We support parents and families so that they can maximize their individual potentials as they progress throughout their lives. ~ Nita Lynn, Executive Director
First Step Family Support Center believes that parents are their child’s first teacher as well as their first emotional “home”. In an effort to support parents in their crucial role, we offer maternity support, parenting education classes, home-visiting programs, and center-based activities so that families have the advantage in raising healthy and happy children.
Since 1972, First Step Family Support Center has worked for and with families in Clallam County.
We actively evolve our services as the needs of the community and the families we serve change. Today, the relevance and importance of family support is stronger than ever.
In 2020, we touched the lives of 3,710 individuals by providing parenting education, home-visiting programs, advocacy, support groups, and access to vital health and safety information and supplies. All of our programs are free or paid for by Medicaid.
Coordinators, Advocates & Educators
Child Passenger Safety
Coordinator: Emily Rosado, BA
Infant Case Management
Supervisors: Elisia Anderson, BA
Case Managers: Emily Rosado, BA; Krista Hanan, BA; Ari Flores-Cisneros; Dacia Doyle, RN; Danielle Kaufmann, BA
Kaleidoscope Learn & Play Programs
Clallam County Coordinator: Melissa Gigstead, BA
Jefferson County Coordinator: Heather Lax
Maternity Support Services
Supervisors: Elisia Anderson, BA
Behavioral Health Specialists: Nita Lynn, MAEd
Community Health Workers: Krista Hanan, BA; Emily Rosado; Jeanene Heagy; Ari Flores-Cisneros; Melissa Gigstead, BA; Deidra Delgado; Danielle Kaufmann, BA; Brandi Shein, BA
Nurse Home Visitors: Dacia Doyle, RN
Parent-Child Assistance Program (PCAP)
Clinical Supervisor: Christina Miko, MS
Advocates: Vianey Cadenas BA; Carmen Ortiz, BA; Riley Slonecker, BA; Neilu Naini, BA; Holly Eiland, BA; Rebecca Rael, BS
Administrative Assistant: Linda Cooper
Parents as Teachers Program
Supervisor: Nita Lynn, MAEd
Co-Supervisor: Krista Hanan, BA
Parent Educators: Krista Hanan, BA; Emily Rosado, BA; Danielle Kaufmann, BA; Jeanene Heagy; Melissa Gigstead, BA; Deidra Delgado; Arianna Flores Cisneros
Parent Education Classes
Instructor: Krista Hanan
Port Angeles Drop-In Center
Coordinator: Navarra Carr
Safe Sleep Program
Coordinator: Dacia Doyle, RN
Sequim Drop-In Center
Coordinator: Contact First Step Family Support Center
Summer Adventure Camp
Instructor: Georgia Nickerson
Supportive Parenting Program
Parent Educators: Stephanie Steinman, RN; Dacia Doyle, RN; Brandi Shein, BA
Board of Directors
President: Kathy Murphy-Carey
Vice President: Tracey Hosselkus
Secretary: John Wegmann
Treasurer: Don Hoy
Tyrone Beatty
Orville Campbell
Trisha Hoagland
Tina Smith
Laurie Szczepczynski
Administrative Team
Executive Director: Venita Lynn, MAEd
Program Manager: Elisia Fernandez, BA
Fiscal Manager: Priscilla Schaefer, BAS
Office Manager: Amber Hosken, BAS
