First 5 Orange County continues to make great strides in our commitment to both family engagement and elevating family voices in our communities.
As part of that effort, First 5 Orange County would like to introduce its new Family Ambassadors, who will help review organizational materials, take part in discussions around organizational direction, and be involved in the co-creation of strategy.
Please meet our Family Ambassadors:
Stephanie Ayala
Stephanie has lived in north Orange County for the past 9 years. Her family consists of her husband and two girls, ages 2 and 6 years old, plus their latest addition to the family — a beagle puppy, Dora. Stephanie wanted to join this group because she’s passionate about early childhood education and sharing the resources that are offered. When she became a parent, she felt overwhelmed, exhausted, and unprepared for parenting responsibilities and working full time. It was a lot to balance.
After taking several childhood development classes, she now has the tools and strategies to utilize and wants other parents/caregivers to know about all the wonderful resources offered (many for free) to help them solve the issues they may be going through.
Maritza Bermudez
Maritza was born and raised in the City of Anaheim where she continues to live. She has five children, ages 21, 13, 7, 5, and 4. Maritza is active in her children’s schools, PTA, Parent Leadership Institute, School Site Council, and many district committees at Anaheim Elementary School District and Anaheim Union High School District.
She also loves to volunteer in her community with different local organizations and be active in civic engagement within the city.
Benjamin Juarez
Benjamin has been in Orange County for the last 19 years. During this time, he has focused his energy on serving families and youth facing some of the greatest challenges. His passion for serving others led him to launch two local after school programs and mentor more than 100 youth.
He is currently working for the Mix Academy, a local nonprofit. As a father of two, his passion has not dwindled and he has become a supporter, especially for those children with special needs such as his own.
Yohana Rojas de Jesus
Yohana is a mother of 2 children ages 12 and 5, and lives in Santa Ana. Since becoming a mother, she has started to be more involved in different community programs that support the well-being and development of children.
She is originally from Pueba, Mexico, and has lived in the United States for more than 13 years. Yohana has had culture clashes with education, language, and in general, all the systems of this country. But she has been motivated to learn more each day to guide her children as their interests are different due to their age differences. As a mother, Yohana wants to learn to balance their interests and her own, and establish equilibrium in her daily life.
Maria Sanchez
Maria lives in Orange County and is a mother of 3 children: a daughter, 14, and two sons, ages 11 and 4. She loves kids and is working in an elementary school district after working in a Catholic school for many years at her local church.
Maria loves to learn new things, especially topics related to the development of the physical and mental health of kids. She loves the First 5 program and believes in the importance of the first 5 years and psychological development.
Sara Ursenbach
Sara is an entrepreneur, advocate, and foster parent. She lives in La Habra with her husband, two adopted children, one foster child, and one very fluffy cat. She serves as the PTA president at her children’s elementary school, as the school board liaison for LHCSD PTA council, third-term School Site Council, and organizes community events such as the La Habra Children’s Business Fair and Read Across La Habra.
Working as a Family Ambassador furthers her advocacy efforts, strengthens her relationship with the community, and furthers her efforts to create a solid foundation of support for all children.