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Fellowship Opportunity
Early Childhood Professionals
Groundwork Ohio is excited to announce its sixth annual Early Childhood Fellowship cohort. The Fellowship will provide emerging professionals with essential training and support needed to enhance their leadership skills and talents in their work with young children and families. Previous graduates include professionals with backgrounds in home-based and center-based child care, home visitors, child development specialists, child welfare professionals, early childhood mental health providers, preschool educators, maternal, infant, and early childhood health professionals, higher education professionals, and more!
WHY APPLY?
Fellows are inspired through a unique and engaging curriculum consisting of keynote speakers, online learning experiences, discussions with policymakers, networking opportunities, and a small group Capstone experience project. Upon completion of the program, Fellows will have a better understanding on how to be a successful advocate for themselves, infants and toddlers, families, and their community. Check back in February 2027 for information about our next cohort!
QUESTIONS?
If you have an inquiry about the program or need assistance with the application, please:
Learn More in our Latest Report >>
Important Details
Groundwork Ohio is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our programming and activities including the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship. We are seeking to build a racially, ethnically, and geographically diverse cohort of professionals from across the state of Ohio with a range of personal and professional experiences and backgrounds.
Applicants represent passionate early childhood professionals, including home-based and center-based childcare providers, home visitors, child development specialists, child welfare professionals, early childhood mental health providers, preschool educators, maternal, infant, early childhood health professionals, higher education professionals, and more!
Not sure if you’re qualified? >> Email Us!
Fellows will participate in over 35 hours of professional development throughout the year, including mandatory sessions (see details below). The curriculum is delivered in a hybrid format (virtual and in-person), to include guest presentations, online learning experiences through webinars, individual reading assignments, and small group Early Childhood Capstone Experience projects designed to drive community change. Important dates for the 2026-2027 cohort are below. Please note that all dates are subject to change with advance notice to participants.
January 13, 2026: Virtual Information Session (Zoom)
January 30, 2026: APPLICATION OPENS
March 3, 2026: Virtual Information Session (Zoom)
March 13, 2026: Application closes at 5:00 PM
April 28, 2026: Virtual Orientation Sessions
Fellow attendance is mandatory for all Program Sessions:
August 8, 2026: 2026 Fellowship Graduation & New Fellow Celebration (In person, Columbus)
September 19, 2026: Session 1 – Virtual (9:00 – 11:00 AM)
October 17, 2026: Session 2 – Virtual (9:00 – 11:00 AM)
November 14, 2026: Session 3 – Virtual (9:00 – 11:00 AM)
January 23, 2027: Session 4 – Virtual (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
February 27, 2027: Session 5 – Virtual (9:00 – 11:00 AM)
March 17, 2027: Session 6 – Virtual (9:00 – 11:00 AM)
April 24, 2027: Session 7 – Virtual (9:00 – 11:00 AM)
August 7, 2027: Fellowship Graduation – In-person, Columbus (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
TBD In-Person Fellowship Events (Fellows must attend two of three of these events):
Groundwork Ohio Roadshow Event (TBD Quarter 3, 2026, select cities TBA)
Momentum Institute (TBD 2027, Columbus)
Groundwork Ohio Advocacy Day (TBD 2027, Columbus)
As part of the program requirements, Fellows must:
Develop and present on a small group Early Childhood Capstone Experience project;
Coordinate virtually with small groups during and outside of Fellowship hours;
Engage in the Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship Alumni Network
Questions about the time commitment and expectations? >> Email Us!
If chosen to participate in the Fellowship, there will be a $1,500.00 tuition fee due by August 14, 2025. Groundwork is working diligently to ensure scholarship opportunities to applicants who demonstrate a passion for advancing early childhood development policy. Please ask about our scholarship availability!
Questions about program tuition or other anticipated barriers to participation? >> Email Us!
Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort are now closed. Please bookmark this page and revisit in February 2027 for information on the next cohort!
During the application process, applicants will be required to provide personal information, answers to short answer questions, and submit a resume.
If you are self-employed, you will need to sign and upload a self-employed statement of commitment form. When completing the application, you will have the option to upload your signed statement of commitment.
