Seattle's Child

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Ligeia, Zach, and baby Reddick’s little loving family. Photo courtesy Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families

A loving, resilient mom giving it all | Unsung Hero

Ligeia Devleming knows being a mom is full time

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: biological parents, grandparents, foster and adoptive parents. Some volunteer at local schools; some have started nonprofits; some mentor others in their communities. Enjoy the stories of 2024’s unsung heroes. 

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.


Ligeia Devleming, Spokane Valley

I have worked with the Devleming family for over a year now, after Reddick was born in June of 2022. Reddick is a very sweet boy who has been in services at Stepping Stones since he was born. Reddick has had many struggles with feeding, sleep, and development in his life but his parents are some of the most positive people I’ve ever met. 

Ligeia is such a loving, patient, and wonderful mom. She has had to stop working to care for Reddick, and the family travels to Seattle to the Aerodigestive team quite often (sometimes monthly). Ligeia and I have discussed many different resources available to her family and specifically to Reddick. They are pursuing DDA services to get in-home nursing care. Ligeia and her husband Zach have shown such resilience over the past year, and I couldn’t think of a more deserving family for this award.

— Kaely Santos

More Unsung Heroes:

A new mom helping other new moms

Fighting child abuse with a passion

Single mom of four, three jobs, kids come first

This dad gives all to help his kids thrive

Putting foster child’s needs above their own

About the Author

SEATTLE CHILD STAFF