Taylor firmly believes that her practice is her passion. As Health Integration Manager, working with perinatal, early childhood, and family healthcare providers in Pierce County and across the state, Taylor helps facilitate systems change and resource connection. Taylor received her Bachelors of Science in Public Health, and her Masters in Public Health with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. In her regular life she loves reading, tending to her houseplants, and spending time with her family and animals.

Kate is a social worker and community advocate who has worked with First 5 since 2018. She holds a BA in Human Development from Boston College, and a Masters in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. Kate is a proud mom of two children residing in the Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma, and she participates on the Pierce County Birth to 25 Advisory Board as well as the City of Tacoma's Equity in Contracting Committee. Kate is passionate about supporting caregivers with young children, and ensuring that programs and policies are designed by the families most impacted by them.

Maile connects all of her work to equity of access and high quality educational opportunities for minoritized youth, families, and communities. She joined First 5 FUNdamentals in January of 2024 as our Executive Director. Maile strives to ensure the voices of the communities First 5 FUNdamentals reaches are heard and amplified, while also ensuring that racial justice is included in all that we do. Maile has a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington and coursework towards a master’s in Pastoral Studies from Seattle University.

Rachel is the State Lead for Washington Communities for Children. She believes deeply in the beauty and power of relationships, and that only together can we truly improve the wellbeing of children and families in our community. When not at work, Rachel enjoys cooking, exploring the great Pacific Northwest outdoors, and spending time with dear family and friends.

Gwen is the Program Coordinator for Washington Communities for Children. She has spent her career in education and youth-centered nonprofits and believes in the importance of relationship building and centering young people as a key to fostering strength in community. Outside of work, Gwen enjoys listening to live music, volunteering, and exploring all that the PNW has to offer with her wife and two young daughters. 

Muriel values community advocacy and collaboration. She is passionate about breaking down barriers and building bridges for present and future generations. She believes in manifesting positivity and that there is no better medicine than laughter. You will most likely find Muriel, iced coffee in hand, following her rambunctious toddlers around. Deeply connected to her Mexican roots and heritage, most weekends are spent with family and good food.

Linden is the Data & Evaluation Manager for Washington Communities for Children. She also leads the Northwest Early Learning Coalition and hosts the Family & Community Outreach State Action Team as part of WCFC. She is an advocate of catalyzing community voice, building cross-sector partnerships, and moving ‘at the speed of trust’ to drive equitable health outcomes for children, families, and communities.

Elmer is the Grants and Contracts Manager for First 5 Fundamentals. His entire career he has been involved with governmental and municipality entities, most recently at Sound Transit as a Capital Projects Analyst and Senior Grants Accountant. Other stints included Grants Administrator at University of Washington and Senior Grant Accountant for Parks Tacoma, formally Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma.  Furthermore, Elmer has worked at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) as Senior Accountant, for which he claimed had the bestest-most-fun staff meetings ever.  Sentimentally, he feels this journey to First 5 Fundamentals is a homecoming, as he graduated from University of Puget Sound (GO LOGGERS!!!) and began his career with Parks Tacoma.

Zach is responsible for planning, managing, and executing strategic marketing and communications activities. Fueled by creativity and kindness, he is passionate about making a positive impact in the community. A PNW native, Zach enjoys spending time in nature and in the garden with his fiancée Rebekah, and their Rottweiler, Mr. Blue Bear.

As a 2022 Pathwaves Fellow, Maya originally joined the First 5 FUNdamentals team as part of the WCFC Policy and Advocacy Learning Network. In her current role as Program Manager for Child Care Voice, Maya will lead a cross sector group of organizations and individuals committed to improving access to high-quality, equitable, and culturally-inclusive child care in Pierce County. She is the proud mother of 2 boys and a Tacoma Native. Maya comes to this work with a background in all things children and families, ranging from years as child care staff, ECEAP Family Support, Doula and Childbirth Educator, to being a Parent Ambassador Alum and ELAA Parent Caucus member.