“Now, just a few months into my new role, I know I still have so much to learn—but I’m ready. I’m even considering going back to school for a degree in Social Work. It won’t be easy, but I’ve learned that when you truly want something and believe in yourself, anything is possible.”
– Laura Azcatl, former MFS DuPage client
The following story is written by Laura Azcatl in her own words.
My name is Laura Azcatl. After meeting my husband, Ruben, our family soon began to grow: Ayla was born in January 2012, followed by Anya in 2013, and Aytana in 2014.
In 2016, my youngest daughter, Aleyda, was born. Although I felt joy, I worried that I wouldn’t be able to work or continue my education, so I began looking for programs to support Aytana’s development, which is when I found Metropolitan Family Services’ (MFS’) Addison Children’s Center.
There, I met a Family Support Worker who helped me enroll Aytana in the Home-Based program. Her Parent Child Educator visited us weekly with engaging and creative activities—one of my favorites was when she brought spray bottles and veggie-based paint for Aytana to create art in our backyard.
Later, I met the Family Support Worker from Early Head Start, who helped me complete Aleyda’s application for the program. Aleyda joined the Infant Room at ACC at just 8 months old and transitioned to Head Start the following year.
With all four of my daughters in school, I was invited to work at a daycare where the director encouraged me to begin my Early Childhood Education (ECE) training and pursue my Associate’s Degree at St. Augustine College. I completed my degree in 2022 and continued my education at National Louis University, which is when I applied for an Assistant Teacher position at MFS. To my surprise, I was contacted by the ECE Director at MFS DuPage for a Lead Teacher position and started in 2023.
That year was challenging as I balanced a new job at MFS, university classes, home and family. After pausing my studies to complete Bilingual and Administration endorsements (similar to certifications), I finally graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at 35, with my family proudly cheering me on.
MFS played a huge role in my professional growth. They believed in me, promoted me to Lead Teacher, and supported me as I became Director Qualified. Then a new opportunity appeared: Family Support Worker, the first role I engaged with when finding MFS. At first, I wasn’t sure if I could take on something so different, but my ECE supervisor saw potential in me and encouraged me to apply. With her support, I was promoted in February 2025 to Family Support Worker at the Addison Children’s Center.
“Looking back, I know that every challenge, every opportunity, and every step led me here. And I’m so grateful—for my family, who continue to be my greatest motivation, and for the community that believed in me when I was just beginning to believe in myself.”
Laura Azcatl