PMF and the First Teacher program are models for the nation of low-cost programs designed to help parents become better parents. Our Board of Directors consists of individuals who are deeply committed to the concept of providing help to parents in their difficult job as their child's First Teacher.

Below you may read about our background and founding partners as well as our current staff.
 

PMF Background

Executive Director - Cynthia Martin, Ph.D. has spearheaded the development of Parenting Matters Foundation. She has worked as a psychologist in the state of California and a registered counselor in the State of Washington. She is a mother of eight children, a past teacher of grades 7 through college, a counselor and administrator in public schools, and an author of a book on adoption. She received her MA at the University of San Diego and her Ph.D. in Human Behavior at United States International University. She is on the board of advisors for the Early Learning Foundation. She received the Washington Association of School Administrators Community Leadership Award for her involvement in the First Teacher Program. She has authored several books, most recently, Beating the Adoption Odds. She understands the importance of preventing problems rather than waiting to solve problems.

Board of Directors
Board President - Kenneth W. Anderson is a retired school superintendent. He has been also been employed as a teacher of children from elementary through high school and an elementary school principal. He most recently worked as associate superintendent at the Cape Flattery Correction Center Campus. His experience has been in the Washougal School District, North Mason School District and Sequim School District. His higher education was at Central Washington University and the University of Washington. His involvement with youth included helping to raise three children.

Alberta J. Conrad currently works for Youth Eastside Services in Bellevue, WA. She supervises the School-Based Counseling Program as well as the Clinical Intern Program and has worked with the Young Family Independence Program. She also maintains a private practice for adults, and has a wealth of knowledge about parenting skills, adoptee issues, life skills for young adults, relationships, depression, loss and life transitions. She has also worked in several school districts. She has presented several workshops about divorce, talking with your children about sex, better communication with you adolescent, and improving relationships.

 

DeWayne Boyd has been actively involved in public education for over fifty years.  His experience includes: teaching at all levels from elementary school to university post graduate, educational administration from elementary school principal to district superintendent, and internship supervisor for prospective teachers and for prospective school district superintendents.  He has also served as an educational consultant. Currently, he is completing his second four-year term as an elected school board member.  During his term of office, the Bremerton school district has developed and implemented an early childhood education program that is nationally recognized for its effectiveness and replicability. 

Vicky Murray (not pictured) -
Assistant Superintendant Bellevue School District

Roger Presley is a retired Academic Librarian, having served 34 years in that profession. He retired in 2003 as Associate University Librarian for Georgia State University and is currently a Professor Emeritus of the University System of Georgia.  He moved to the Olympic Peninsula in 2004.  While here he has worked with several non-profit organizations including the Clallam County Literacy Council, Olympic Theatre Arts and Readers Theatre+.  Having started his career as a Children’s Librarian, he has a keen interest in children and their development, especially as it relates to the issues of learning and reading.  He is honored to serve on the Board of Parenting Matters.

Donovan C. Wilkin, Ph.D.  is a retired professor and extension specialist in Community Development from the University of Arizona. Professor Wilkin's research and teaching have been predominantly in the realm of Human Ecology, applying ecological principles to sustainability and productivity in human ecosystems. He believes strongly in the necessity for teaching children sustainable principles from the outset, most importantly the value of taking care of one another and the lasting ecological benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet.

Current PMF Staff

Cynthia Martin, Ph.D., Executive Director - PO Box 3323, Sequim, WA 98382-5021 (360) 681-2250, Fax (206) 866-1252 email: cynthia@firstteacher.org Oversees First Teacher and Parenting Matters Programs. Coordinates grants and parenting classes.

Shaine Schramling, MA, Program Manager - PO Box 10893, Seattle, WA 98110-0893 (206) 855-9189, Toll Free (866) 943-5437, Fax (206) 866-1252 shaines@nwinet.com Coordinates First Teacher and Parenting Matters Programs with each school district.

Jennifer Taulbee,PO Box 3323, Sequim, WA 98382 (360) 681-2250 email: jennifer@parentingmatters.org

Darinda Hagstrom,PO Box 3323, Sequim, WA 98382 (360) 681-2250 email: darinda@olympus.net

Tessa Kirner, PO Box 3323, Sequim, WA 98382 (360) 681-2250 email: tessa@parentingmatters.org

Patsene Dashiell, Events Coordinator - 220 W Alder St Room 4W, Sequim, WA 98382 (360) 582-3428. Coordinates First Teacher parent meetings, developmental screenings in Sequim. For more information on times of meetings, please see our calendar. patsened@firstteacher.org

Fanny Marchevsky, Spanish Translator & Editor - accuratespanish@live.com