Our Staff

Meet your new partners in parenting

Our staff are empathetic, warm, positive, and supportive, and we want to help your child thrive right from the beginning. We are eager to get to know you, your family, and what’s important to you. As partners with your family, we focus on using your strengths and parenting values to support the learning and development of your child. Our staff are highly dedicated, non-judgmental, well educated, and have a good sense of humor.

Most of all, you’ll find that they are a trusted resource you can count on no matter what’s going on. Meet our team below.

Program Wide Team

Jana Brooks

Executive Program Director

"Hello! I have had the privilege of working at MSEHS for the past 20 years. I began my journey as a Family Consultant and have since held various roles, including Playgroup Coordinator, Center Manager, and Performance and Compliance Manager. Each position has offered me opportunities to learn and grow. Since 2022, I have been serving as the Director. My favorite part of this role is collaborating with our wonderful staff. I am passionate about the work we do to support families in our communities, and I am grateful to be part of such a dedicated team making a positive impact every day."

Karen Dapron

Direct Service Manager

"I am Karen Dapron and am our Direct Service Manager. I have worked for MSEHS since 2017 and have, overall, worked in the field for over 30 years. I have a passion for supporting families working toward their goals and dreams, and in turn, enjoy supporting direct serve staff work with MSEHS families."

Krista Haller MA, LPC, PMH-C

Mental Health Specialist

"I recently returned to Mountain States Early Head Start in a new role as Mental Health Specialist. I support the home visitors and staff via trainings, linking them to resources and providing a space to reflect. You may also find me on home visits or in playgroup, connecting with families and learning more about them! I love supporting parents in learning more about their growth in this chapter of life, and all the ups and downs it has! Outside of my work, I spend my time with my two kids, husband and busy circus of pets!"

Sarah Howell

Health and Safety Specialist

"Hello, my name is Sarah and I have worked for MSEHS since 2017, first as a Family Consultant and currently as the Health and Safety Specialist. What I love about working at MSEHS is the opportunity to support and empower my coworkers as well as the families enrolled in the program. When I am not at work I enjoy reading, spending time with my partner and our cat, and being outside in nature."

Heather Woodie

Office Manager

Teresa Rains

Performance & Compliance Manager

"I have worked for MSEHS since April 2014. I was born and raised in Idaho. I attended the University of Idaho for both my Bachelors and Masters degrees. I have been a Playgroup Coordinator, a Family Consultant, and the Health & Safety Specialist."

Irene Dreith IBCLC

Perinatal & Nutrition Specialist

Debbie Fields

Family Consultant/Playtime Coordinator

"I have worked for MSEHS for almost a year now. In my role as a Family consultant/Playtime Coordinator, I enjoy being a part of the magic in everyday moments in family's lives weather I am on a visit or participating in Play group. I love that I can support the parent/child bond and the child's development through play and having fun! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling and taking walks."

Catie Kotmel

Child Development and Disabilities Specialist

ckotmel@msehs.org

"Hi, I'm Catie! I've been with Mountain States Early Head Start since 2015. I am passionate about our program, supporting our awesome staff, and partnering with families with young children. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and exploring the outdoors!"

Mackenzie Blumenauer

Playtime Coordinator/Family Consultant

"I grew up in North Idaho and have worked with children in a preschool or childcare setting for over ten years. I'm currently getting my degree in Human Services with an emphasis on children and families. I love spending time with my daughter and friends!"

Mikayla Brown

Community Outreach Specialist

mbrown@msehs.org

"I am the Community Outreach Specialist and have been with MSEHS since 2021. I truly value being a connected and engaged part of my community. I am passionate about building meaningful relationships with families and community partners, and I believe strong connections are key to creating positive, lasting impact. I love supporting the families who live in our community and take pride in the work we do at MSEHS.

Sandra Menegas

Enrollment Consultant

"My role in Early Head Start is to contact families interested in services and discuss the many advantages after enrolling in our program. I have worked for Early Head Start for the last 20+ years and feel honored to have worked with so many enrolled families. I look forward to serving our communities for many more years to come."

