Veronica Arteaga, LCSW

President & CEO

LACE UP YOUR SNEAKERS AND LET'S DANCE!

It’s almost time for our 2^nd Annual Sneaker Ball, next Thursday, September 18^th, benefiting students with special needs at ECF Kayne Eras School!

Don’t miss out! It’s going to be a blast of flashback fun, food and dancing, plus chances to win amazing prizes, and a live auction where you can bid on a trip to Vietnam, tickets to Magic Castle and more! Get your tickets now HERE and let’s dance to make a difference!

If you couldn’t attend the recent VIP Art Preview, you can still view and purchase art at our fall open studio sales. It’s a great opportunity to add to your personal collection or find unique gifts for your family and friends before the holidays. Come on by and visit—we can’t wait to see you! For more information, visit ArtECF.org

Early Start Says Mahalo to Summer with a Fun-filled Luau

Last month, ECF Early Start threw a fun-filled luau for the children and their families in Arleta. They had lots of water play, made leis and tropical crowns to wear, and topped it off with some tropical refreshments and fruits. It's been a great summer—now, we have to get ready for Halloween!!

DSPs MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

Celebrating Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week 2025

This month, we’re proud to recognize and honor all our exceptional Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) at ECF who provide critical support and services directly to our clients every day. We are so grateful for their dedicated service, advocacy and love for the clients and families in our community. DSPs make the difference! 

MEET CAMILLE – Culinary Program Instructor

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Camille Creighton is the youngest of two siblings and a proud mother to a daughter currently entering her second year at Syracuse University in New York.

With two decades of experience in special education, including several years as a special education teacher, Camille eventually followed her other passion: cooking. After teaching cooking classes for a year and a half, she enrolled in culinary school in 2023, merging her love for education and the kitchen into her dream career.

Since joining ECF in July 2024, Camille has worked with 25–30 clients through the Culinary Program. One of her most memorable moments with clients? The day she burned the bread —a story her clients still love to tease her about. “We still get a good laugh about it,” Camille shared. “It’s a reminder that cooking is about learning, making mistakes, and enjoying the process together.”

Her favorite quote is: “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” And it’s clear that Camille is doing exactly that.

EXCEPTIONAL PARTNERS

ECF is grateful to First Bank Foundation for their support for ECF Kayne Eras School.

ECF’s WASC-accredited nonpublic Kayne Eras School provides special education for K-12 students who have learning, emotional and developmental challenges. All our educators are committed to the belief that every child can learn—and with individualized support and care, we help each child develop their confidence and unique potential so they can succeed both in and out of the classroom.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn @ConnectWithECF

• Donate today at www.ECF.net/donate!

• Share our news on your organization’s social media and with your network of friends. Tag friends, families, and local groups who could benefit from learning about ECF