Ms. Chacon is a “Jen of all trades”. She brings a clinical, trained analytical mind to her work creating and delivering a range of infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) professional development offerings. A UC Davis CPE Napa Infant-Parent Mental Health Fellow, she is quiet, but mighty and finds purpose in her work through her love of family.
Jenifer Chacon is an integral part of the Professional Development and Workforce Innovations department. In her role as a Content Specialist, she focuses on in-person and technology supported delivery of IECMH, The Growing Brain, and the ZERO TO THREE Critical Competencies for Infant-Toddler Educators™ offerings. Jen previously led the P-5 Cross-Sector Core Competencies Training at ZERO TO THREE and supported cross-sector work in the P-5 field across Los Angeles County; these experiences inform her continued support of ZERO TO THREE’s Prenatal to Age 5 (P-5) competencies program offerings, as well.
Prior to joining ZERO TO THREE, Jenifer worked as an elementary school teacher. Her focus quickly shifted to the work with young children and their families upon learning the positive effects of supporting children’s development early in life. This focus lead to her work as a Home Based Educator at the Pediatric Therapy Network – Early Head Start program in Torrance, California. There she completed certifications in infant massage and breastfeeding support. It also led to her experience in working with infants, toddlers, families, multidisciplinary professionals, and community agencies.
Jenifer joined the ZERO TO THREE, Western Office as a Policy Intern and continued supporting the work at the Western Office as a Policy Analyst and Program Associate. Jenifer holds a B.A in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Language and Literacy from California State University, Long Beach and a Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Community Organization, Planning and Administration from the University of Southern California.
