Management Team

Melanie Dodson became the Executive Director of the Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County (4Cs) in 2008. She has been an advocate for and worked with Sonoma County children and families for over fifteen years. Ms. Dodson joined 4Cs in 2001 as the Child Care Resource & Referral Director, moving into the Assistant Executive Director role in 2004. She previously worked as the Director of the after school program at Kenwood Elementary School and as an elementary school teacher in the Roseland Elementary School District. Ms. Dodson holds a BA in Liberal Studies from Sonoma State University and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Early childhood development has always been a personal passion and as a new mother of a baby girl it has only inspired her commitment to the field and our community’s investment in our children.

Tina began working for 4Cs in 1982 as Division Director for the Resource and Referral Department, and is now in charge of Human Resources for the agency. Tina has a B.A. in History from Stanford University and an M.A. in Early Childhood Education from San Francisco State University. She taught in both public and private preschools before joining the 4Cs staff. She lives in Sebastopol with her husband. Her family also includes a son, daughter and son-in-law, and two grandchildren - boy and girl twins.

Maya joined 4Cs as the Finance Director in 2001. She holds a B.A. from UC Davis. Maya has over 10 years of accounting experience working with non-profit agencies. She enjoys the particular challenges of non-profit accounting, and especially enjoys the process of working with staff and other organizations to meet the mission of 4Cs. Maya believes that access and availability to high quality child care and early education is one of the most important issues facing families and our community. She lives in Sebastopol with her husband and two young daughters, and appreciates the opportunity to balance her work life and family life, as she has been able to do at 4Cs.

Claudia was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, and moved to the United States in 1973. During 10 years, Claudia ran her own medical insurance billing and collections company for pediatricians. In 1995, she moved her husband Jorge and daughter Natalia from Miami to Sonoma County. Her passion for family life brought her to 4Cs in June of 1996 as a Case Manager for Early Care and Education Services. In 1998, she adopted her daughter, Micaela, fulfilling a dream of having another daughter. Since 1999, Claudia is the Office Manager at 4Cs. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, doing arts and crafts, reading and dancing.

Sue was born, raised and educated right here in Sonoma County. She has been in the Early Childhood Education field for 14 years. Sue has worked in all aspects of this industry, clocking nine years of floor time with children prior to coming to 4Cs five years ago. Sue is dedicated in her commitment to quality care and education for the children in our community, and she looks forward to the exciting challenges that lie ahead.

Lara joined 4Cs as CEL Director in May 2006. She was born and raised in Iceland where most of her family still resides. She has a B.A. Degree in Modern Languages and a M.A. Degree in International Public Administration. She has spent most of her career in the language interpretation industry, recruiting interpreters in over 150 languages. She lives in Larkfield with her husband and two children. When not spending time with her family, Lara enjoys working on her house, doing yoga, reading, and just generally being alive....

Michelle began working for the 4Cs as the Accounting Manager in February 2007. Michelle has been working in accounting for local non-profit agencies since 1999. Shortly after joining the 4Cs team, Michelle recognized the agency’s commitment to professionalism and the comprehensive approach of offering services to families, children and child care professionals. Michelle appreciates the contribution 4Cs brings to the community and believes 4Cs strives for excellence in Early Childhood Education and understands that a healthy future begins with the hearts and minds of children. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her two older children, Jacob and Kelsey and exploring the trails of Annadel and Sugarloaf State Parks.

Jeanette joined 4Cs in 1988, working part-time to allow her to be at home with her two young daughters. Since 1995, she has worked full-time as the Department Director of the Child Health and Nutrition Program. She has a background in teaching, and experience with Early Childhood Education.

Julie Swanstrom started working with 4Cs in 2001. She has a B.A. in Communication and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Davis. She has worked in the 4CS Early Care and Education Services Department as an Administrative Assistant, Case Manager and Coordinator. Julie enjoys advocating for families and child care, being active in her community and spending time with friends and family.

Sandra began working for 4Cs in 1996 as an assistant teacher at the 4Cs Florence Kirby Child Development Center. She worked as an assistant teacher for 5 years while continuing to go to school and get her Associate Teacher Permit. She transitioned to the 4Cs office as a case manager in 2001. Currently, she is the Early Care & Education Services Program Manager. Sandra is dedicated to our agency, community, families and children. She understands the importance of quality child care.

Jim joined 4Cs in 1998. He started his work in the Early Childhood Education Field with the Sonoma County Office of Education as a teacher in their Child Development Centers in the early 1980s. Jim enjoys working with children’s environments making them challenging and safe. Jim is a Nationally Certified Playground Safety Inspector and was also certified as a Master Teacher and Program Director in the Field of Early Childhood Education by the California Department of Education. He lives in Santa Rosa with his wife and son. Jim’s hobbies include fishing, camping, and nature photography.

Mira started at 4Cs as a Case Manager for the 4Cs Alternative Payment subsidized child care programs, after graduating with a B.A. in Sociology from Sonoma State University in 1999. Since 2009, she has been the Community Relations Director for 4Cs. From 2001 - 2009, she was the Early Care and Education Services, Client Services Director for the subsidized child care programs. She cares deeply about children and families in our community and enjoys working at 4Cs where she can advocate and work towards providing quality programs that support children and families. She lives in West Sonoma County.