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Limitless Potential. Real-World Ready

Foster Care

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Foster Care Assistance

At Wenatchee School District, we believe every student deserves stability, support, and the opportunity to thrive — especially those navigating the challenges of foster care. We are committed to ensuring that students in foster care have consistent access to education, caring adults, and the resources they need to succeed.


Our team is here for you. Below you will find district and building-level staff with assigned responsibilities for supporting students in foster care. For general questions or concerns not specific to a particular student or school, please reach out to one of our District Foster Care Liaisons — we are happy to help.

 

District Foster Care Liaison essential duties:
Coordination of Building Points-of-Contact and related training.
Coordinate training, materials, and resources to be issued at all buildings.
Collaboration with DCYF, Treehouse Advocacy, and other community partners.
Coordination of best interest determinations and dispute resolutions.
Coordination of costs related to transportation needs.

Foster Care Liaison

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Alfonso Lopez
Director of Hispanic & Latino Relations
(509) 663-8161 x 33248
lopez.a@wenatcheeschools.org
 

Building Foster Care Points-of-Contact

Every school in the Wenatchee School District has a designated Foster Care Point-of-Contact — a trusted staff member who serves as the go-to resource for students in foster care and the families and caregivers who support them. These individuals are trained to identify needs, connect families to resources, and make sure no student falls through the cracks during what can be an uncertain and challenging time.

    • Lewis & Clark - Adela Valaas
    • Lincoln - Aaron MacKenzie
    • Mission View - Justin Nielson
    • John Newbery - Ernie Garza
    • Sunnyslope - Dave Perkins
    • Washington - Cody Wright

    • Foothills MS - Hailey Martin
    • Orchard MS - Danielle Bailey
    • Pioneer MS - Kelly Ottly 
    • Wenatchee HS - Sarah Breiler
    • Westside HS - Jan Bullock
    • Valley Academy - Shelly Jelsing

    • Learn the basics about Foster eligibility and support.
    • Help gather details to help with identification and assess needs of students in Foster Care.
    • Communicate between school staff, student support teams, parents/caregivers, etc.
    • Tracking your Foster student: address and contact changes; housing changes; etc.
    • Work with staff within your building to ensure communication of changes or concerns.
    • Facilitate training and related activities at your building.
    • Develop relationships with the students and families to help guide them to resources and support.
    • Help plan for transitions as students enter or exit Foster Care.

We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where all students can thrive.