Jennifer Hepinstall BSW

Parent Family Community Engagement Specialist

"I have been working with families for many years and at Mountain States Early Head Start (MSEHS) since 2019. I started out as a Home Visitor and currently hold the Parent Family Community Engagement Specialist position. I am an authorized facilitator of Circle of Security Parenting classes as well as Stewards of Children Child Sex Abuse Prevention trainings. I oversee parent education and engagement opportunities as well as facilitating community connections for MSEHS. I am strengths-based and passionate about connecting with and encouraging and empowering others. I am a mom to three adults, and "Grandma Jenny" to three grandsons and twin granddaughters. I enjoy time with my family, live music, meaningful conversations (often with my border collie Maggie) and getting outside for fresh air and a fresh perspective on life."

ALETA Garcia-CLUTE

Professional Development & Learning Manager

Kootenai County & Shoshone County Team

Mackenzie Knoles

Playgroup Coordinator

"Hello! I am a North Idaho native and lover of the Pacific Northwest. I have been happily married for 9 years and am the mother of two beautiful children. I have a passion for connecting with people and serving others however I can. :)"

Larissa Bennett

Family Consultant

"I love visiting the families of North Idaho and supporting folks in reaching the heights they've set their sights on. Sometimes a listening ear can mean a lot in a time of need or a resource when you've got nowhere else to turn. That is the power of this program and I'm so happy to be a part of it!"

Kaecie Rowe M.A

Family Consultant

"I am a Family Consultant here at Early Head Start, I have been a part of this amazing team Since April 2023. I love working with families and getting to know them and helping them and their child thrive and find out what is important to them. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my two littles boys 2 and 4 and my husband and our two dogs."

Jaki Waldvogel

Family Consultant

"I have been a part of MSEHS for 13 years and have worked for MSEHS for 10 years. As a Family Consultant, I enjoy visiting with the families I serve and watching them grow and learn. In my free time I enjoy being in nature, spending time with my children and the one's that I love most."

Laurie Klug

Family Consultant

"Hello! I have lived in the area my entire life; and one of my favorite things to do is spend time in our glorious outdoors! In the short summers, you might find me out camping with my hubby, friends, grown children, and dogs. As a previous parent in the program, MSEHS holds a special place in my heart. What an honor it is to walk beside parents as a partner in their journey! I look forward to meeting you."

Leilani West

Family Consultant

"I have been in the Early Childhood education field for over 25 years. I have worked at Mountain States Early Head Start for 16 years and I am currently working part time as a Family Consultant. I enjoy painting, walks, nature and spending time with my pets. I have five children and a wonderful husband of 27 years."

Valerie Owen BGS, Human Services

Family Consultant

"Since 2010, I have had the pleasure to serve and work with many families as a Family Consultant. My goal for each parent is to help them succeed in life and be the best parent they can be to their little ones. I enjoy helping families in this parenting journey. Outside of my work, I enjoy sewing, quilting, crafting, traveling, my grandchildren, and my dogs."

Melissa Bennett BA, Elementary Education

Office Manager

"Hi! My name is Melissa, and since 2022 I have had the pleasure of helping manage the offices at our various centers. Working for MSEHS allows me to help support a well-organized, welcoming team that helps staff and families succeed every day."

Bonner County Team

Molly Fay

Playgroup Coordinator/Family Consultant

"I have worked with Mountain States Early Head Start since 2002 in various positions working with families and children. I am a trained Circle of Security Facilitator. One of my favorite things about the work is delighting with caregivers in watching the children grow and change. I am also grateful for the chance to brainstorm tough moments together or to just be a listening ear, support, or offer encouragement. Another favorite part of my job is facilitating Playgroups where the children explore and interact together as well as offering a space for caregivers to connect, too."

Jayden Todhunter MC

Family Consultant

Chelsea Asquith BA

Family Consultant

"I have worked at MSEHS for almost 2 years. In my role as a Family Consultant, I enjoy connecting with families and getting to know them. I enjoy swimming, reading, skiing, sunshine, and relaxing days at home with my family."

Annie Kuster

Office Coordinator