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The Voice of Tribal Child Care in California!
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A key founder and grassroots contributor to the Tribal Child Care Association of California. Kim was a TCCAC Board of Director for more than 10 years and Co-Chair & Chair up until she became the Executive Director in April 2022. Kim worked for 20 years as the Director of the Colusa Indian Community Council, Tribal Early Learning Center in Colusa, CA. She co-owned and directed a private early learning center for 8 years. Kim was a National Indian Child Care Association Board of Director for more than ten years and served as both Chair and Secretary of the Board. Kim is a member of the Tribal Early Childhood Research Center Steering Committee, Dimensions Research Foundation Board of Director, World Forum Foundation Board Advisor, World Forum on Early Care and Education, Global Leader and Global Leader Indigenous Cohort Regional Coordinator, and is a commissioner and past president for First 5 California, Colusa. Kim has dedicated her adult life to serving in the field of Early Care and Education, and Tribal Child Care administration, policy, practice, and advocacy. Kim is also a proud mother of four and the grandmother of two beautiful boys.
Jennifer McGowan (Jenni) is the Program Operations Director for the Tribal Childcare Association of California (TCCAC), where she leads the development and implementation of Tribal Child Care quality initiatives as part of Quality Counts CA Region 11. Her work champions culturally responsive and equitable practices across Tribal early learning and care systems. Jenni’s journey with TCCAC began through her participation in the World Forum Global Leaders for Young Children program, where she engaged in voluntary projects focused on cultural competence and equity in Tribal communities. These efforts deepened her commitment to supporting Indigenous children and families. Before joining TCCAC, Jenni served for over a decade as Program Director at Pinoleville Native American Head Start and Early Head Start, where she cultivated her passion for early childhood education within Tribal settings. Her educational foundation includes a degree from the University of Memphis and a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Cal State East Bay. She began her career teaching middle and high school students with exceptional learning needs. A strong advocate for social-emotional development and holistic wellness, Jenni is also a certified instructor in Breathe for Change and Yoga for the Special Child. Her work is grounded in listening to the voices of children, families, and communities to better understand their unique strengths and challenges—and to advocate alongside them for equitable opportunities for all children.
Sara Zapata serves as the Workforce Advisor for the Tribal Child Care Association of California (TCCAC). She has been engaged in Tribal communities since 2016 and formerly held the position of Program Manager for the Redding Rancheria Head Start & Child Care in Redding, California. Sara holds a master’s degree in business management and leadership, and her undergraduate degree is in education. With over 25 years of experience in education and social work, as well as being a business owner, Sara is a dedicated lifelong learner. In 2020, she furthered her education to become a Certified Holistic Nutritionist. Additionally, she is a certified instructor in Trauma-Responsive and Resilience Building Practices for Educators through the Center for Optimal Brain Integration. Throughout her career, Sara has focused on serving families and children. She resides in Northern California, enjoys hiking, and spending time in nature, and has two adult children.