If you are not self-employed, you and your employer will need to sign and upload an employee-employer statement of commitment form. When completing the application, you will have the option to upload your signed statement of commitment. The employee-employer statement of commitment form will be available soon. Questions about the application process? >> Email Us!
2025-2026 Fellowship GraduatesKristen Bortle, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant | Nationwide Children’s HospitalChelsea Davis, Director | Toledo Day NurseryShashi DeHaan, MSW, LISW-S IMH-E ®, CFTP, Mental Health Therapist II, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health | Akron Children's Pediatrics, StowEmeri Ferguson, Literary Specialist | The Wellington SchoolMonica Gaulden Recruitment Supervisor | Family Connections Spark ProgramEmma Ginther, Management Analyst of Early Learning Policy | Franklin County Board of Commissioners Megan Hamilton | Project Manager, Future Ready FiveStephanie Moore, Early Education Program Specialist | Starting PointJulia Myers, Director | Toledo Day NurseryEllen Rhomberg, Early Childhood Specialist | The Wellington SchoolLinda Rowlett, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant | Mercy HealthCarrie Taylor, Early Childhood Mental Health Coordinator | Greene County Educational Service CenterGarret Thompson, Early Childhood Family Fellow and Coordinator and Secondary Supervisor | Clopay Marisol Torres, Program Development Coordinator | Starting PointDenise Zellers, Early Literacy Specialist | Toledo Lucas County Public Library2024-2025 Fellowship GraduatesChris Acock, Early Learning Policy Analyst, Franklin County Minister Jauneece Adams-Mitchell, Consultant, Angel Heart FoundationShaun Barrett, Senior Behavior Support Specialist, The Ohio State University Nisonger CenterBonnie Berg-Simmons, Librarian, Twinsburg Public LibraryMonica Cardenas, Professional Development & Support Specialist, HOPE ToledoHolly Conroy, Prevention & Inclusion Programs Specialist, Starting Point, Cuyahoga CountyEmily Cresswell, Early Childhood Education Coach, Miami Valley Child Development CenterSimone Ellerson, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Samantha Forsythe, Education Systems Coordinator, Child Development Council of Franklin County Emily Gessner, Early Childhood Educator, Mom’s House Toledo Margeric Gonzalez, Early Education Program Specialist, Starting Point Dr. Linda Hicks, ECE Career Navigator, 4C for ChildrenDelaney Jones, Social Worker, Educational Service Center of North East Ohio Tonya Kelly, M.Ed, Principal, Bridge Gate Community School Angela Martin, Early Head Start Home Visitor, The Ohio University Early Head Start Keshia McCahill, Executive Assistant, Child Development Council of Franklin County Brittney McCarey, Early childhood education student Laura McFalls, Early Childhood Specialist, Akron-Summit County Public Library Jennifer McNellie, Educator, Starting Point, Cleveland Courtney Nerad, Executive Director, St. Peter’s Child Care Center Inc., LakewoodKaty Philpot, Teacher, Dayton Public SchoolsJennifer Rigano, Early Intervention Specialist, Union County Board of Developmental Disabilities Dr. Allison Riggle, Project Manager, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Meghan Scott, Early Education Program Specialist, Starting PointMichelle Shelton, Administrator, the Learning GroveEmilee Stahl, Trainer/EI Service Coordinator, Franklin County Family & Children’s First Council Mary Taylor, Nurse, Franklin County Public HealthJoy Welch-Bey, Program Manager, Cuyahoga County Office of Early ChildhoodSamantha Whatley, Site Administrator, Step Forward, ClevelandSarah Zang, Program Coordinator, Action for Children 2023-2024 Fellowship GraduatesSherrie BairWilliam Christmas, M.Ed.Ben CorllAshley FunniMandi GrimesNitoriya GoffJerrald GoodloeCrystal Ann HallErin HeadDebora HeldEugene NorrisStephanie ParsonsJasmine PriceAmanda RodriguezTaylor RomeroLatasha N. SpencerSam SchneiderAudrey TereseDr. Andrea WeisbergerAndrea WiessPaula Y. Young2022-2023 Fellowship Graduates
