Staff Spotlights: Ann, Louise & Diane

Ann Raftery, Director of Sleep Programs

My dream come true: reaching families across the country with a simple and actionable healthy bedtime routine, and bedtime tools, giving so many more children a fair chance at a healthy, happy life.”

Ann Raftery develops, delivers, and manages sleep health education programs at Pajama Program, after 10 years of doing the same at Sweet Dreamzzz, Inc. You will see her speaking at conferences and conducting trainings on sleep. Ann is driven by her passion for all children and a desire to give them the opportunity to get the sleep they need and deserve for good health and academic success. She is committed to inspiring and empowering others to embrace healthy sleep so that all children get a fair chance at a good life. She holds a Masters of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, a Michigan elementary teaching certificate, and is trained in the HighScope curriculum for preschool teachers. 

Louise Derry, Director of Grants & Engagement

“I’m excited to help people understand that Good Nights for Good Days is more than just a slogan – it’s a true investment in a child’s health, emotional well-being, and school success.”

Louise Derry was the Director of Grants and Community Engagement at Sweet Dreamzzz for 10 years, and has worked in nonprofit community service throughout her career. With work focusing on health education, needs assessment, messaging, and grant writing, Louise has learned that community service agencies have the greatest impact when programming, fundraising, and marketing efforts are connected and cooperative. She is committed to raising awareness about the importance of sleep and a comforting bedtime routine, and about circumstances that can prevent healthy outcomes. She will work to engage donors and supporters in Pajama Program’s mission so that all children have the opportunity to thrive. Louise has a Master of Public Health degree from The University of Michigan.

Diane Dittmar-Seitz, National Program Manager

“I am so excited to now be joined with Pajama Program to be able reach more children with pajamas, books and sleep health education!”

Diane began her non-profit work at Sweet Dreamzzz nearly 17 years ago as a program-day volunteer, and formally joined the staff in 2009. There, she worked with school representatives to schedule programs and coordinate logistics for their delivery. She also managed a large inventory of bedtime essentials, working with both volunteer groups and vendors. Diane became part of Pajama Program’s staff in 2020, and is responsible for managing inventory and coordinating the distribution of pajamas, books, and sleep health education materials. She continues to assist with sleep health education program coordination and delivery, and processes applications from Community Partner organizations. She works closely with many types of volunteers and helps support the national network of Chapter Presidents. Diane holds a Master’s Degree in Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

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