Sheila Ater Capestany, M.S.W., M.P.H., serves as Executive Director of Start Early Washington, where she leads statewide strategies to strengthen inclusive, culturally responsive early learning and care systems for children and families across Washington State. A respected leader with more than 35 years in the non-profit and public sectors, Sheila’s expertise spans maternal and child health, youth development, community-based services, and policy and systems change.

Prior to joining Start Early, Sheila served as Division Director for Children, Youth and Young Adults at King County’s Department of Community and Human Services, where she co-founded the nationally recognized Best Starts for Kids initiative, one of the largest publicly funded early childhood investments in the nation. Sheila was also the founding director of Open Arms Perinatal Services, which became a national model for culturally responsive perinatal support.

Sheila holds master’s degrees in social work and public health from the University of Washington, is widely recognized for her leadership and commitment to creating social change and remains a trusted voice in building community-driven solutions that ensure every person can thrive.