Early Childhood Fellowship Spotlight: Ellen Rhomberg

Behind every early childhood classroom are educators whose passion extends far beyond the walls of their schools. In this week’s Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship Spotlight, we meet Ellen Rhomberg, a dedicated Early Childhood Specialist from The Wellington School who’s blending her expertise as an educator and new mom to advocate for stronger systems that support Ohio’s youngest learners.

Q. Tell us about yourself and your current professional role.

A. I am the Early Childhood Specialist at The Wellington School in Franklin County, where I support teachers, children, and families in our Little Jags, Pre-K, and Kindergarten programs. My work blends curriculum alignment, teacher coaching, family engagement, and state compliance. I’ve spent over 12 years in early childhood education—and now, as a new mom myself, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience into the work I do each day.

Q. What made you want to apply for the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship?

A. I applied because I want to grow as both a practitioner and advocate. I’ve seen firsthand how policy impacts classrooms, and I want to use my voice to help shape systems that truly work for children, families, and educators.

Q. What are you most excited to learn, gain, or take away from the Fellowship experience?

A. I’m excited to connect with other leaders across Ohio, deepen my knowledge of early childhood policy, and learn strategies that will help me better advocate for families while staying rooted in what children actually need to thrive.

Q. How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio?

A. I first learned about Groundwork Ohio through colleagues in the early childhood community who encouraged me to explore opportunities for leadership and advocacy.

Q. What’s one issue or challenge in the early childhood system that you’re passionate about addressing?

A. I’m passionate about advancing equitable access to play-based, developmentally appropriate learning. Too often, academic pressures overshadow what young children truly need, and I want to help re-center the value of play and joy in early education.

Q. How does your lived experience shape the way you lead or advocate for young children and families?

A. My lived experience as both an educator and now as a parent deeply informs my perspective. I understand the challenges teachers face in the classroom, and I also know what it feels like to navigate early childhood systems as a mom. This dual lens keeps my advocacy grounded and personal.

Q. What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child?

A. Ohio must invest in strong supports for families, equitable access to quality early learning, and policies that honor children’s rights to play, grow, and feel a sense of belonging from the very beginning.

Q. How do you hope to use your voice as a leader in this space—now and in the future?

A. I hope to use my voice to bridge the gap between policy and practice—lifting up both the educator’s and the parent’s perspective. My goal is to help shape a system where families feel supported, teachers feel empowered, and every child has the opportunity to thrive.