We are ringing in the new year early over here at First 5 SMC & we are so grateful for our outgoing First 5 San Mateo County Commissioners. Read about the commissioners’ work, some of the programs available, and some reflections on childcare advocacy going forward.
When most of us were in 7th grade, we looked forward to driving, maybe the prom, staying up late. When Valeria Chavez-Franco was in 7th grade, she already knew she wanted to join the First 5 Commission. Her bright smile and confidence come across immediately. She apologizes for the noise,
The Family Development Credential Class is coming back. The FDC program is a professional development course and credentialing program to learn and/or enhance skills of strength-based family support with families. This FDC course is offered to San Mateo County individuals that would like to build their professional skills of partnering with
Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, families have weathered unforeseen impacts with strength and fortitude. The Silicon Valley Community Foundation set out to collect family stories of experiences, challenges, and hopes for their children’s future. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, families have been forced to be resilient. It is time that they have
Parents, your voice is critical in expanding access to the ACEs screening for San Mateo County’s children. When you visit the doctor with your child, ask them for an ACEs screening. Sharing key experiences with your healthcare providers will ensure that your child is getting the most informed, complete care
Help promote health for those with limited opportunities to be healthy through the four community-identified priorities shared in the Get Healthy San Mateo County Strategic Plan: Healthy Housing, Healthy Neighborhoods, Healthy Schools, and Healthy Economy. These priorities come out of our ten elements for a healthy community and build on over a decade of great work done by
© 2023 First 5 San Mateo County
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.
