Leading the way

We also train professionals and caregivers in trauma-informed care, evidence-based clinical treatment, parenting and fatherhood.

Our values

Passion

We believe in the boundless potential of children and families and work zealously to achieve transformational change.

Innovation

We seek inventive solutions grounded in best practice and rigorous analysis. We are committed to excellence, impact, and sustainability in all we do.

Partnership

We have the greatest impact when we collaborate with families, community partners, and colleagues who are dedicated to the success of the young people we serve.

Equity

We promote opportunity for communities hit hardest by persistent poverty. We treat everyone with compassion and respect.

Executive Team

Martine Singer

Martine Singer

President & CEO

Gene Straub

Gene Straub

Executive Vice President and Chief Finance & Operating Officer

Catherine Atack

Catherine Atack

Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer

Manuel Castellanos Jr., Ed.D., LCSW

Manuel Castellanos Jr., Ed.D., LCSW

Senior Vice President, Programs

James Colón, Ed.D., MBA, SPHR-CA

James Colón, Ed.D., MBA, SPHR-CA

Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer

Todd Sosna

Todd Sosna

Chief Program Officer

Amy Kern

Amy Kern

Special Assistant to the President & CEO and Board Relations Manager

Board of Trustees

Paul R. Kanin

Chair
Attorney-At-Law

Cara Leonetti Esposito

Vice Chair
Leonetti/O'Connell Family Foundation

Bradley N. Myslinski

Treasurer
J.P. Morgan Chase Private Bank

Barbera Hale Thornhill

Secretary
Impact Design

Catherine Beyer

Community Leader

Adam Checchi

Checchi Capital Advisers

Charles P. Diamond

O’Melveny & Myers

Channing Dungey

ABC Entertainment

James G. Freeman

Beacon Rose Partners

Tracey Gluck

J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.

Sunil Gunderia

Age of Learning

Marcia W. Hobbs

Beverly Hills Courier

Nina Holland

CII Early Head Start Policy Council

Bridget Gless Keller

Bridget Gless Designs

Tracey A. Kennedy

Sheppard Mullin

Tarek Kutrieh

Blizzard Entertainment

Suzanne Marx

Community Leader

Mari McAlister

Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation

Christine H. Newman

Community Leader

Barry Patmore

Management Consulting

Gelila Assefa Puck

Couturier

David Rognlien

Cadna Automotive

Todd J. Rosen

Main Street Advisors

Daneia Sanadiki

Community Leader

Stephanie Booth Shafran

Community Leader

Glenn A. Sonnenberg

Latitude Management Real Estate Investors

Lt. Emada E. Tingirides

Los Angeles Police Department

Kathleen Vanderziel

The Capital Group Companies

Support Groups

PAST
The Colleagues
The Colleagues, founded in 1950, is a women's volunteer non-profit who support and raise funds to benefit Children's Institute through their resale boutique in Santa Monica and an annual Spring Luncheon. Through their work, the Colleagues have donated over $25 million to serve Los Angeles’s most vulnerable children.
PAST
The C.H.I.P.S.
Since 1966, the C.H.I.P.S (Colleagues Helpers in Philanthropic Service) have provided program and fundraising support to Children's Institute. Comprised of approximately 50 volunteers, some of the members are daughters or daughters-in-law of the founding Colleagues.
PAST
Les Amies
For nearly half a century, Les Amies has played an important and unique role in generating much-needed resources for Children's Institute.

Children's Institute Locations

Main Campuses

Find a Free Children's Institute Preschool Near You

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