Jess Merritt  |  Kaleidoscope Play & Learn/Raising A Reader Facilitator

Hello! My name is Jess Merritt and I was born and raised in Olympia. I started my career in working with children and families when I was seventeen at my first job working for the Hands On Children’s Museum. From there, I moved on to become a preschool teacher at Head Start in Lacey, serving families in the community for three years. Following Head Start, I then continued to teach preschool for a nature-based preschool called Nature Nurtures Farm School. I have a great passion for supporting children’s learning and development through play and providing resources for families in need.

I’m so thankful and excited to have the opportunity to provide these services through CCAC to the members of the community!

Jess Merritt  |  Kaleidoscope Play & Learn/Raising A Reader Facilitator

My name is Janet Romero-Santillan, and I have passionately dedicated over seven years to early childhood education. I am deeply committed to empowering parents and caregivers to create nurturing, loving, and safe environments where children can thrive. As a bilingual advocate for the Latinx community, I am wholeheartedly dedicated to going above and beyond to support the well-being and development of young children.