Cindy La is CASL’s Director of Children and Youth Services. She has been part of CASL’s mission to catalyze the transformation of individuals, families and the community for an equitable future since 2022. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of Education for a non-profit organization in which she helped expand programming in early childhood, youth services and adult education on the north side of Chicago.

Cindy was successful in implementing and creating an Early Childhood Education Career Bridge program and integrating best practices in a public charter school to include home-based services with childcare programs up to 8th grade. She has dedicated more than 19 years in education and has worked as a program director; practiced behavioral play therapy with school age children; supported families through family engagement initiatives; and served in Chicago Public Schools Child Parent Centers.

Cindy holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in child development, with infancy specialization. She also currently holds Gateways Credentials as a Director, Early Childhood Education and Infant Toddler Care professional, Family Support, and School-Age Administration to support our programs. She is also an active member in advocating for quality early childhood services for all students and was previously on the Advisory Council for the Illinois Community College Board for Adult Education programs. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two boys and hanging out at the local parks.