Interested in Participating?
Want more information?
Want more information?
Contact Info
Please feel free to reach out to me :)
Iesha Siler
Email: isiler@students.llu.edu
Call or text: (626) 344-8812
Email: isiler@students.llu.edu
Call or text: (626) 344-8812
About the Study
This study looks at how caregivers and early childhood educators help young children (ages 0–8) after the Eaton Fire.
Fires and other disasters can be very hard on children. They can affect how children feel, act, and grow. There is not much local research about how families and educators support young children after disasters, especially in communities that face more challenges.
By learning from our community impacted by the Eaton Fire, this study will explore:
- What families and educators experienced
- How they helped children cope
- What support systems were helpful
- How caregivers and educators showed strength and resilience
The goal is to help improve disaster planning, response, and recovery for young children in the future.
Required Participant Criteria
You may be able to join this study if you:
- Are 18–70 years old
- Are one of the following:
- A caregiver (parent, guardian, or family caregiver) of a child ages 0–8 during the Eaton Fire; or
- An early childhood educator who worked with young children after the fire (Daycare, PreK-3rd Grade)
- Were directly affected by the Eaton Fire (for example: evacuation, work challenges, caregiving stress, or recovery efforts)
- Lived or worked in Pasadena/Altadena
- Can speak and understand English
- Are able to give informed consent
What You Will Do
If you join, you will take part in one private session, either:
- A one-on-one interview (about 45-60 minutes), or
- A small group discussion with 4–6 people (about 60–90 minutes)
All sessions are confidential.
As a Thank You for Your Time
You will receive a $25 gift card to Target or Amazon.
Your story will help improve programs and policies that support young children and families after disasters.
Your story will help improve programs and policies that support young children and families after disasters.
✋🏾
About Me
I was born and raised in the Pasadena–Altadena community, and this place is not just where I grew up — it is home. My family’s ties here go back generations: my parents met at Pasadena City College, my mom attended Pasadena High School, and I graduated from Pasadena High in 2000 (Go Bulldogs!). Now, I am raising my own family here.
I was born and raised in the Pasadena–Altadena community, and this place is not just where I grew up — it is home. My family’s ties here go back generations: my parents met at Pasadena City College, my mom attended Pasadena High School, and I graduated from Pasadena High in 2000 (Go Bulldogs!). Now, I am raising my own family here.
When the Eaton Fire devastated Altadena, I could not approach it as a distant researcher — the impact was deeply personal.
I am currently a doctoral student in Public Health at Loma Linda University, and my research focuses on how the Eaton Fire has affected children ages 0–8 and the caregivers and educators who support them. As both a mother and a lifelong community member, I care deeply about how our children are experiencing this moment and how we can support one another as we heal and move forward together.
For me, this work is about documenting disaster from within the community itself. Our history should be recorded by the people who live it, understand it, and care about what happens next. When we tell our own stories, we help shape a recovery that reflects our realities and protects our future.