Early Childhood Fellowship Spotlight: Katie Back

Meet Katie Back,  a Case Manager at North Community Counseling Centers and a Groundwork Ohio 2026 Early Childhood Family Fellow from Franklin County. As a dedicated mother of two, she brings both personal and professional experience to her work supporting families in accessing the resources they need to thrive. Motivated by her own journey and inspired by a friend’s passion for early childhood advocacy, she joined the Fellowship to deepen her understanding of early childhood policy and help build a more equitable system for all Ohio families. In this week’s spotlight, Katie shares what drives her, what she hopes to learn, and how her lived experience guides her leadership.

Q. Tell us about yourself and your current professional role. What kind of work do you do, and who do you serve?

A. I am a mother of two children. I love watching my son play sports and enjoy my free time with our family on the weekends where we watch our favorite shows and play games. I currently work at North Community Counseling Centers as a case manager. I help our clients apply for benefits and assist them with daily tasks. 

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

A. I applied for the fellowship as I have a friend who is passionate about the work she does with Groundwork Ohio and I’ve been interested in her knowledge with early childhood education which made me want to know more about the system.

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

A. I am excited to learn more about policies and how I can contribute to bettering the system in Ohio.

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

A. I found out about Groundwork Ohio through a friend that works for the company.

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

A. I am passionate about addressing the difference between low income families and high class families and how it effects education in children.

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

A. As I have needed assistance with my family, I hope to help guide others so they do not have to struggle or worry about finding the help they need for their families.

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

A. When I was a child our families relied on each other for help and not the system. I feel if we can work together and trust each other again that we can become a team and help each other even if it’s just pointing each other in the right direction for help.

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

A. I hope I can show others a less stressful way to ask for help, to be a familiar face that can lend a hand.