Donna Sneeringer, MPA
Vice President &
Chief Strategy Officer
Donna Sneeringer is Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC). Prior to that, she served as the agency’s Director of Government Relations since 2013. In her capacity at CCRC, she provides government relations support to both the Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles and the California State Head Start Association. Donna began her career at CCRC in 1992 and through 1999 developed a knowledge of subsidized child care programs, resource and referral, and quality early childhood program and workforce development. Between 1999 and 2011, Donna worked in Sacramento at Child Action, Inc. first as Child Care Resource and Referral Manager, then as Public Affairs Manager.
Donna holds a master’s in Public Administration and Graduate Certificate in Political Management from the University of Southern California, and a BA in Child Development from California State University, Northridge. She also serves as Commissioner on the First 5 Sacramento Commission.
LaWanda Wesley, Ed.D.
Director of Government Relations
Dr. LaWanda Wesley transitioned to the Child Care Resource Center as Director of Government Relations in 2022. LaWanda is the co-author of Culturally Responsive Self-Care for Early Childhood Educators. She was selected by the National Black Child Development Institute as one of 14 policy fellows across the country for the 2021-2023 cohort. Dr. Wesley is dedicated to changing the lives of all children, especially those from communities of color, poverty, and those furthest out of reach from meaningful opportunity.
James Moses
Regional Director of San Bernardino
James Moses is the Regional Director for CCRC, which has served children, families, and child care providers in San Bernardino County since 2013. James collaborates closely with the Government Relations team. His work has centered around serving children and families in San Bernardino County for 35 years. When he’s not working, James loves to spend time with his family, listen and dance to live music, play golf, and fish. James was raised in San Bernardino County and is a graduate of California State University, San Bernardino.
Patrick MacFarlane
Manager of Government Relations
Patrick D. MacFarlane is Government Relations Manager at Child Care Resource Center. Patrick coordinates local, state and federal public policy advocacy on early learning and care issues. Patrick serves as a California Senate appointee to the Early Childhood Policy Council Parent Advisory Committee. He also serves on the Los Angeles Unified School District Bond Oversight Committee. Patrick was born and raised in Los Angeles, where he resides with his wife and two daughters.
Juliet Terry
Senior Government Relations Specialist
Juliet Terry is a Senior Government Relations Specialist whose work focuses on statewide initiatives in child care, early care and education, workforce issues, and holistic child, family, and community initiatives. Juliet collaborates closely with community partners and allies statewide and she’s a contributing member of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Coalition. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Juliet holds a BA in Child and Adolescent Development with a concentration in Policy, Advocacy, and Systems from San Francisco State University. She earned her Master of Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Sacramento. Juliet’s prior work in education, family serving community-based organizations, and as a child care provider drives her commitment transforming systems that aim to help all children, youth, and families flourish.
Yvonne Perez
Senior Government Relations Specialist
Yvonne Perez is a Senior Government Relations Specialist serving Los Angeles County. Her work focuses primarily on LA initiatives and projects, and she regularly meets with elected officials and staff to educate on community needs, as well as to explain the resources and services CCRC provides. She was previously employed as a Field Representative for the LA City Council where she worked with community stakeholders to address quality of life issues. Yvonne was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and graduated from California State University, Northridge.
Jennifer Portillo
Senior Government Relations Specialist
Jennifer Portillo is the Senior Government Relations Specialist serving CCRC’s San Bernardino office. She is an advocate for policies and programs that promote a vision of a brighter future for children and families. Jennifer was born and raised in San Jose and earned her BA in Public Policy from the University of California, Riverside. Her work centers around providing services and advocacy for high-quality child-development programs and services.
Maria Jose Romo
Senior Government Relations Specialist
Maria Jose Romo is a Senior Government Relations Specialist based in Sacramento. Maria’s portfolio focuses on family well-being initiatives, including family resource centers, foster children, domestic violence, housing stability, and early childhood mental health, among other issues. Maria earned a BA in Communication Studies and Public Relations from California State University, Long Beach and an MA in Public Policy and Administration Program from California State University, Sacramento. She is a proud first-generation Latina and DACA recipient.
Fatima Martinez Jara
Administrative Assistant
Fatima obtained her bachelor’s in Political Science from UC Berkeley in 2023. She was the recipient of the Barbara and David Mertes Memorial Transfer Scholarship, the Leonard D. Shaeffer Government Fellowship, and the Wells Fargo Diversity & Entrepreneurship Fellowship. She participated in the Public Service Program interning with McKinney Vento (Oakland Unified School District), and in the Cal-in-Sac program. Her pursuits have continuously gravitated her towards supporting her community through research, public service, and advocacy.