We support parents and families so that they can maximize their individual potentials as they progress throughout their lives. ~ Nita Lynn, Executive Director
View/download 2019 Year in Review
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 2019, we touched the lives of 4,328 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 Fernandez
Case Managers: Melissa Harris, ABS; Emily Rosado, BA; Krista Hannan, AA; Erin Cassinelli, BS; Ari Flores-Cisneros; Amanda Knobel, RN
Kaleidoscope Learn & Play Programs
Port Angeles Coordinator: Krista Hanan, AA
Brinnon Coordinator: Alicia Simmons
Port Hadlock Coordinator: Darcy Reeder
Sequim Coordinator: Kaylee Cammack
Maternity Support Services
Supervisors: Elisia Fernandez
Behavioral Health Specialists: Nita Lynn, MAEd; Heather Daley, LPC
Community Health Workers: Krista Hanan, AA; Melissa Harris, ABS; Emily Rosado; Erin Cassinelli, BS; Jeanene Heagy; Ari Flores-Cisneros; Noemi Duarte; Melissa Gigstead, BA; Deidra Delgado
Nurse Home Visitors: Dorothy Frascati, RN; Amanda Knobel, RN
Parent-Child Assistance Program (PCAP)
Clinical Supervisor: Christina Miko, MS
Advocates: Grace Bell, BA; Vianey Cadenas BA; LaDonna Puopolo BS; Carmen Ortiz, BA; Riley Slonecker
Administrative Assistant: Linda Cooper
Parents as Teachers Program
Supervisors: Nita Lynn, MAEd; Melissa Harris, ABS
Parent Educators: Krista Hanan, AA; Emily Rosado, BA; Erin Cassinelli, BS; Noemi Duarte, Danielle Kaufmann, BA; Jeanene Heagy; Melissa Gigstead, BA
Parent Education Classes
Instructor: Diana Velasco
Port Angeles Drop-In Center
Coordinator: Deidra Delgado
Safe Sleep Program
Coordinator: Dorothy Frascati, RN
Sequim Drop-In Center
Coordinator: Contact First Step Family Support Center
Summer Adventure Camp
Instructor: Georgia Nickerson
Assistant: Jeff Tocher
Supportive Parenting Program
Parent Educators: Stephanie Steinman, RN; Dorothy Frascati, RN
Board of Directors
President: Kathy Murphy-Carey
Vice President: Paul Stutesman
Secretary: John Wegmann
Treasurer: Don Hoy
Orville Campbell
Tracey Hosselkus
Trisha Hoagland
Resa Yamamoto
Tina Smith
Administrative Team
Executive Director: Venita Lynn, MAEd
Program Manager: Elisia Fernandez, BA
Fiscal Manager: Priscilla Schaefer, BAS
Human Resources/Fiscal Specialist: Jordynn Rauch, BBA
Administrative/Facilities Assistant: Rebecca Ketterling
