Bright Spots Winner: Linda LaFuente

Linda’s Lifetime of Dedication 

Few can boast about the longevity and impact of their Head Start careers like Linda can. On January 1, 2025, she will celebrate 50 years of service with the same agency she joined at age 17. Hired by Dr. Timothy Nolan, who is still her director today, Linda has dedicated her life to serving children and families.   

Her connection to Head Start began in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where her mother worked as a bus driver to support her seven children. By age 11, Linda had been volunteering alongside her mother, helping with bus routes and in classrooms. By age 17, her dedication led to a permanent role with the agency, where she has since built a remarkable legacy.   

A Pioneer in Innovation 

Linda’s love for technology helped her transition into IT in the mid-1990s. Tasked with finding a database to meet Head Start’s needs, she chose ChildPlus – a decision that transformed how her agency operated. She remains a strong advocate for Childplus’s ability to support data management and Head Start reporting.   

From 2010 to 2020, Linda served as the Region V ChildPlus User Group Leader. She created a collaborative space where agencies could share ideas, solve problems, and discover new ways to maximize the software’s potential. These gatherings, held twice a year, became a highlight for the community of attendees within Linda’s Region.  

Linda’s advice for new ChildPlus users is simple: “Never stop learning.” She encourages staff to dive into the Learning Library, attend ChildPlus trainings, and embrace their creativity. Her favorite tip? Take advantage of the Learning Library’s vast collection of videos, which allow users to learn at their own pace. 

Personal Triumphs 

Married for 30 years to her husband, Rico, Linda is a proud grandmother to her granddaughter and a pet parent to three Chihuahuas.   

A Lasting Impact 

Head Start has been a source of stability and support for Linda and her family for four generations. Linda’s 50 years of service highlight the transformative power of Head Start—not only for the families it serves but for the professionals it inspires. Her legacy is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a lifelong commitment to learning. 

 Congratulations, Linda, on an extraordinary milestone!