Robert Cummings, Cincinnati- Hamilton County Community Action AgencyMeredith Florkey, Ohio Naturally LLCIsabella Frueh, Learning GroveJalissa Hutchins, Family Child Care Home ProviderXiara Quinn, Learning Grove- Future Environments, Inc.Candace Rhoill, Little Promises Preschool @ Cincinnati Urban PromiseLauren Rinner, The Goddard School of Anderson TownshipBarbara Burden Family Child Care Home ProviderTarshalla Hanks, Sunshine HouseErin Tebben, The Ohio State UniversityAngela Ewald, Action for ChildrenElizabeth Rumschlag, Great Lakes Community Action PartnershipAngel Heath, Children's Discovery CenterMisty Luther, Pike County Early Childhood ProgramMelissa Canada, Family Child Care Home ProviderAlesia Brown, Family Child Care Home ProviderEllen Chavez, Erie County Board of DDLori Kolofer-Burk, Starting PointJD Smith, Horizon Education CentersSandra Adams, Miami Valley Hospital / Help Me Grow Brighter FuturesShelly Engram, Ms. Shelly's PlaceKaleena Wiseman, YWCA of ColumbusCoretta Daniel, Cleveland Central Promise Shawn Holden, Step ForwardCarol Lyles, YWCA of Greater Cleveland Early Learning CenterMelanie Senter, South Side Early LearningApril Frazier, OhioGuidestoneSara Knapp, Kent State University Child Development CenterAndrea Barga, Clinton County Community Action -Clinton County Head StartColleen Tullis, Franklin County Board of DD2021-2022 Fellowship GraduatesCarla Adams, Child Development Council of Franklin CountyJessica Ann Boiner, Family Child Care Home ProviderCharlene Carroll, Emmanuel Christian AcademyMisty Cole, Hopewell Health CentersJessica Collins, Knox County Head StartMegan Foradori, Case Western Reserve University, Frances Payne Bolton School of NursingAlice Harrell, New Dimension Child Care CenterJennine Hoover, Kendal at OberlinAsia Hughes, The Childcare PeopleMichael Ingram, Bedford Heights Daycare & Nursery Center Inc.Brittany Jackson, Action for ChildrenGinny Joo, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center - TIP ProgramCaroline King, Temple Tots PreschoolAngela Kirkland, Family Child Care Home ProviderRenee Matsunami, Child Care Choices, Inc.Patricia McNerney, EICK Global STEM AcademyDevin Montrell Bates, The East End Neighborhood HouseMargaret Osborne, Ottawa County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Ottawa County Family & Children First CouncilJessica Parker, City of Lakewood, Division of Early ChildhoodBrittany Pope, OhioGuidestoneLinda Schettler, Catholic Charities Early LearningHannah Scully, Child FocusJulia Shaheen, Stark County District LibraryAmber Sullivan, Bright BeginningsAmanda Uhrig, Brightside Academy OhioClarissa Walls-Parker, Clinton County Community Action Program Head StartErica Wehri, Northwestern Ohio Community Action CommissionTawanna Williams, Starting Point Learning CenterCarrie Williamson, Professional Innovative Early Care and Education SolutionsMarian Wright, Bright Beginnings Early Intervention2020-2021 Fellowship GraduatesElizabeth Abbott, Bombeck Family Learning Center Krista Allison, Stark Education Partnership, Inc. Sadie Bonifas, The Great Oaks Career Campus Mary Brady, Early Childhood Resource Center Tonya Byous, The Centers for Families and Children Hannah Dieter, Great MindsJarissa Garcia, Little Hands, Inc. Stephanie Geneseo, All Nestled Inn Family Childcare Nicole Gordon, Child Focus Camille Harris, All 4 Kids, LLC Malissa Harris, Little Miracles EDC Elizabeth Hibbs, Early Childhood Education Alliance Kimberly Hiltz, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio, Inc. Kelly Kaiser, Baby University Rebecca Keaton, COAD Helen Mattheis, Cincinnati Early Learning Centers Rebecca Mental, Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center Navya Nalla, Nationwide Children's Hospital- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders Ross "Chad" Nunamaker, The Lynda A. Cohen Center for the Study of Child Development Emily Rozmus, INFOhio Beth Rutter, Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities Elizabeth Styles, Winton Woods City Schools Qianna Tidmore, Office of Early Childhood/Invest in Children Shannon Viccarone, Starting Point Aysha Wilburn, The Centers for Families and Children Molly Youngstrom Hagkull, The Childhood League Center
Meet Our 2027 Fellows
SPARK Coordinator,
Action for ChildrenAbigail Alexander brings 25 years of experience in early childhood education, including more than 15 years as a classroom teacher. As SPARK Coordinator at Action for Children, she helps prepare children and families in Franklin County for a successful transition to kindergarten. Abigail holds degrees in early childhood development and education and is passionate about ensuring every child and family has access to quality educational opportunities, regardless of where they live.
