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Tessa Graham

Tessa Graham, MS, LMFT is the President & CEO of Child Development Institute (CDI), a San Fernando Valley nonprofit dedicated to helping all children reach their full potential by nurturing the relationships, environments, and community connections that shape early development. With more than 25 years of experience working alongside high-risk infants, toddlers, and their families, Tessa deeply understands the profound impact that early relationships have on development and remains deeply committed to ensuring every child has the support they need to grow, connect, and thrive. Under her leadership, CDI provides a full spectrum of care to children of all abilities and backgrounds, regardless of income or circumstance, weaving together community partners across the Valley so that no family ever faces hardship alone. She advocates at the local and state level for policies that strengthen services for all children, grounded in the well-established understanding that communities are healthier and stronger when children and their families receive the support they need from the very start.