Vision
Fathers and father figures in Washington become the parents they aspire to be for their children, families, and communities.
Mission
We amplify the voices of fathers and father figures in Washington state to promote fatherhood inclusion, equity, diversity, and research activity that strengthens families and maximizes children’s potential.
Values
- Diversity
- Inclusion
- Equity
- Belonging
- Education
- Partnering
- Leadership
Father Friendly Principles
These principles are meant to guide how Washington State supports fathers, stepfathers, and father figures. There is no ranking—each one is important. The Washington Fatherhood Council uses these principles to help create services and systems that welcome and support fathers.
Our goal is to build a state where fathers can be the parents their children and families need. To make this happen, service providers, organizations, and policymakers should:
- Commit to fairness and justice for all fathers.
- Support co-parenting, because children do best when parents work together.
- Make services easier for fathers to access.
- Recognize how important fathers are in a child’s growth and development.
- Include fathers with real-life experience when creating programs and policies.
- Understand how our own past experiences shape the way we interact with fathers.
- Hire and keep staff who reflect the communities they serve.
- Train staff on how to communicate with and include fathers effectively.
- Increase resources specifically for fathers.
- Update maternal and child programs so they include fathers in a culturally respectful way.
- Show images and materials that feature caring fathers and positive male role models.
- Collect and study data to show why fathers matter.
- Identify and address biases that leave fathers out or treat them unfairly.
For more information or support in how your organization can engage with these principles, please email dcyf.strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov.
Washington Fatherhood Council Roster
Father Members
Gordon Bock
John Cottrell
Raymond Gregson
Nikolaas Hanson
Byron Jackson
Drayton Jackson
Calvin Johnson
Nick Kasovac
Christopher Locke
Dante Pollard
Tui (Gaston) Shelton
John Solano
Dmitry Spiridonov
Steven Thibert
Member Organizations
Laura Alfani, DCYF Strengthening Families WA Administrator
Vanessa Allen , DCYF Family Engagement Coordinator ESIT
Steven Brown, Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Family Support Division
Tina Burnquist, Division of Child Support - Alternative Solutions
Lucas Camacho, DCS Field Liaison
Jessica Curry, DCYF Region 1 Fatherhood Lead
Blair Daly, Washington Initiative for Boys and Men
Jeremiah Donier, Children’s Home Society of Washington
Nikki Dyer, Department of Health Family Engagement
Michelle Erickson, DCYF Engagement Program Manager
Arthur Fernandez, DCYF Region 6 Fatherhood Lead
Angie Funaiole, Department of Health Family and Community Health Improvement
Bobby Greene, Department of Corrections Reform Program Manager
Ron Hauenstein, Spokane Fatherhood Initiative
Sarah Jackson, King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Family Support Division
Leland Jiles, Division of Child Support Communications Liaison
Keoki Kauanoe, Family Education and Support Services Fatherhood Manager
Erik Larson, DCYF Area Administrator
Danielle Loman, Division of Child Support Field Liaison
Whitney Mathisen, Division of Child Support Alternative Solutions
Tera McElravy, Department of Corrections
Davida Miller, Division of Child Support Executive Manager
John Miller, King County Human Resources
Issa Ndiaye, West African Community Council of Seattle
Astrid Newell, DOH Thriving Children & Youth Section Manager
Eric Nicholson, DCYF Juvenile Rehab Behavioral Health QA Administrator
Ashley Pina, Washington Health Care Authority
Graham Parrington, Dept. of Commerce Housing Policy Senior Coordinator
Marie Preftes-Arnez, DCYF Region 3 Fatherhood Lead
Nelson Rascon, Dads Move Executive Director
Matthew Rickmon, Kindering Washington Fathers Network
Betsy Rodgers, DCYF Area Administrator & Region 5 Fatherhood Lead
Jose Romo Ramirez, DOH Office of Nutrition Services
Aaron Scarlett, Childhaven Seattle WISE program manager
Holly Schindler, University of Washington
Shawn Sivly, DCYF Group Care Program Manager & Region 4 Fatherhood Lead
John Solano, Mental Health Therapist
Joshua Smith, DCYF Juvenile Rehab Peer Mentoring
Joseph Villanueva, DCYF Region 2 Fatherhood Lead
Margaret Wood, King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Family Support Division
