When Contessa Mendoza was 17 years old and still in high school, she made the tough decision to become a single mom. This exceptional young lady went on to become the valedictorian of her high school graduating class and eventually earned her masters... (more) degree. Despite enormous odds, Contessa, who is a social worker, has given everything of herself to raise her daughter and two foster kids. When it was decided that the Van Nuys, California house where Contessa Mendoza and her family live needed more space, the team of designers and workmen of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition stepped in and made some dramatic changes, including adding a second story to the house.