About Us
The Office of Children's Affairs was established in 1995 to ensure Denver’s children and youth have their basic needs met, are ready for kindergarten and are prepared for academic and professional success.  

Our Role
The Office of Children’s Affairs convenes policy makers, advocates and community partners to leverage resources that work to improve outcomes for all Denver children and youth. We work in collaboration with all stakeholders to support the Mayor's 5 goals for children.

Our Vision: To deliver a city where all children, youth and their families have the opportunity to succeed.

Our Mission and Values

• We put children first and support the whole child
• We are inclusive and represent all children and their families in Denver 
• We listen and learn from the communities we serve
• We don't make assumptions about who we serve
• While all children have similar needs, we help fill gaps so each child has what he really needs

Goal #1
Increase the number of children who have access to high-quality, early childhood experiences.

Goal #2
Increase the number of third-grade students who can read at grade level.

Goal #3
Decrease the number of disconnected youth, young adults who are not working or in school.

Goal #4
Increase the number of students who have access to and complete a post-secondary pathway and obtain a job.

Goal #5
Increase the percentage of children who are at a healthy weight.

Together, we will ...

Optimize research and data to enhance programming and seek effective solutions.
Collaborate with purpose, integrity and accountability.
Actively support an innovative workplace, utilizing our individual and collective strengths.

We are the Office of Children's Affairs (OCA)

Erin Brown Executive Director 720-913-0906 | email me		Lisa Piscopo, Ph.D. Deputy Director, Policy & Research 720-913-0903 | email me		Dionne Williams Deputy Director 720-913-0885 | email me
Adella Arredondo Family Services Director, Head Start 720-913-0882 | email me		Christopher Auer, MA, PMP Disabilities & Mental Health Director, Head Start 720-913-0894 | email me		Alicia Boyd Program Director, Five by Five 720-913-0910 | email me
Tracy Breckenridge Communications Director 720-913-0912 | email me		Shannon Dyer Contract Compliance Coordinator 720-913-0878 | email me		Susan M. Gallo, Ph.D. Health Initiatives Director 720-913-0907 | email me
Andrea Garcia Afterschool & Health Initiatives Coordinator 720-913-0887 | email me		Valerie Gonzales School Readiness Director 720-913-0913 | email me		Al Martinez, Ph.D. Executive Director, Head Start 720-913-0888 | email me
Liane Martinez School Readiness Director, Head Start 720-913-0884 | email me		Lori Medina-Anderson Health Services Director, Head Start 720-913-0895 | email me		Caridad Nevarez Office Manager, Head Start 720-913-0883 | email me
Joey Pace Youth Success Director 720-913-0918 | email me		Maxine Quintana Afterschool Initiatives Director 720-913-0905 | email me		Michael Simmons Program Coordinator, My Brother's Keeper 720-913-0917 | email me
Andrew Sullivan Education Policy Director 720-913-0892 | email me		Mikhail Vafeades Executive Assistant 720-913-0904 | email me