Brooke Williams is a native Oregonian who has made Seattle her home for over a decade. Brooke and her husband Josh are parents to five-year-old Reed, and she joined the Board in June of 2015 to help ensure that all children have a great start. Brooke is a community volunteer with a background in law and public policy, who is currently focusing her efforts on the early learning sector. Outside of CCR, she is an active member of Social Venture Partners, serves on the board of Legal Counsel for Youth and Children, and is actively involved in public policy efforts at United Way of King County and YouthCare. Brooke holds a B.A. from Vassar College and a J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law.

Richard de Sam Lazaro joined the Child Care Resources board in 2018. Richard grew up hustling salmon and cleaning boats on the docks of South Puget Sound before beginning a career working for Democratic elected officials in Western Washington. He first connected with CCR while working for US Senator Patty Murray, who taught him that access to high quality childcare and early learning is critical to addressing the widening social, economic, and health disparities in Washington state. Richard currently serves as Government Affairs Manager at Expedia and lives in Seattle with his wife, Madeline.

Lindsay Coates works for Zillow as corporate counsel and received her law degree from Seattle University.  Lindsay has two young daughters attending an intergenerational daycare program that she learned about from CCR’s website. As a fulltime working mother, she values the important role that childcare plays in the lives of our children. Lindsay lives in Seattle and joined the board in 2016. She is excited to support CCR in helping foster quality childcare throughout the community.

Meg Crager is an independent consultant with more than two decades of experience working with non-profits in King County. She has worked in the areas of domestic violence intervention, children’s mental health, and homelessness prevention. She advocates for greater resources and justice for underserved and marginalized people. Meg recognizes the critical importance of improving all children’s access to high quality early learning experiences. She has an MA in Human Development from Columbia University Teachers College.

Aubrey Beals is a development professional at Summer Search, having also worked for three years on the advancement team at the University of Washington. As a former teacher, youth development nonprofit leader, and Master of Public Administration, she deeply believes that quality child care leads to strong education outcomes, productive citizens, and equitable communities. Aubrey lives in West Seattle and joined Child Care Resources’ Board in 2017. She is eager to support CCR as it engages families and caregivers to provide all children in our community with quality early learning experiences.

Rebecca Benavides is the Director of Legal Business for Microsoft’s Corporate, External and Legal Affairs department.  Over the years she has dedicated her time to programs focused on assisting and empowering women and children impacted by domestic violence.  Rebecca believes that supportive child care and strong early education programs provide every person with the autonomy to realize their full potential and positively impact their community.  Rebecca has a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law and a B.A. from Saint Edward’s University in Austin, Texas.   She joined the CCR Board in 2019 after relocating to the Seattle area with her husband and two daughters.

Amy Corey has a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan. As a clinical social worker at the University of Washington’s Women and Children’s Clinic and as a perinatal MSW for Group Health she often referred families to CCR. Besides serving on the CCR Board, Amy is also active with Washington Women’s Foundation. Amy Joined the CCR Board in April of 2014.

Shilpa Devela strongly believes that every child deserves access to high quality early education. Having identified with the mission of CCR, Shilpa joined the board in 2017 to contribute to that mission. Shilpa grew up in Bangalore, India and moved to the U.S. to pursue her Master’s in Construction Management from Texas A&M University after gaining a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Shilpa moved to the Seattle area late 2016 and is thoroughly enjoying all the treats the PNW life has to offer with her husband Chris and two young daughters.

Vincent Duffy is recently retired from his work at The Learning Tree Montessori Preschool and Child Care. Vinnie joined the CCR Board in May 2013 “because I think that a provider’s voice might be helpful and because I am interested in giving back to an organization that has helped me and my program.” Vinnie has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Washington. He volunteers with a number of community organizations including The Children’s Alliance.

Adrianne Keffeler joined the Board in June 2012 as the next step in her passionate work with children and families. She was introduced to CCR in 2001 when researching child care options for her first child. Adrianne has a Master of Education degree from the University of Washington, was a school counselor for nine years and a leader of Newborn PEPS Groups for six years, and served as President of the PEPS Board. She is currently a member of SVP. “After completing my term on the PEPS Board, I am eager to continue volunteering with a well-respected organization that focuses on the areas I am most passionate about: children, education, equality and family support.” 

