Seattle’s Child is proud to partner with the state Department of Children, Youth and Families Strengthening Families Washington to honor outstanding caregivers doing important work on behalf of children. Throughout February, we’ll introduce you to Unsung Heroes from around the state. Enjoy their stories.
Shaneeka Opulencia, Poulsbo (3 nominations)
I’m honored to nominate Neeka Opulencia for the Unsung Hero Award in recognition of her unwavering dedication to children and families. Her impact is meaningful, consistent, and often quietly carried out without expectation of recognition.
Neeka demonstrates exceptional knowledge of parenting and child development. She understands age-appropriate behavior, healthy attachment, and positive guidance, and applies this knowledge thoughtfully in real-world situations. Her approach supports children’s growth while empowering parents with practical, compassionate strategies.
She also displays outstanding social and emotional competence. Neeka communicates with empathy, patience, and respect, creating environments where families feel safe, understood, and supported. Her emotional awareness allows her to navigate challenges calmly and build trusting relationships with both children and adults.
Equally commendable is her parental resilience. Neeka exemplifies strength, adaptability, and perseverance in the face of challenges. Rather than being deterred by obstacles, she models growth, accountability, and determination — serving as a powerful example to other parents and caregivers.
Through her actions, Neeka uplifts families, strengthens communities, and positively shapes the lives of children. She is truly an unsung hero, and I wholeheartedly recommend her for this award.
-Jenna Holte
When it comes to Neeka, I look to her for everything. She is my go-to when I need help, and without hesitation she is there. Neeka is the type of person who’d give her last dime if it would help someone.
It’s all the unseen acts of kindness and her character that makes her stick out the most. She’s like a neighborhood mom that the teenagers go to for anything. Most of all it’s the strength and ability she has and uses to pull herself together so she can be there for the ones she cares for. The ability to bounce back from stressful situations like recently she lost her grandma, her rock. She always seems to find a way to get through life’s tribulations. She has instilled in her children to do one good deed daily with the understanding of expecting nothing in return.
-Patty Boyle
I’d like to nominate my dear friend Shaneeka Opulencia (Neeka) for the Unsung Hero Award.
She was recently approved by the state of Washington to provide in-home child care, a milestone that reflects her deep knowledge of parenting and child development, as well as her commitment to meeting high standards of safety, professionalism, and care.
Her approach to child care is rooted in understanding children’s social and emotional development. She creates an environment where children feel secure, supported, and encouraged to grow at their own pace. What truly sets her apart is her parental resilience and compassion. She consistently supports not only the children in her care, but also their families — many of whom rely on stable, nurturing childcare to balance work and life responsibilities. She remains patient, adaptable, and attentive, even in challenging situations, and models emotional regulation, empathy, and positive communication every day.
Her work often goes unseen, yet it has a lasting impact on the well-being of children and the strength of families in our community. She pours her heart into helping children feel valued, confident, and safe, laying a strong foundation for their future.
For these reasons, I believe she is a true Unsung Hero and deeply deserving of this recognition.
-Jamie Hausmann
NOTE: Seattle’s Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.
More Unsung Heroes:
Creating a culture of care, connection and community
