Towards Developmental Screening in Communities of Color

Hear from Deputy Director of First 5 San Mateo County, Michelle Blakely, on building equity, fighting discrimination, and fostering access when it comes to developmental screenings. If you’re having trouble viewing in your browser, click here! Attitudes, Access, and Barriers Towards Developmental Screening in Communities of Color – 7/19/22 from California Chapter 1, AAP on […]

Where Parenting and Community Leadership Meet: A Q&A with Rosanne Foust

As the President & CEO of the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA), Ms. Foust is a leading voice of the business community in San Mateo County and across the Bay Area on issues important to maintaining a strong local and regional economy, attracting and retaining major employers and good jobs, and creating partnerships […]

Headshot of Kitty Lopez

Kitty Lopez has served as the Executive Director of First 5 San Mateo County since 2013, focusing on strategic investing, community leadership, policy and advocacy development for young children, 0-5, and their families.

Kitty has served as Co-Chair of the Advisory Body for Build Up for San Mateo County Children’s Initiative, with Board of Supervisor, Dave Pine, since 2018.  Congressman Kevin Mullin is Honorary Co-Chair.  This initiative was established to preserve, grow, and increase the number of early care sites in San Mateo County.  

Kitty previously served as the Executive Director of Samaritan House, one of San Mateo County’s leading Core Service Agencies and safety-net nonprofits serving low-income families and individuals with food, shelter, clothing, health care, counseling, education classes, and holiday assistance from 2002 to 2013. 

Kitty taught kindergarten, second grade, and high school in southern California and San Francisco and was a consultant in schools with children who have autism and special needs. Additionally, Kitty worked in a residential substance abuse treatment center in San Francisco and psychiatric hospital for children and youth in San Diego.  Kitty’s roots in supporting children began as a 16-year-old volunteer at the Braille Institute in Los Angeles where she taught swimming to children and adults with visual impairments.

She attended University of California Santa Barbara earning a California Teaching Credential and B.A in Psychology. Kitty is active in her community serving as Vice Chair of the San Mateo County Event Center, and Past President and Current Member of the San Mateo Rotary Club.  She is currently serving as Past President of the First 5 Association of California. On March 2022, Assembly Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin selected Kitty Lopez as the 2022 Assembly District 22 Woman of the Year.