The late Karen Ridlon founded our organization in 1990. A certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (University of California, San Francisco, 1972), Karen worked as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in California and Washington, working in well-child care, newborn care, and newborn ICU support for a number of medical groups and doctors.  Karen’s intent was to fill an unmet need for parents with newborns who lacked basic supplies for their children.

She is Executive Director Emeritus and a lifetime member of the Board of Directors. Karen has been recognized for her efforts with many volunteer awards, including receiving the Leadership Eastside LENi Community Choice Leadership Award in 2013, Distinguished Member Award for the Washington State Chapter of NAPNAP (National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners) in 2013, Issaquah Schools Foundation Golden Apple Award (2009), and chosen as a UCSF Distinguished Alumni.

Karen passed away August 20, 2023.  Her vision and leadership remain the inspiration for the work we do every day to help all kids to be safe, healthy, and able to thrive.