The Power of Storytelling in Transforming Early Childhood Systems: A Conversation with Christine Thorsteinson, Director of Early Childhood Development at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Christine Thorsteinson and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation have supported KQED San Francisco to harness the transformative power of storytelling in early childhood systems.  “We wanted to try to go deep in system-level change and find ways to address systemic inequities that underlie the disparities in our region. Think about it– everyone loves cute babies. […]

Commission Vacancies Announcement

President of the Board of Supervisors Dave Pine announced that applications arebeing accepted for appointment to the First 5 San Mateo County. There are currently one (1)position representing: Public Member, each to commence January 1, 2024.  The Public Member includes the following categories: recipients of project services included in First 5 SanMateo County’s Strategic Plan; […]

September 2023 Newsletter: Stories And The Power of Telling Them

Read our newsletter to discover how storytelling is essential to First 5 San Mateo County’s work, Bilingual learning communities for parents, how we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, and the upcoming planning for San Mateo County’s universal pre-kindergarten resources.

Headshot of Kitty Lopez

Kitty Lopez has served as the Executive Director of First 5 San Mateo County since 2012, focusing on policy, advocacy and communications development. Additionally, she is the Chair of First 5 Association of California. Kitty previously served as the Executive Director of Samaritan House, one of the leading safety-net nonprofit agencies serving low-income families and individuals in San Mateo County with food, shelter, clothing, health care, counseling, education classes, and holiday assistance from 2002 to 2012.

Kitty taught kindergarten, second grade, and high school in the Bay Area and in Santa Barbara, 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 in San Diego.

She attended University of California Santa Barbara earning a California Teaching Credential and B.A in Psychology. Kitty is active in her community serving on several community boards including HEART (Housing Endowment and Regional Trust of San Mateo County), STEP (Success Through Education Program), and Past President and Current Member of the San Mateo Rotary Club.