I joined the Yakama Nation Child Care Development Program in January 2020 as the Program Manager. My prior experience was working for the Yakama Nation Head Start in various positions such as the Early Childhood Education Coordinator, Site Supervisor, Teacher and Teacher Assistant.The work experience I’ve gained with Head Start has helped prepare me for my current position. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Studies with a Specialization in Agency Leadership. I am looking forward to working on the expansion of child care services and the continuation of improving services to best support children’s development

Hello everyone,

I'm Micayla Aguilar, the CCDF Licensor.

Since March 2020, I've been involved with the program, licensing six Family Home Daycare Providers and four Centers. I earned my ECE certificate from YVC and am currently pursuing my AA in Early Childhood at Northwest Indian College.

As a descendant of the Yakama Nation, I am proud to share that my parents are the late Sherman Frazier and Stella Castaneda, and I was born and raised in the Wapato area.

Arlea M. Meninick, Fiscal Manager, Child Care Development Fund

Department of Human Services

Shixpatchwy-Good Day!  Ink Nash Wanixsha Chow-Wa-Luxsh.  My name is Chow-Wa-Luxsh.  My English name is Arlea Malissa Meninick.  I started working for the YN Child Care Program on December 20, 2021 as the Fiscal Manager.  I received a Certificate from Yakima Business College for Business Information Processing.  I have over 20-years experience working for the Yakama Nation in Administration, Accounting, Bookkeeping, Procurement, Travel and Payroll.  My main job responsibility will be to oversee the Accounting, Auditing, Reports and Budgets for the YN CCDF Program.  We are constantly busy on a daily basis in our program working diligently as a team for all you YNCCDF Participants, Providers, and Caregivers.  We are here to serve you, your children and families

Hello! I’m Rosana Mendez, and I’m thrilled to be the Early Learning Coach at YN CCDF! With nearly 20 years of experience working with children under the age of 5, I’m passionate about early childhood education. I proudly earned my AA in Early Childhood Education from Northwest Indian College and a CDA. Lately, I’ve been super excited about the idea of starting my own daycare and after-school program, especially after seeing the pressing needs of lower-income children during the pandemic!

I recently took a year and a half off to care for my mom during her surgeries, which was a rewarding experience. During that time, I jumped back into my studies to work towards my BA at NWIC. While I haven’t completed it yet, I’m gaining fantastic experience in an office setting and diving into the world of childcare funding—what an adventure!

I’m David Lloyd, Bookkeeper IV with the Yakama Nation CCDF Program. I joined CCDF in September 2022, and what started as a new opportunity has grown into a role I’m truly proud of. Over the years, I’ve gained valuable experience in processing childcare payments, reviewing attendance and eligibility information, working with providers, and helping ensure payments are accurate and processed as efficiently as possible. Every day brings new challenges, but also another opportunity to learn, improve, and make a difference.

I’m proud to be part of a program that supports families, childcare providers, and the children in our community. I take pride in the work I do and in being part of a team dedicated to keeping the CCDF program moving forward.

September 2022 to now—and still growing, learning, and getting it done. 

Good day everyone, my name is Selena Polk. I was hired in mid-August to be the Intake Specialist. I take in applications, both new and certification renewal.

I came here from Yakama Nation Head Start, where I worked as a Teacher Assistant, and a Family Community Advocate. I got my teacher certification and was working on my AA in Early Childhood before pandemic hit, and personal losses and struggles made this difficult for me to complete.

I came from Warm Springs, Oregon where I left my 23-year job at the tribal newspaper, where I wrote stories and editorials, built ads, photographed events. At the same time, I was going to school at Central Oregon Community College, majoring in Computer Information Systems.

I’ve worked at various jobs since the age of 14, gained knowledge and experience at each job, to use in present and future jobs. I am looking forward to working with families and helping them utilize the Childcare Program.

So far, I have enjoyed working here with families and helping them with their applications. I look forward to continuing my work as the Intake Specialist.

Shix Pachway!

My name is Brittany Yellow Owl, and I am honored to serve as the Relative Care Specialist for the Yakama Nation Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) Program. In this role, I assist and support families enrolled in the Relative Care Program and work to provide guidance, resources, and support to help families navigate their journey.

I earned my Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis in Equity and Social Justice from Seattle Central College. I later earned my Bachelor’s degree from Heritage University, majoring in American Indian Studies with a minor in Criminal Justice.

My previous professional experience includes working as a Corrections Sergeant, Domestic Violence Advocate, and in legal and administrative roles. These experiences have provided me with a strong foundation in advocacy, communication, problem-solving, and supporting individuals and families through challenging circumstances.

I am excited to begin this new role and grateful for the opportunity to serve my community through the Yakama Nation CCDF Program. It is important to me to be a supportive resource for families and to contribute to the well-being of our children, relatives, and community. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with the families I serve and supporting them along the way.