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Debra Ronnholm
President
debrar@childhaven.org
From a purely dollars-and-cents perspective, Debra Ronnholm likes knowing that the benefits of Childhaven's work with children and families far outweigh the costs.
From a people perspective, she has the satisfaction of knowing that Childhaven gives children an opportunity to grow into caring and productive adults who will protect and nurture their own children.
As Childhaven's President, Debra is charged with overseeing all aspects of the agency's operations, including program expansion, finances and economic development, and public policy and community outreach. Perhaps most importantly, she builds and nurtures relationships with everyone who is involved in keeping Childhaven viable—staff, Board members, volunteers and supporters.
"Creating healthy relationships is the heart and soul of our work with children and their families," says Debra, who has worked in early childhood intervention and treatment since 1985. "It must also be the cornerstone of our interactions with all of the people who make Childhaven work."
Debra is a graduate of the Master of Arts Counseling Psychology Program at Antioch University in Seattle.
Since coming to the agency in 1990, she has served as a Case Manager, Program Director, agency-wide Associate Director, Acting Executive Director and President/Chief Operating Officer. She was appointed President in 2006.
The best part of her job, she says, is giving vulnerable children and their families an opportunity to heal, grow and prosper. "There is nothing more rewarding."