With three decades of leadership grounded in partnership, purpose, and inclusion, Sheila Ater Capestany steps in to lead at a pivotal moment for early learning in Washington.
As a trusted champion for young children, families and the communities that support them, we share highlights from the welcome gathering and reflections from colleagues who know Sheila best.
Start Early Washington proudly welcomes Sheila Ater Capestany, as the new Executive Director. A visionary leader and lifelong advocate for children and families, Sheila brings more than 30 years of experience building systems of support for Washington’s youngest residents and their caregivers.
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At a recent gathering celebrating her appointment, longtime friend and colleague Dr. Ben Danielson offered a heartfelt introduction, reflecting on Sheila’s decades of leadership and dedication to children and families. “It’s not just about what we are going through right now,” he said, “it’s about how we are going to navigate a path back together. In order to regrow, redevelop, regain and reconnect in ways that are regenerative and make us better than we were before,” Danielson stated, “you need leadership with a vision and a sense of purpose who can carry you through that time, and that is Sheila in every single way that I have known her. She’s a visionary, and yet her feet are so clearly planted on the ground with practicality, pragmatism, and a thoughtful approach.”
As Executive Director, Sheila will lead Start Early Washington’s 18-person team in supporting families through home visiting and advancing early learning and care policy and advocacy across the state. Her vision, she shared, “is not just about narrowing the spaces and outcomes for one group relative to another, but to make sure that every single child, every living being, every combination of young and old and family have a chance to grow together and thrive and shine.”
Reflecting on her own journey, Sheila added, “I believe in being a fierce advocate for our babies, our families and our communities. And I believe in our communities—that our communities know what they need. I want to be a good listener, to learn what our state, families, and communities are telling us, and to be an advocate for them.”
Start Early President Diana Rauner joined in welcoming Washington’s new leader, sharing the importance of Sheila’s leadership at the helm of Start Early Washington, saying “These are challenging times, but there is no better time to be in the work than when our children and families need us the most. And we are so lucky to have Sheila as a champion and a leader at this time.”
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