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 2021, we touched the lives of over 3,900 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
First Step Diaper Bank
Coordinator: Melia Winters, AA
Infant Case Management
Supervisors: Elisia Anderson, BA
Case Managers: Krista Hanan, BA; Dacia Doyle, RN; Pattie Tuck, RN; Danielle Kaufmann, BA; Melissa Gigstead, BA; Brandi Shein, BA; Kristin Rowland, BA
Kaleidoscope Learn & Play Programs
Clallam County Coordinator: Melissa Gigstead, BA
Port Townsend/Port Hadlock Coordinator: Tanya Barnett, YMCA of Jefferson County
Brinnon Coordinator: Heather Lax
Maternity Support Services
Supervisors: Elisia Anderson, BA
Behavioral Health Specialists: Nita Lynn, MAEd
Community Health Workers: Krista Hanan, BA; Jeanene Heagy; Melissa Gigstead, BA; Deidra Delgado; Danielle Kaufmann, BA; Brandi Shein, BA; Kristin Rowland, BA
Nurse Home Visitors: Dacia Doyle, RN; Pattie Tuck, 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; Maddie Tefft, BA; Yvonne Bolstrom
Parent Education Classes
Instructor: Krista Hanan, BA
Port Angeles Drop-In Center
Coordinator: Melia Winters, AA
Safe Sleep Program
Coordinator: Deidra Delgado
Summer Adventure Camp
Instructor: Georgia Nickerson
Supportive Parenting Program
Family Support Workers: Stephanie Steinman, RN; Dacia Doyle, RN; Brandi Shein, BA
Family Well-Being Navigation
Family Well-Being Navigators: Brandi Shein, BA; Kristin Rowland, BA
Board of Directors
President: Tracey Hosselkus
Vice President: Tyrone Beatty
Secretary: John Wegmann
Treasurer: Don Hoy
Orville Campbell
Trisha Hoagland
Kathy Murphy-Carey
Tina Smith
Laurie Szczepczynski
Administrative Team
Executive Director: Venita Lynn, MAEd
Deputy Director: Elisia Anderson, BA
Program Manager: Kelsi Millet, BA
Fiscal Manager: Priscilla Schaefer, BAS
Office Manager: Amber Hosken, BAS
Administrative Assistant: Charity Brock, AA
