First 5 San Mateo County mourns the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. Rob’s vision and leadership, through his advocacy for Proposition 10, made our work possible, supporting young children and families in San Mateo County for over 25 years. He’s pictured above in 2002 with the
Explore the latest news and updates from First 5 San Mateo County, including mental health support through Big Feelings. Take our 5-minute family survey, and learn more about San Mateo County Emergency Safety Net Assistance resources.
At First 5 San Mateo County, we believe that every family deserves to feel safe, supported, and connected to trusted community resources, regardless of their background or immigration status. Recently, the San Mateo County Office of Education shared a reminder that schools will always remain safe places for every child.
Explore the latest news and updates from First 5 San Mateo County, including local efforts to reduce the cost of child care. Find resources for flu season, and learn more about Let’s Read San Mateo County and the Imagination Library.
Explore the latest news and updates from First 5 San Mateo County, including the Baby Bonus Program launch. Watch our new Oral Health video, and learn more about the bill AB 977 and the Child Health and Safety Fund.
There has been a significant and ongoing investment in recent years to create more effective connections between healthcare and social services, recognizing that people’s physical, mental, and social health are intertwined. First 5 has long recognized the need to support the whole child and the whole family in our work.
Explore the latest news and updates from First 5 San Mateo County, including our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. Learn about the importance of Head Start and impacts in San Mateo County, and read more about how we’re reflecting on the importance of Mental Health Awareness month.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to reflect on the importance of caring for our mental well-being, especially as parents and caregivers. When we prioritize our own mental health, we’re better equipped to nurture the emotional and social development of the children in our lives. Mental health
Explore the latest news and updates from First 5 San Mateo County, including introductions to our three new commissioners. Learn about a recent oral health screening session led by Sonrisas Dental Health at Hillside Child Development Program in South San Francisco, and read an update on San Mateo County’s Home
First 5 San Mateo County is excited to welcome Colleen Chawla as our newest commissioner! With a distinguished career in public health leadership and a deep commitment to equity and community well-being, Colleen brings invaluable expertise to our work supporting young children and families. Colleen currently serves as the chief
First 5 San Mateo County is thrilled to welcome Hanish Rathod as our newest commissioner! With a deep commitment to education, a passion for community service, and an impressive background in strategy and operations, Hanish brings invaluable expertise to our mission of ensuring every child in San Mateo County thrives.
First 5 San Mateo County is honored to welcome Jackie Speier as our newest commissioner! A lifelong public servant and fearless advocate for families, Jackie brings decades of leadership and dedication to improving the lives of children and families in our community. Currently representing District 1 on the San Mateo
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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.
