TACOMA-PIERCE COUNTY
There is nothing wrong with small. You can do big things with a small team.
-Jason Fried
Program Supervisor
Lesa Leclair, BS
I received a Bachelor's degree from Eastern Washington University in Child Psychology in 1992 with an emphasis in social work. I have worked with children and families professionally since 2004, and extensively with therapeutic foster children using behavioral strategies to make them successful in home and school settings. I have had the privilege to work with children and their families to successfully reunify and strengthen families. I will provide skill-building for parents, behavior modification for children, emotion management skills, and connections to community resources.
Parent Educator
Sherina Barajas, B.S.
I received a Bachelors and Master's degree in Family and Child Life from Central Washington University. During that time, my research was focused on attachment and parent-child relationships. Prior to coming to IFD, I worked in Before and After care and coached early learning professionals in child development. I am committed to my role as a parent educator because I believe that the most valuable way to invest in the future is by investing in our children. I consider it a privilege to partner with and empower families in their earliest years of parenting.
Parent Educator
Marilin Griego Benitez, BA
I received a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Western Washington University. I have been committed to serving children and families in the Puget Sound area. Prior to coming to the Institute for Family Development, I worked with school age students and families in a before and after schools setting as well as preschool aged children in preschool programs. I am committed to my ongoing development as a Parent Educator by frequently taking additional courses and classes to improve my work with families. I am honored and have always enjoyed working with families, and creating a connection with families who may not have English as their first language.