nancy jane atkinson
In 16 years under Nancy Atkinson’s direction, the YWCA of Contra Costa/Sacramento has established itself as an invaluable resource for the diverse communities we serve. As chief executive officer, she oversees seven child care centers, serving 300 families, and implemented an innovative mental health program for children who have been abused, experienced trauma or have attachment issues. Recently, she was responsible for the acquisition of the YWCA of Sacramento and their many programs, which is now a branch office that just went through a $3 million renovation in 2010. Nancy is responsible for the YWCA’s $3.5 annual million budget and supervises a paid staff of 65 and 25 volunteers. |
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Much of Nancy’s career has focused on improving the lives and futures of girls and women. Before joining the YWCA in 1995, she was CEO of the Golden Valley Girl Scouts in Fresno, where she implemented an affirmative action plan and increased membership 60 percent during her time in office. Previously, she directed camping services and was field director for the Michigan Capitol Girl Scout Council.
Nancy holds bachelors and master’s degrees in recreation administration and youth leadership from Michigan State University, as well as a master’s degree in agency counseling. She has a master’s in counseling psychology from National University in Sacramento.
In addition to her work as CEO of YWCA
of Contra Costa/Sacramento, Nancy serves as the Clinical Director
for the YWCA Mental Health Program supervising interns
as a Marriage, Family and Child Counselor (MFCC), with
specialties working with families, including gay and lesbian clients; clients
with domestic violence issues; children experiencing attachment
or post-traumatic-stress issues; and with adopted children.
She holds a number of certificates, including Theraplay(r), the International Play Therapy Association, and the National Attachment Association.
Nancy is a frequent presenter and commentator on the radio and at seminars statewide. She recently wrote a chapter in a Theraplay book on working with children at the YWCA who have attachment issues. Nancy is a member of the California MFCC Association, the International Play Therapy Association, the National Attachment Association and the YWCA of the USA. She is also listed in Who's Who International (1993), Who's Who in American Women (1990), and the National Heritage Association (2007).
Nancy can be reached at njabirds@aol.com or info@ywcaccc.org.
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annette hee jimenez
Annette Hee Jimenez directs the YWCA of Contra Costa County’s childcare programs. She brings to this work an extensive background - both academic and practical. Annette joined the YWCA in 1999 as a childcare site supervisor in our Shadelands and Delta facilities. In 2001, she became Childcare Program Director.
Before joining the YWCA, Annette supervised the Bayo Vista Child & Family Center in Rodeo, CA. Prior to that, she was Head Teacher in the Child Development Program at the Wah Mei School in San Francisco.
All of these positions draw on Annette’s skills as a teacher, supervisor and planner. She has worked extensively with children ages two to five, planning and implementing curricula, staging performances and creating engaging and educational field trips. Her understanding of Cantonese helps her work with both children and parents, as needed.
Additional teaching experiences include the Claremont Day Nursery in Berkeley and, while a student at San Francisco State University, at the Child Study Center. Annette graduated from SF State with a bachelor’s degree in home economics, with an emphasis in child development. She also holds an associate’s degree in paramedical occupations and has completed course work for a master’s degree in education at SF State.
Annette holds a program director permit and a national administrator’s credential and is a certified professional food manager. She is a life member of the National Association of Education of Young Children and belongs to the California Child Development Administrators Association.
Annette can be reached at info@ywcaccc.org.
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monica garcia
Born and raised in Contra Costa County, Monica Garcia, Facility/Program Director and parent educator, has been with the YWCA of Contra Costa County for more than 15 years. From her start as a preschool teacher at the YWCA’s Delta center in Bay Point, she moved on to site supervisor at our Mary Rocha center in Antioch. Today, Monica teaches parenting classes, oversees and presents seminars on empowering women and eliminating racism, and has an array of administrative responsibilities.
Starting with coursework at Los Medanos College,
Diablo Valley College and Pacific Oaks College, Monica has
expanded her knowledge beyond early childhood education.
She is a credentialed Intermediate Theraplay(r) practitioner
and has taken classes in child discipline, play therapy and
attachment. The mother of twin sons, Monica also brings practical
experience to her teaching. Her expertise includes working
with children who have experienced trauma in their lives
and working with parents at local domestic violence programs.
Monica also speaks Spanish and is familiar with Latino culture.
Monica is a member of the Association for Play Therapy and the Attachment Association.
Monica can be reached at info@ywcaccc.org.
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Pamela Mitchell
Pamela Mitchell, Controller, has been with the YWCA of Contra Costa/Sacramento since 2011. Pamela is responsible for the preparation of the YWCA of Contra Costa/ Sacramento annual budget, the production of all internal and external financial and regulatory reports and overseeing the running of the finance department and enrollment for our childcare programs.
Pamela can be reached at pmitchell@ywcaccc.org.
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