Staff
At Root for Kids, our dedicated staff embodies a deep-rooted passion for early childhood development, driven by the unwavering belief that every child in our community deserves a nurturing, strong beginning in life. With a team of highly skilled professionals, we are committed to providing exceptional support and resources tailored to the unique needs of each child, ensuring they have the foundation to thrive both now and in their future by being school-ready. Our approach to early childhood education and support services not only fosters individual growth and learning but also strengthens the fabric of our community by guaranteeing that its youngest members receive the best possible start. By choosing to focus on comprehensive development and well-being, Root for Kids stands as a beacon of hope and progress in child advocacy, making a significant, lasting impact on the lives of children and their families.
“Gardeners are good at nurturing, and they have a great quality of patience, they’re tender. They have to be persistent.” – Ralph Fiennes
CHIEF OFFICERS
Chief Executive Officer
Suzanne Leonelli
Chief Financial Officer
Greg Eberhard
Health Services Officer
Tena Heward, RN
Human Resources Officer
Malynne Clayburn
Chief Development Officer
Janie Belliston
Development
Marketing Coordinator
Brianna Rosia
Events Coordinator
Michelle Sundberg
Community Engagement Coordinator
Samantha Wilson
FISCAL SUPPORT
Fiscal Coordinator
Penny Nutall
HEALTH SERVICES SUPPORT
Health Services Coordinator
Jordane Bromley, RN
Health Services Assistant
Glendi Iniguez
Registered Nurse
Stacie Holt, RN
Registered Nurse
Megan Eads, RN
Registered Nurse
Sarah Jones, RN
GENERAL SUPPORT
Facilities Coordinator
Bill Wainwright
IT Director
Raquel Adams Cox
Receptionist
Mariana Lawrentz
Custodian
Maribel Guerrero
Records Administrator
Susan Foley
EARLY HEAD START
EHS Deputy Director
Kallie Stewart
Recruitment & Enrollment Specialist
Stacey Parra
Family Partnership Coordinator
Lorena Gutierrez
Family Support Specialist
Leticia Rodriguez
Family Support Specialist
Zahandra Hutchings
Family Support Specialist
Ana Diaz
Family Support Specialist
Cari Orr
Compliance Coordinator
Maria Fierro
Family Support Specialist
Yolanda Saucedo
Compliance Coordinator
Jessica Bennett
Center Based Teacher
Danya Cook
Family Support Specialist
Quartney Kiel
Center Based Coordinator
Family Support Specialist
Makayla Rands
EARLY INTERVENTION | AZEIP
Early Intervention Director
Crystal Ghica
Early Intervention Coach
Kristin Evans
Physical Therapist
Rebecca Meachum
Developmental Specialist
Rayanna Brunsman
Developmental Specialist
Heidi Cooper Jeffs
Developmental Specialist
Emily Stewart
Developmental Specialist
Rita Richards
Developmental Specialist
Jonathon Heninger
Occupational Therapist
Lauren Ortiz
Speech & Language Pathologist
Ashlee Sparrow
Speech & Language Pathologist
Kelly Lundberg
Site Coordinator
Jurea Ben
Developmental Specialist
Maria Dewitt Gama
Speech & Language Pathologist
Holly Harward
Developmental Specialist
Erica Peterson
Developmental Specialist
Tiffany Miller
Developmental Specialist
Andrea Smith
Physical Therapist Contractor
Brandon Gust
Physical Therapist Contractor
Cathy Hill
Speech & Language Pathologist Contractor
Elaine Hicken
Speech & Language Pathologist Contractor
Steffanie Reeder
Speech & Language Pathologist Contractor
Angie Zitting
Speech & Language Pathologist Contractor
Jeanna Zitting
Speech & Language Pathologist Contractor
Sally Zitting
Occupational Therapist Contractor
Deanne Peterson
Occupational Therapist Contractor
Lois Boomer
PARENTS AS TEACHERS | FIRST THINGS FIRST
Parents as Teachers Director
Alicia Weigle
First Things First Coordinator
Dixie Spencer
Family Support Specialist
Natalia Herrera
Family Support Specialist
Anna Montalvo
Family Support Specialist
Gabriela Hurtado
CATERPILLAR CLUBHOUSE
Cook
Belem Gamez
Childcare Coordinator/Family Advocate
Tiah Wright
Lead Teacher
Cassie Gotcher
Teacher
Rebekah Sutton
Teacher
Julissa Caraveo
Teacher
Emilee Holdaway
KINDERMUSIK
Kindermusik Director
Marnie Hansen
Kindermusik Instructor
Megan Buck
Kindermusik Instructor & Developmental Specialist
Andrea Smith
