Spotlight on Success: Toddle & Build Up SMC
Heather Hopkins didn’t set out to become a childcare provider. But when her daughter’s flexible care facility closed, the part-time working mom saw a gap
Heather Hopkins didn’t set out to become a childcare provider. But when her daughter’s flexible care facility closed, the part-time working mom saw a gap
As our students get ready for a new school year, so do teachers. My friend Barbara’s daughter just got a job as a Kindergarten teacher, her first teaching job….and she is scared. Scared of making mistakes…..of not doing it right. Ah…..interesting…..I bet just like some of her Kindergartners. Teaching is a really hard job; I know because I was one. Most go into the profession because they care about children; they want to make a difference; they want kids to succeed. They just need help and support, coaching and resources….and empathy too.
Getting to work on time in the morning is a magic trick in and of itself. For those who are able to accomplish this along
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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.