Best Start
District 143 Prenatal and Birth-to-Three Program
Our Team
Ana Barragan
Parent Educator
Ana Barragan is fluent in both English and Spanish. She has worked with children ages 6 weeks through 12 years old. She has an Early Childhood Education certificate and is currently in school to finish her BA. Ana loves working with kids and families, and can't wait to meet you!
Shannon Jones
Parent Educator
Shannon Jones has over 10 years of child care experience with a focus in infant night care and toddler care. She joins the Best Start team having first been a parent whose son attended the program. She is excited to assist families in enriching their life experiences and to encourage positive educational play.
Jessica Lagunas
Parent Educator
Jessica Lagunas has been with the program for 6 years and came to our team with experience as a case manager for Aunt Martha's. She is bilingual in Spanish and English. Jessica is a charismatic parent educator who loves to interact with families.
Catherine Ifurung
Program Supervisor
Catherine Ifurung has experience as a school social worker for 9 years and transitioned to the district's birth-to-three program in 2022. She is loving the change and excited to integrate the program into the PreK initiative.