Kim Mather-Schopen  | State Wide Trainer

With more than 30 years of experience in the field of Early Learning, I know the value of high quality professional development. I am passionate about providing relationship-based experiences in Professional Development that Early Learning Professionals can readily apply to enhance the quality of their environments. I strive to provide training opportunities that transform practice and perspectives.

Tracy Goodrich  |  Part-time Trainer

I am a DCYF Trainer and teach classes for Early Childhood Professionals. I have over 26 years’ experience working with children and families. I have a background in Child Mental Health and Family Studies and am passionate about providing high quality Early Childhood Classes for ECE professionals that focuses on equity, diversity, and inclusion. I believe that all of us can make the world a better place by making a difference in a child’s life.

Norma Hernandez  |  State Required Trainer

My name is Norma Hernandez, and I have been in the Early Learning field since 1989. I coordinated a Subside Seasonal Child Care Program through the State from 1992-2010 and trained child care providers in different areas of professionalism. I worked for one year in EPIC/HeadStart as an ECEAP teacher assistant and family advocate; from there, I worked at HeadStart for three years and transitioned into the role of Early Learning Specialist/QRIS birth for seven years at Catholic Charities Serving Central WA.  My passion is to help childcare providers and early learning teachers by giving them the tools they need to succeed in their jobs since they are an essential part of children’s lives.

Leea Farrar  |  State Required Trainer

Hello, my name is Leea Farrar. I have a rich background with six years of experience in various roles such as Assistant Director, Director of Training and Curriculum, and Director of Operations across multiple childcare centers. Additionally, I hold a master’s degree in special education, bachelor’s degree in psychology and associate’s degree in early childhood education. Recently, I have been working as a Child Protection Parent Educator and Guardian ad Litem in Minnesota and Washington state.

I am dedicated to offering training that centers on early childhood development, tailored to suit the learning styles and cultural backgrounds of my students. Embracing diversity in all its facets, I strive to create a learning environment that is not only engaging and relevant but also stimulating for all participants. I strongly promote a blended learning approach, believing that we are all lifelong learners, and I am enthusiastic about discovering new methods to connect with individuals and cater to their learning needs.

Ellen Vujasinović |  State Required Trainer

Ellen is an educator, researcher, and teacher trainer who believes that meaningful learning happens when people actively engage, share ideas, and connect new knowledge to their lived experiences. With over 25 years of experience in education, they have worked across diverse settings—from supporting young children and multilingual learners in Spain to teaching in elementary and secondary schools across the United States. They have also had the privilege of serving as an early childhood and elementary teacher educator on the U.S.–Mexico border.

As a parent raising a multilingual child, Ellen has seen firsthand how essential it is for early learning environments to recognize, celebrate, and nurture linguistic and cultural assets. Their work is deeply grounded in the Funds of Knowledge framework, which centers on the unique strengths, histories, and wisdom that children and families bring to learning communities. Ellen is honored to work alongside CCAC staff and Washington childcare providers to build strong partnerships that bridge families, communities, and early learning spaces, ensuring every child has a deeply supportive and culturally responsive foundation for lifelong success.