Jackie Zaragoza Named Full-Time Collier County Program Coordinator
Valerie’s House is celebrating Jacqueline “Jackie” Zaragoza as she transitions into her full-time role as Program Coordinator for Collier County.
Jackie began interning with Valerie’s House in August 2025 and later joined the team part time as a group night assistant. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in May 2026 with her Bachelor of Social Work.
A native of Immokalee, Jackie has spent about eight years working with children through afterschool programs at the Guadalupe Center and Boys & Girls Club of Collier County.
“I have always been passionate about helping others feel supported and understood, especially during some of the most difficult moments in their lives,” Jackie said.
That passion led her to pursue a career in social work and continues to guide the care and dedication she brings to children and families at Valerie’s House.
Jackie plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in social work at either FGCU or Florida State University.
Congratulations, Jackie! We are grateful to have you supporting our Collier County families and look forward to all that is ahead.
You May Like
“Everyone Else Had Their Dad”: How Briza Found People Who Understood at Valerie’s House
Before Briza walked into Valerie's House for the first time, she wasn’t sure what to expect. “I was very hesitant about it,” she says. “Coming to talk to people about a loved one that died…” At 13 years old, Briza had already experienced multiple heartbreaking losses. Her father died before
ABCs of Grief: Healing Through Words - Valerie's House Activity Guide
In this episode, Bobbie, a volunteer group manager at Valerie's House, introduces the 'ABCs of Grief' activity designed to help children and teens express their feelings and emotions related to grief. Starting with reading a specialized book or poem, the activity involves discussing the power of words, creating a word
Valerie’s House Young Adult Carter’s Full-Circle Journey at Experience Camps
This summer, Valerie’s House young adult Carter Koehler marked a milestone in his grief journey: his fourth year at Experience Camps, a nationally recognized nonprofit that provides free, transformative summer camp programs for grieving children and teens across the country. Experience Camps creates safe, supportive spaces where grieving kids can