Groundwork Ohio Announces 2026 Early Childhood Fellowship Cohort

May 23, 2025, Columbus OH – Groundwork Ohio is proud to announce the newest cohort of its Early Childhood Fellowship, welcoming a dynamic and diverse group of leaders who are deeply committed to advancing the well-being of Ohio’s youngest children and their families.

The 2026 Fellows represent a broad spectrum of professions and lived experiences, coming from fields such as healthcare, early education, mental health, social services, and community advocacy. Through this unique program, these passionate individuals will be equipped with the knowledge, tools, and network to become powerful advocates for young children and families across the state.

“The Fellowship is an opportunity to elevate the voices of emerging leaders who bring deep personal and professional insight into the barriers families face every day,” said Lynanne Gutierrez, President & CEO of Groundwork Ohio. “We are thrilled to support these Fellows as they lead change in their communities and help shape a more equitable future for all Ohio children.”

Groundwork Ohio 2026 Early Childhood Fellows:

• Kristen Bortle, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant | Nationwide Children’s Hospital

• Sarnell Breedlove, Clinical Manager | The Buckeye Ranch

• Stacy Corll, Clinical Manager | Little Loves Learning Center

• Chelsea Davis, Director | Toledo Day Nursery

• Shashi DeHaan, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Clinical Supervisor | Applewood Centers

• Emeri Ferguson, Literacy Differentiation Specialist/Coach | The Wellington School

• Eternity Frye, Early Head Start Coordinator | All 4 Kids 2 LLC

• Monica Gaulden, Recruitment Supervisor | Family Connections Spark Program

• Emma Ginther, Management Analyst of Early Learning Policy | Franklin County Board of Commissioners

• Megan Hamilton, Project Manager | Future Ready Five

• Heather Howard, Director | Children’s Learning Center at Shawnee State University

• Kaylee Louis, Provider Services Coordinator | Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development

• Lacey Martin, Owner/Administrator | Timber Tops Dayhome

• Stephanie Moore, Early Learning Specialist | Starting Point

• Julia Myers, Director | Toledo Day Nursery

• Ellen Rhomberg, Literary Specialist | The Wellington School

• Linda Rowlett, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant | Mercy Health

• Brandy Scheetz, Executive Director | Foundations Community Childcare

• Kierra Smith, Director | Nest Schools Dublin

• Emilee Stahl, Early Intervention Supervisor of Intake and Eligibility | Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services

• Carrie Taylor, Early Childhood Mental Health Coordinator | Greene County Educational Service Center

• Marisol Torres, Program Development Coordinator | Starting Point

• Helaine Wilson, Owner/Director | Humblebee Childcare

• Denise Zellers, Early Literacy Specialist Librarian | Toledo Lucas County Library

Over the next year, the 2026 Fellows will engage in an intensive program focused on leadership development, policy education, and systems change. The Fellowship experience includes keynote speakers, virtual learning sessions, peer collaboration, technical assistance, meetings with policymakers, and opportunities for local advocacy. Fellows will also work in small groups on collaborative projects designed to drive real-world impact.

To learn more about the Early Childhood Fellowship and meet the full 2026 cohort, visit: www.groundworkohio.org/fellowship

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About Groundwork Ohio

Groundwork Ohio is a nonpartisan public-policy research and advocacy organization that champions high-quality early learning and healthy development strategies from the prenatal period to age 5, that lay a strong foundation for Ohio kids, families, and communities. We advance quality early childhood systems in Ohio by engaging, educating, and mobilizing diverse stakeholders and strategic partners to promote data driven and evidence-based early childhood policies.