Donna Dussault-Walker is the executive director of ACAP Child and Family Services. The Auburn Reporter recently sat down with her to discuss issues.

Q. Where were you before ACAP and how long?

A. Prior to joining ACAP last September, I was the principal of Lea Hill Elementary here in Auburn from 1999-2006. I retired in June 2006 after 30 years of public education service, having also worked in the Tahoma and Kent School districts as a teacher. I am also the truancy, attendance liaison for the Auburn School District, part-time.

Q. What do you do at ACAP?

A. I oversee the daily operations of the agency while partnering with Head Start, our board of directors, and seeking new grant opportunities for this wonderful non-profit.

Q. Are you an Auburn native? If not, where do you come from?

A. I am a true Washingtonian, living my entire life in our beautiful Northwest. I am not an Auburn native but hail from Burien and am a product of the Highline School District. I am a University of Washington graduate who resides in Kent with my husband, John, of 32 years. We have one daughter, Lindsay, who works at Nordstrom Corporate and lives in Seattle.

Q. What are the challenges this job presents?

A. Funding … doing my best to keep the agency afloat and growing during tough economic times. Helping families to remain with us as they endure the loss of subsidies. With our pending move to Auburn First United Methodist, our goal is not to disrupt services, but to ensure the stability and continuity of care for our families we serve, and furthermore to secure additional funding for the necessary renovations to our new site.

Q. Why does ACAP matter?

A. ACAP is unique because of its willingness and effectiveness in providing readiness programs in a full-day setting for low-income, high-risk children. We use a comprehensive model of care that includes family support, advocacy and meeting the whole needs of family and child. ACAP boasts 42 years of service with a staff who work harmoniously together, sharing areas of expertise and love to benefit our children. Our passion is to serve and empower our children and parents as they build a skill set toward creating productive and flourishing lives.

Q. What’s the most exciting, rewarding, enriching part of your job?

A. It’s the children! They are why we are all here!

Q. And in your spare time?

A. In my spare time my husband, John, and I love to travel and stay connected with family and friends. I enjoy spending time with my family, exercising — especially my ZUMBA classes — razor clamming, reading, shopping, and enjoying the arts, mainly musical theatre.