Leilani Wakin

Leilani Wakin serves as the Secretary of the 2025–2026 Policy Council as a returning parent. She previously volunteered as a 2024–2025 Policy Council member, representing Vineyard Crossing in American Canyon and New Beginnings in Napa. Both of her children now attend Couch in Vallejo, one in Head Start and the other in Early Head Start. As a single mother, she is passionate about advocating for children’s well-being, safety, and positive classroom connections. During her first year as a Policy Council Representative, she participated in professional development at the 2025 National Head Start Conference and attended the 2025 Developmental Disability & Neurodiversity Conference.

Outside of the Policy Council, Leilani works as a Service Coordinator at North Bay Regional Center in Napa. In this role, she has strengthened her advocacy skills by connecting individuals and families with valuable community resources. She brings expertise in early childhood education and special education. A first-generation college student, she earned her bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Social Welfare from UC Berkeley.

Prior to case management, she supervised ABA services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of her career has been dedicated to supporting individuals ages 2–22 with autism and other developmental disabilities as a direct service provider. She finds fulfillment in helping people reach their goals and is also a certified yoga instructor with specialized training in trauma-sensitive practice.