Advocacy Coordinator,
Imagine CincinnatiAdlynn (Addy) Anaya brings more than a decade of experience in early childhood care and youth advocacy. She supports children and caregivers through her volunteer work with Imagine Cincinnati, a nonprofit serving families with children ages birth through nine. Her experience in child care and as a full-time nanny has shaped her understanding of the challenges caregivers face and her commitment to advocating for stronger support for children and families.
Lead Teacher,
Kiddie Academy – WorthingtonTionna Barksdale is an early childhood educator and leader dedicated to creating nurturing, developmentally appropriate learning environments. She brings experience in classroom instruction, educator mentorship, and professional development and has been recognized with a STAR Award for her contributions to early childhood education. Tionna holds a Child Development Associate credential and is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She is passionate about supporting educators, strengthening family relationships, and helping young children reach their full potential.
Toddler Teacher,
Hathaway Brown SchoolNicole Bell brings six years of experience teaching toddlers and preschoolers and currently works in the Infant and Toddler Center at Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights. She is passionate about incorporating art, creativity, and hands-on exploration into early childhood education. Nicole believes children learn best through experimentation, outdoor experiences, and meaningful interactions with real materials, and she is committed to sharing these approaches with fellow educators.
Owner/Administrator,
Playtime Preschool LLCElisabeth Cumberland is an early childhood educator and leader dedicated to providing high-quality learning experiences for young children. As Owner and Administrator of Driving Park Early Learning Center, she oversees a Gold Star-rated program and supports educator professional development. She holds a bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and is pursuing a master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Elisabeth is passionate about strengthening Ohio's early childhood workforce and expanding educational opportunities for children and families.
Assistant Principal,
KIPP Columbus High SchoolVikki Cumberlander is a licensed principal and educator dedicated to student success, family engagement, and educational equity. With experience in instructional leadership, teacher development, and academic support systems, she works to create school environments where students and families feel valued and supported. Vikki holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and is passionate about strengthening connections between schools, families, and communities to expand opportunities for Ohio's children.
Foster Care Specialist,
Starting PointShaffawn Fields is a Foster Care Engagement Specialist dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families navigating the foster care system. Drawing on her firsthand experience as a foster parent and professional background in administration and nonprofit work, she brings a compassionate, family-centered perspective to her role. Shaffawn is passionate about connecting families with resources, strengthening support systems, and advocating for positive outcomes for children and caregivers.
Pastor/Nonprofit leader,
Imagine CincinnatiJennifer Fisher is the founder of Imagine Cincinnati, a nonprofit creating welcoming spaces where families with young children can connect, grow, and thrive. Drawing on her background in nonprofit leadership, community development, and theology, she advances nature-based programming, community support, and grassroots advocacy. As a mother of two, Jennifer is passionate about reducing caregiver isolation, supporting family well-being, and ensuring families have access to inclusive, supportive community spaces.
Preschool Administrator,
Atonement Lutheran PreschoolCarmen Fryman has served as Director and Lead Teacher of Atonement Lutheran Preschool since 2002, helping expand the program to include full-day preschool, extended care, and summer camp. She is especially passionate about welcoming international families, having served children from more than 40 countries. Carmen is committed to ensuring all children have access to high-quality, affordable early learning opportunities that meet the needs of working families.
