Catherine S. has operated a successful high quality childcare program in the city of Long Beach for 25 years. In addition, she is Vice President of an organization dedicated to informing and training Family Child Care Providers in high quality care and financial stability. As a supporter of family child care providers, Catherine also serves as a consultant and curriculum specialist for various programs in Los Angeles County, as well as, an Immunization Specialist. Her program was designated as a Los Angeles Universal Preschool site in 2010 and as a Steps to Excellence Project pilot site. Her program is a current participant in Race to the Top.
Catherine has been a Mentor Teacher since 2006, the year in which she received both the Region 9 and the National Leadership Award from the National Association of Family Child Care. In 2005-2006, Catherine served as a CAEYC Family Childcare Chair and Family Childcare Chair of BCAEYC since 2005. She served as a Representative for the California Child Development Corps and is Past President of the Greater Long Beach Lakewood Family Association. She presently holds the position as Caucus Steering Committee Regional Representative for Los Angeles and Orange County for the California Early Childhood Mentor Program.
Catherine holds a Site Supervisor Permit, a B.A. in Human Development (Specialization Early Childhood Education) from Pacific Oaks College, and a Family Development Credential from Cornell University. She has completed the Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) Academy and is currently, working on a pending Masters in Early Childhood Education (Specialization in Childhood Trauma).