Title: Commissioner

Represent: Santa Clara County Local Planning Council

Committee: Personnel & Finance

Cathy Boettcher has been working in the Early Care and Education Field for 47 years. She has worked exclusively in the non-profit sector and is the Executive Director at California Young World, Inc. in Sunnyvale, CA. In addition, she owns Bet-Your-Life Consulting, an Early Education Consulting Business. Cathy is a native Californian, born and raised in Los Gatos. She is a mom to her daughter, Madeline, who is 27.

Cathy’s education includes an AS Degree in Early Childhood Education from West Valley College and a bachelor of science in Sociology. She completed her Graduate work in Special Education and Early Intervention at Santa Clara University in 2008. She brings an extensive background in managing child development programs, especially those funded by the California Department of Education. She has worked in many capacities, including Teacher, Administrator, Director, Curriculum Specialist, Program Director, and Deputy Director. She served as Executive Director at Estrella Family Services for four years.

Cathy has served as Chair and member of the FIRST 5 Commission in Santa Clara County (2008-2011), is Co-Chair of the Local Early Education Planning Council, and is a member of the Title 5 Provider Network in Santa Clara County. She is especially passionate about her work supporting the early care workforce and sustaining programs that provide services for children with special needs. She has performed as an Adjunct Instructor at De Anza College and Gavilan College and is an active member of the Warmenhoven Advisory Board. Cathy is also involved in advocacy for developing early learning programs in facilities.