Meet Lucia Lopez, Parent-Child Development Specialist at Impact NW

Lucia Lopez came to Impact NW’s Parent-Child Development Services as a client more than 15 years ago, referred by a community health nurse to attend a playgroup with her second child. She knew that it would be beneficial for her and her son to attend and continue learning, even though she wasn’t new to the world of parenthood. Lucia found that she learned a lot just from talking with the other parents about what they were going through.

Lucia Lopez, Parent-Child Development Specialist at Impact NW

She didn’t know it at the time, but several of the Parent-Child Specialists in the program were observing her, impressed with her skills and progress. As she passed her second year with the program, one of the specialists approached her and asked if she would be interested in applying for a Parent-Child Program Assistant position that had become available. Although she already had a job, Lucia accepted the offer under the promise that she would receive plenty of training.

“Thinking back on that period of time, I believe I stumbled upon my calling by being exposed to this program as a client, and then being given the opportunity to get more involved as an assistant,” said Lucia, now a Parent-Child Development Specialist with Impact NW’s Parent-Child Development Services program. The very close working relationship she had with her supervisor gave her many opportunities to get one-on-one tutoring and build confidence. “My passion for the program and the job was there, but the program staff and my supervisor were really great about giving me the opportunity to gain confidence and professional development.”

In Lucia’s 14 years at Impact NW as a staff member, one of her favorite things has been to see families achieve even the smallest goals and steps forward. Many of the families she works with have never been given the opportunity to experience goalsetting or positive experiences in achieving goals. “Walking alongside them in their journey is very rewarding… very satisfying on a human level and on a professional level,” said Lucia.

Learn More About Lucia Lopez

What’s something that your coworkers might not know about you?

“I’m such an open book, but sometimes I think I get perceived as a very strong, fearless person even though I do have my fears. I think one of the things I fear the most is when you’re not able to serve enough families, or you aren’t doing enough and something is going to happen. It’s not always a good feeling, but it has kept me down to earth. I always seek to learn and keep my mind open for learning.”

What are your hobbies or interests outside of the office?

“I’m very church-involved and I love singing. I don’t know if it’s necessarily a gift, but music was in my family as a child, and now in my family with my husband and children. We each have our musical gifts, and mine is playing tambourine and singing. It fills my heart. I love nature walks—it takes me to a very deep level of my spirituality. Just between the singing and nature walks, it feels like I’m in heaven.”