More than two dozen early childhood professionals from across the state will meet annually
Columbus, OH: Groundwork Ohio is thrilled to announce the Class of 2025 Early Childhood Fellowship, a network of early childhood professionals throughout the state who will spend the next year receiving training and support to enhance their leadership skills and advocacy outreach.
The Fellowship utilizes a unique curriculum consisting of keynote speakers, online learning experiences, discussions with policymakers, networking opportunities, technical assistance, and small group projects. Upon completion of the program, Fellows will have a better understanding of how to be successful advocates for themselves, infants and toddlers, families, and their community.
“We have an exuberant group of Fellows this year who are ready to hit the ground running toward the goal of making Ohio the best place to be a young child,” said Troy Hunter, Director of Research, Performance, and Evaluation for Groundwork Ohio. “We are excited to offer a revised program for Fellows including more than 35 hours of professional development. Our Fellowship is mission-critical. We elevate early childhood professionals as unique experts and emerging advocates to champion early childhood policies. We are building an advocacy army by giving the early childhood workforce the opportunity to grow in their advocacy and leadership skills."
This year’s class includes passionate early childhood professionals from in-home and center-based providers, home visitors, child development specialists, child welfare professionals, early childhood mental health providers, preschool educators, maternal, infant, early childhood health professionals, and higher education professionals. The class will meet in a series of virtual and in-person conversations and prepare for Groundwork Ohio’s Advocacy Day on March 12, 2025, where they’ll have a chance to interact with their state policymakers.
Since the inception of the Fellowship, 109 early childhood educators have taken part in the program, representing 31 counties in the state, 48 out of 99 Ohio House of Representatives Districts, 26 out of 33 Ohio Senate Districts, and 14 out of 16 U.S. House of Representatives Districts.
Class of 2025 Fellows
Chris Acock, Early Learning Policy Analyst, Franklin County
Minister Jauneece Adams-Mitchell, Consultant, Angel Heart Foundation
Shaun Barrett, Senior Behavior Support Specialist, The Ohio State University Nisonger Center
Bonnie Berg-Simmons, Librarian, Twinsburg Public Library
Monica Cardenas, Professional Development & Support Specialist, HOPE Toledo
Holly Conroy, Prevention & Inclusion Programs Specialist, Starting Point, Cuyahoga County
Emily Cresswell, Early Childhood Education Coach, Miami Valley Child Development Center
Simone 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 Children
Delaney 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., Lakewood
Katy Philpot, Teacher, Dayton Public Schools
Jennifer 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 Point
Michelle Shelton, Administrator, the Learning Grove
Emilee Stahl, Trainer/EI Service Coordinator, Franklin County Family & Children’s First Council
Mary Taylor, Nurse, Franklin County Public Health
Joy Welch-Bey, Program Manager, Cuyahoga County Office of Early Childhood
Samantha Whatley, Site Administrator, Step Forward, Cleveland
Sarah Zang, Program Coordinator, Action for Children
More information about the Fellowship can be found online and in our recently published Early Childhood Fellowship Report.