Help Me Grow Home Visitor,
Stark County ESCMary Grisez is a Help Me Grow home visitor who supports families from pregnancy through early childhood. She holds a bachelor's degree in Child and Family Community Services from Bowling Green State University and brings more than 10 years of experience working in Montessori and elementary schools. Based in Canton, Mary is passionate about empowering parents, strengthening family relationships, and advocating for the critical importance of a child's first five years.
KRC Program Manager,
Future Ready FiveQorsho Hassan is an educator, Fulbright Scholar, published author, and advocate for equity in education. Named Minnesota's 2020–2021 Teacher of the Year, she champions culturally responsive teaching and inclusive learning environments, particularly for immigrant and refugee students. As a program manager at Future Ready Five and co-leader of Amanah Camp, Qorsho works to expand educational opportunities and foster belonging for children from diverse backgrounds.
Regional Resource Coordinator,
Starting PointRachel Herring is an early childhood educator and advocate with more than 10 years of experience supporting children and families in Cleveland. A former teacher and Montessori-trained educator, she currently supports the Universal Pre-K program at Starting Point. Rachel also completed a fellowship with the Democracy Collective, strengthening her commitment to advocacy, community engagement, and systems change. She is passionate about ensuring all families have equitable access to high-quality early care and education.
Co-Founder & Creative Director,
Zid Zid KidsJulie Klear is an early childhood arts educator, entrepreneur, and children's book author-illustrator dedicated to expanding creative learning opportunities. As co-founder of Zid Zid, a play-based enrichment platform, she develops imaginative programming that connects arts education, literacy, and early learning. With experience teaching in Ohio and internationally, Julie is passionate about making creative, culturally responsive learning experiences accessible to all children and the educators and families who support them.
Family Engagement Coordinator,
Action for ChildrenSara Krugman is the Family Engagement Coordinator at Action for Children, where she leads regional efforts to connect families with child care resources and support services. With more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education, she previously served as a classroom educator and quality improvement coach. Sara holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Cincinnati and is passionate about strengthening child care systems and expanding access to high-quality early learning.
Provider Services Coordinator,
COADKaylee Louis is an Early Intervention Service Coordinator dedicated to helping young children and families access developmental services and community resources. She works closely with caregivers to coordinate services, support developmental goals, and strengthen families' ability to advocate for their children. As a mother of two young children, Kaylee brings both professional and personal perspectives to her work and is passionate about building supportive communities where children and families can thrive.
Owner/Executive Director,
Nourish Early LearningMiken Oliver is the Co-Owner and Operator of Nourish Early Learning, a relationship-centered program focused on emotional literacy and whole-child development. With a background in nursing and nearly a decade of early childhood leadership experience, Miken works to create emotionally safe learning environments and strengthen relationships among children, families, and educators. They are passionate about expanding access to high-quality early education and building compassionate, supportive communities where children can thrive.
Parent and Youth Ambassador,
Starting PointKimberly Rosa is a family advocate and educator with more than 17 years of experience supporting children and families in Northeast Ohio. As a Parent and Youth Ambassador with Starting Point, she connects families in Ashtabula, Geauga, and Lake counties with resources and support. A certified family peer supporter and parent engagement facilitator, Kimberly is passionate about kindergarten readiness, supporting children with autism, and strengthening family voices in community decision-making.
Early Childhood Education Program Specialist,
Starting PointChristie Stemplinski brings more than 20 years of experience as an early childhood teacher, administrator, and coach. At Starting Point, she supports child care professionals throughout Cuyahoga County in strengthening their skills and practices. A graduate of Hiram College, Christie is also a certified LENA Coach and CPR/First Aid Instructor. She is passionate about supporting educators and ensuring children have equitable access to healthy, affordable food.
AdministratorHelaine Wilson brings more than 13 years of experience in early childhood education and business leadership. She founded Humblebee Childcare in Cincinnati in 2011 and has since expanded to operate multiple Gold-rated child care centers. With a bachelor's degree in business management and a Child Development Associate credential, Helaine is committed to providing high-quality early learning experiences that support children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
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