The Kidango Board of Directors is comprised of elected members who share a commitment to ensuring access to high quality early learning for all children. Their visionary leadership, insight and direction are the backbone of Kidango’s mission, vision, and values.
Catherine Atkin
Executive Director, Early Learning Lab
Chair
Read BioEducation: BA Stanford University, JD Berkeley School of Law, MA UCLA
Member of Kidango Board Since: 2018
Why Kidango?
I have long been passionate about ensuring children get the set of experiences they need and to deserve from 0-5 to be healthy happy and read for kindergarten. I am honored to be on the Kidango board where I can support an amazing early childhood program that is laser-focused on providing this kind of high-quality early childhood education and development services in the Bay Area.
Mary Berg
MD
Board Member
Read BioKidango Board: Member
Education: BA: UCLA Fine Arts, MSW: UC Berkeley and MD: Howard University College of Medicine
Board member since: February 2024
Why Kidango: Kidango has quality early education with love and understanding, and it’s the most precious gift we can give our children.
Don Bolce
Director, Early Learning Services, Santa Clara County Office of Education (Ret.)
Board Member
Read BioEducation and Credentials:
- University of California, Berkeley – B.A., Bacteriology
- California State University, Hayward – Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Teaching Credential – Early Childhood Specialization
Member of Kidango Board Since: 2018
Why Kidango? I know that high quality early childhood education provides a strong foundation for children lifelong success and supports families. I recognize the commitment and quality of the Kidango staff and the Kidango commitment to support these staff. I believe that Kidango has the commitment and capacity to improve the early care and education systems that support young children and their families. I am honored to work with the committed and highly talented Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team.
Jean-Marie Houston
Administrator, Early Learning Support Services, San Mateo County Office of Education (Ret.)
QOP Committee Chair
Read BioEducation: B.A. Human Services, Notre Dame de Namur University
A.S. Early Childhood Education, Cañada College
Member of Kidango Board Since: January 2024
Reasons for joining Kidango Board: Beginning as a parent seeking childcare in 1981, I became involved in early care and education from numerous perspectives and found a meaningful and rewarding career over 37 years. I became a strong advocate for access to, and support for, high quality early care and education. The critical roles that adults play in the growth and development of young children cannot be understated. I am honored to be able to ‘give back’ as a Board Member of Kidango – an exemplary program which aligns with my values and experience.
Patricia Lozano
Executive Director at Early Edge California
Board Member
Read BioEducation: MA in Child Development
Member of Kidango Board Since: May 2024
Reasons for Joining Kidango Board:
Kidango is a leader in providing services to improve children’s opportunities to learn and thrive. I firmly believe that investing in the well-being and education of young children is crucial for building a brighter future for our communities. It is an honor to be considered for such a significant role in an organization dedicated to early childhood education and community impact.
Gerry McFaull
CEO, Qualdeval International
Treasurer
Read BioEducation: MSc. I.E. & Admin, Cranfield University, Cranfield, U.K.
Member of Kidango Board Since: 2004 (14 years)
Why Kidango? Early childhood development is a proven and powerful stepping stone on the path to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential in life. Kidango is a leader in this field and as a member of the Board, it’s my objective to contribute to the continued success and future development of the services Kidango offers to our children and families. It is my great honor and privilege to serve our children, families, staff, funders, and community and to earn their trust through the delivery of excellent quality and care in everything we do.
Sebastian Miller
Employment Attorney
Board Member
Read BioEducation: B.A., UCLA; J.D., The University Of Chicago Law School
Member of Kidango Board Since: January 2024
Reasons for Joining Kidango Board: Parents must place enormous trust in the pre-school educators with whom they leave their children. I want to use my knowledge of employment law to help Kidango continue to deliver benefits for the kids at its sites as well as to serve as a leader and example to others in early childhood education space.
Susan Muenchow
Principal Researcher (Retired), American Institutes for Research
Secretary
Read BioEducation: M.S., Columbia University, Graduate School of Journalism; B.A., Stanford University, Phi Beta Kappa
Member of the Kidango Board Since: 2017
Why Kidango? Whether as a researcher, state level administrator, or journalist, my focus has been improving access to quality early care and education. Serving on the board of Kidango, a premier agency with a history of innovation, offers the opportunity to put that focus into immediate action.
Mirriam Osae-Addo
Customer Service Representative, Bank Of America
Board Member
Read BioEducation:
MSW (CSUEB, Expected Graduation Date: 2025), MA, Comm. Studies (University of Ghana, Legon), BA, Political Science (University of Ghana, Legon)
Member of Kidango Board Since: 2023
Why Kidango? I know the benefits that having my kids enrolled in Kidango has brought to my family and I would like to bring my experiences and skills both as a parent and a community development officer working in the area of women and children to impact the efforts of Kidango to bring quality early to families in California. I see this as an opportunity for community service.
Dalenna Hughes
PsyD
Board Member
Read BioEducation: Holy Names University, California Institute for Integral Studies, and the UCLA Anderson/ Johnson and Johnson Head Start Management Fellow
Member Since: July 2024
Why Kidango: She has joined Kidango’s board for the reason that she passionately believes that access to early childhood development opportunities that are of quality and tailored to each unique child’s need is one of the most vital assets that can be provided to a child that ensures that they are treated justly and remain dignified as humans.