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, written by the people who nominated them.
See all the Unsung Heroes of DCYF on the Seattle’s Child Community page.
Kristin Weddle, Hoquiam
I first encountered Kristin at a local park where she was playing with her son after my own child ran up to them to visit. She mentioned that she was new to the area, so I offered to get her started with our program. Since then, working with her and her son has been nothing short of cup-filling.
Never have I met a parent who is more involved and dedicated to their child’s learning. Kristin researches what toys and materials she should have in the house for his skill-building, she takes him to the library to broaden his reading and play with other children, and she deeply understands her child in a way that can only come from an extremely loving and thoughtful connection that she has fostered with him every day.
Despite the families’ barriers, they thrive, and it shows in her son’s vocabulary, social-emotional skills, and ever-present little knowing smile. I cannot think of anyone in our program who better exemplifies what Parents as Teachers stands for, and I feel very lucky to work with her.
— Nikki Gwin
More Unsung Heroes:
Amy Jensen has shown her boys what a mother can do
Chelsea Hope is a model of resilience and a gem of a person
Sandra Stokes is a guardian angel to new moms
