Jen is a former pediatric intensive care nurse and Co-author of two books to help parents navigate the hospital experience with their critically ill children, she is also passionate about promoting the awareness of behaviorally-challenged children and their relationship with the adult leaders in their lives. Jen is married to Matt and is the mother of two daughters, Sadie (14) and Cora (11). Jen sits on the board of the Zenith West Gymnastics Foundation, which also supports the growth and development of children.

Jennifer is the Child & Family Health Manager at Skagit County Public Health. She was one of the original co-chairs of the NW Early Learning regional coalition when it formed in 2005, and has remained active ever since. Supporting lifelong health and well-being, starting before birth, has long been a passion for Jennifer. She is dedicated to building a sustainable, equitable system of support for children and families in Skagit County and beyond. Jennifer and her husband Bob have four adult children and are new grandparents.

Diane Kroll is an Early Learning Professional who has worked in the field for over 45 years. In her role as Director of Early Childhood Services at Puget Sound Educational Service District, she was responsible for overseeing the Education Component for ECEAP as well as managing multiple grants supporting the Child Care Community in King and Pierce Counties. Diane is currently co-founder of Imag(e)ine, an educational collaborative committed to offering professional development opportunities to EL Educators. Diane is a founding member of First Five Fundamentals.

Tom Herron is a pediatrician, who for the past 35 years has been helping families in the Gig Harbor community. He appreciates how communities impact children and their families. Outside of work he and his wife love cycling and indulging their grandchildren.

Meet Leah, a devoted community leader and advocate for health equity and engagement. With a background in public health and maternal child health, Leah currently serves as the Community Assessment Program Manager at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD), where she passionately champions health equity initiatives, influences policy changes, and fosters collaborations across sectors. As a mother of two children, Mia and Mack, Leah brings a personal perspective to her work, emphasizing the significance of maternal and child health. Her prior role as a Health Promotion Coordinator equipped her with expertise in delivering culturally sensitive support to African American families and spearheading community-based initiatives.

Beyond her professional role, Leah is an American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow, Governor of the Evergreen State College Foundation, actively contributes to the Executive Committee of Leaders in Women's Health and is serving her second appointment to the Maternal Mortality Review Panel (MMRP) for Washington State, further showcasing her dedication to addressing critical issues. Leah has a passion for cultivating partnerships that drive positive outcomes, especially for historically underserved populations. Her passion for creating positive change is evident in every aspect of her work, making her an inspiring force for health and equity in the community.