Yolo Crisis Nursery: Adding more leadership to the team
The Yolo Crisis Nursery is welcoming a new leader to its development team. Valerie Bishop-Green, PMP, has been named Director of Development and Community Relations and will help strengthen the community partnerships and donor support that sustain the Nursery’s services for children and families across Yolo County.
Valerie joins the Nursery with nearly two decades of nonprofit and community engagement experience. Known for her strategic approach to fundraising, partnership building, and community outreach, she will help guide the organization’s development efforts and strengthen relationships with donors, volunteers, and community partners.
The role also represents a meaningful transition for the Nursery. After 25 years of dedicated service, longtime Director of Development and Community Relations Becky Heard will be retiring from her full-time position. Becky will remain involved with the organization in a consulting capacity, supporting special projects and helping ensure a smooth leadership transition.
For twenty-five years Becky has helped shape the heart and future of this organization. Her leadership has been instrumental in building the strong community support that allows the Nursery to serve families in need. We are all deeply grateful for her dedication and are pleased she will continue to stay connected to the organization through special initiatives.
“Valerie brings tremendous experience, professionalism, and heart to this role,” Becky said. “After working with her and learning about her background, I feel confident she is the right person to continue building the relationships and community support that sustain the Nursery’s mission. Our donors and partners care deeply about this organization, and I believe they will feel reassured knowing Valerie shares that same commitment to children and families.”
Valerie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Davis, and began her nonprofit career shortly after graduation. Her early work included leadership roles with Special Olympics Northern California and the American Lung Association in California, where she helped coordinate major fundraising initiatives, manage large-scale events, and strengthen organizational operations.
Following her work in statewide nonprofit programs, Valerie continued building her development and partnership experience through a variety of roles with the University of California, Davis. Her responsibilities included coordinating strategic donor engagement initiatives, supporting philanthropic leadership committees, and managing key partnerships between university leadership and major donors.
Valerie is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), a credential that reflects her ability to lead complex initiatives and align teams around strategic goals.
Despite her extensive professional experience, Valerie says her interest in the Nursery’s mission is also deeply personal.
“As a parent raising my own family in this community, the mission of the Yolo Crisis Nursery resonates with me on a personal level,” Valerie said. “The Nursery provides an essential service for families who are facing difficult moments and need a safe place for their children. I am honored to join an organization that has such a meaningful impact in our community.”
Valerie and her husband, Sam, are the parents of two daughters and have strong ties to the Yolo County community.
She said the opportunity to lead development efforts for the Nursery felt like a natural next step in her career.
“I was looking for a role where my work could directly support children and families while building strong community partnerships,” Valerie said. “The Nursery’s mission aligns closely with my values, and I look forward to building relationships with donors, volunteers, and community leaders who share a passion for supporting families.”
The Yolo Crisis Nursery is one of four crisis nurseries in California and provides free, voluntary care for children during times of family emergency or instability. Through short-term childcare, parent support services, and family stabilization programs, the Nursery helps families navigate difficult situations while keeping children safe.
Community fundraising and donor engagement play a vital role in sustaining these services, making the Director of Development and Community Relations position essential to the organization’s continued growth and impact.
For Valerie, the transition represents both a professional opportunity and a chance to deepen her connection to the community she calls home. Becky said she looks forward to supporting Valerie and the organization during the transition.
We invite you to join us in welcoming Valerie Bishop-Green to her new role as Director of Development and Community Relations. Community members who would like to learn more about the Nursery or become involved in supporting its programs are encouraged to connect with Valerie directly at vbishopgreen@yolocrisisnursery.org.
Community members are also encouraged to mark their calendars for the region’s annual Big Day of Giving on May 7. This 24-hour community fundraising event brings neighbors together to support local nonprofits making a difference in our region. Gifts to the Yolo Crisis Nursery help ensure children have a safe place during times of family emergency while parents receive the support they need to move forward. Every donation made through May 7 counts toward the Nursery’s Big Day of Giving goal and helps keep children safe and families strong in Yolo County.
Heather Sleuter, Executive Director