Catholic Charities Names New Early Learning Director

Catherine Dennis has been named Catholic Charities’ Director of Early Learning. An experienced leader, Dennis has worked as a Region 10 Head Start Early Childhood Specialist Manager supporting Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Alaska grantees as well as an Adjunct Faculty for Walla Walla Community College. She will provide oversight and leadership in the continued development of key early learning partnerships in the eight-county area of Central Washington at the local, regional, and state levels.

“I am delighted to welcome Catherine Dennis as our new Director of Early Learning,” says Manuel Villafán, Jr., Catholic Charities Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. “Catherine comes with a great deal of passion and experience with all aspects of Early Learning.

Dennis will work to ensure Early Learning services are aligned with other programs throughout the agency that provide services to children and families, including Parents as Teachers, ECEAP and Early ECEAP, Child Care Nutrition, Child Care, ECLIPSE, Child Care Aware and Early Achievers, Creative Kids, Early Learning Mental Health Consultation, and more.

Dennis is excited about her new role. “As a dedicated early learning professional, my inspiration and purpose stem from ensuring that all children feel loved and have a safe environment to grow and learn,” she says.