Laura Kneedler is the Vice President of Education & Therapy Services at Northwest Center, where she leads a talented team of teachers, therapists, and support staff to serve over 600 children annually. Through programs of early intervention therapy and inclusive early education, Laura and her team provide a comprehensive approach to ensure the inclusion of children with disabilities in the classroom, community, and home setting. Laura joined the CCR board in 2017. She has worked with CCR as a provider and believes strongly in CCR’s mission to provide access to high-quality care for all children. She holds a BS in Education/Health & Human Development from Montana State University and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Concordia University.

Duniya Lang is the founder and Executive Director of the Somali Reconciliation Institute in Kent, and also works as a Behavioral Health Counselor at Refugee Women’s Alliance. She recently spent five years working with the University of Washington as the primary author and developer of a culturally responsive trauma healing program. Having also served as an interpreter and educator in various capacities, Duniya has devoted her entire career to serving immigrant communities in clinical settings in order to close cultural gaps and promote understanding and cooperation. She holds a degree in Political Science, and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. She is the proud mother of two young children.

Sue Leavitt is a retired Social Worker. Before starting with the CCR Board in September of 2014, Sue served for 14 years with the Intiman Theatre Board. “My concern is particularly for the low income and underserved population of children.”

Evelyn Lemoine spent 25 years at the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, retiring in 2016 as VP of Human Resources. Previously she worked for the City of Seattle for nearly 17 years in HR management roles and staffed a former mayor. She has served on advisory boards of nonprofits and chaired the nominating committee for the board of a major regional health care organization. As a volunteer for United Way, Evelyn founded and co-chaired a committee that funded nonprofits serving infants, young children and their families. She was also the founding co-chair of a community coalition bringing voice to underserved populations and youth. She holds a degree in Business Administration from City University.

Ken Miller is Associate General Counsel at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation where he provides legal advice and counsel to the foundation's Global Health Division to help develop and deliver vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics to people most in need.  Before joining the foundation in 2015, he was a partner in the technology transactions group at Perkins Coie LLP, an international law firm based in Seattle.  Ken and his husband Chris live in the Mt. Baker neighborhood of Seattle and are parents to two young children, Luke and Anna.  Ken is President of the Epiphany Early Learning Preschool Parent Advisory Board and active in other community organizations.  Ken joined the board of CCR because of his commitment that all children deserve high quality care and early learning.

Vivien Savath is a Senior Associate at BERK Consulting, a 30-year old firm focused on Pacific Northwest policy issues including housing, public health, land use planning, and of course, education and early learning. She sees high-quality accessible child care as a root concern for economic and gender justice. Vivien holds a B.A. in economics with a minor in statistics from Dartmouth College and an M.P.A. from the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington. Vivien originally hails from New York State and has made Seattle her home for the last decade with husband Chip and son Boone.

Valisa Smith, consultant and strategist, joined the CCR Board in July 2011. Valisa is experienced in designing and implementing complex grant-making initiatives across multiple program areas. She was most recently Lead Senior Program Officer, Education with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where she worked from 1999 to 2011. Valisa holds a Master of Arts in Political Science from McGill University in Montreal and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Oregon. She has worked and studied in North America, Africa, and Asia and currently resides in Seattle with her husband and two children. 

Brian Stout works as an independent consultant at the intersection of progressive philanthropy and movement-building.  His background is in international conflict mediation and international development, with experience in the nonprofit, public, and philanthropic sectors.  He most recently spent two years with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation here in Seattle, and previously served for five years with the U.S. Agency for International Development in Washington, DC and overseas.  Brian has a BA in interdisciplinary studies from Amherst College and a MA in conflict management from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.  In addition to Child Care Resources, he serves on the board of directors for the international human rights organization Humanity in Action, and is a member of the Truman National Security Project.  Brian enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife and two daughters.

Adam Teal joined the Board in April 2019 with the desire to help continue CCR’s growth in Pierce County. In previously practicing family law for nine years, Adam saw first-hand the difficulty families had finding quality, affordable child care.  It was this experience that drew him to CCR, hoping to give all children the proper head start they deserve, regardless of their background. Adam holds a B.A. from Western New England University in his home state of Massachusetts, and a J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law. He lives in Tacoma with his wife.

Sherri Wolson passionately believes that all kids deserve quality care whether it’s from a formal child care program or from an informal network of friends and family members. Sherri is excited about building the understanding that early childhood education is essential and a wise investment. Sherri serves on the Boards of SVP and of ACLU of Washington. She is the former board chair of PEPS and has volunteered for a number of community organizations including the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, Legal Voice and Water 1^st International. Sherri has a J.D. from Stanford Law School and a B.A. from Stanford University. She joined the Board in July 2011 and lives in Seattle with her husband and daughter.