Board of Trustees

Dennis is currently an Assistant Professor, and Director of the School Psychology program at Gonzaga University. Prior to joining the faculty at Gonzaga, he worked as a school psychologist in P-12 public schools in three different states. As a father, school psychologist, and now trainer of school psychologists, Dennis is passionate about children receiving early educational and developmental experiences through high-quality childcare programs.

Jennifer currently serves as Vice President of CCA of WA’s Board of Trustees. She first became involved in child care work as a member of the Clinton Administration at the US Department of Health and Human Services, serving as Legislative Analyst, Senior Advisor, and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the Administration for Children and Families. In those roles she helped create the Child Care Bureau and Early Head Start program, launched the agency’s Zero to Three and Healthy Child Care America initiatives, and worked closely with State and Tribal grantees to implement the Child Care and Development Fund. Although child care remains close to her heart, her professional work turned to local civic endeavors, land use policy, and nonprofit advocacy. She is currently the Campaign Manager for the Sierra Club’s Bay Alive Campaign to protect and enhance the San Francisco Bay’s shoreline ecosystems and build community resilience to sea level rise. Jennifer holds a J.D. from Georgetown Law Center and a Bachelor’s degree from Brown University. When not working out on news, politics and local government, Jennifer is typically enjoying the outdoors, buried in “handyman” projects, working some sort of puzzle, or corralling her pets and a parade of foster animals.

Kim has spent her career in various roles in the early learning field, her experience spans positions such as childcare center owner, higher education instructor in early learning to leadership roles of multiple programs serving children and families. Her passion is supporting programs which focus on children who have lived with trauma and circumstances beyond their control. As a thirty year advocate for level playing fields for all children, she feels that sharing her knowledge of challenges and successes on various initiatives may add value to the future of not only Child Care Aware but all children in Washington state.

Laura, a dedicated advocate, and lifelong Seattle resident, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the CCA of WA Board. Residing in Wallingford with her husband Reid and cherished dog Lola, Laura’s 40-year career has been dedicated to the betterment of young children’s lives. Her journey in the field began as a preschool teacher and parent educator at Shoreline Community College. Laura then assumed leadership roles as the director of Union Bay and University Congregational Church Child Care Centers. As the Provider Services Director for Bright Spark, formerly known as Child Care Resources, she played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of early childhood education. Notably, Laura served as a lobbyist and director for the advocacy organization Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, amplifying her impact on policy and systemic change.

Laura remains committed to enhancing the accessibility, affordability, and quality of early learning. Through her work on the CCA of WA Board, she seizes the opportunity to continue advocating and supporting the organization’s pivotal work in the community. Laura’s unwavering dedication and extensive experience make her an invaluable asset to the board and a tireless champion for the well-being of young children.

Laurie has spent her career in education and early learning in a variety of roles. With her experience as an elementary classroom teacher, elementary and high school counselor, owner and director of a childcare center and adjunct faculty in higher education, Laurie has a wide depth of knowledge for educational and family support systems. She has a passion for creating culturally responsive programs and systems that meet the social-emotional needs of the whole child and family for a solid foundation in life. Strategies to build community are always at the center of her work. She brings these perspectives to her current position as Assistant Director of the Early Learning and Family Services Department at the Opportunity Council, where she oversees the Quality Child Care Division and the CCA Contract for the NW Region.

Michelle Rahl-Lewis has dedicated over 30 years to Early Learning, starting as a home childcare provider and progressing to roles such as Childcare Director and ECEAP Teacher. Currently serving as Director of Early Learning at Tacoma Schools, Michelle is passionate about promoting positive learning experiences for young children and families. She seeks to leverage her extensive experience to champion the cause of Early Learning as a board member, emphasizing the importance of listening, learning, and sharing personal experiences for the field’s betterment.