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As part of our “Get to Know Groundwork” series, we've been spotlighting members of our amazing team. This week, we’re getting to know Brittany Boulton, who joined Groundwork Ohio in January of 2024. Brittany is the Managing Director of Advocacy & Engagement at Groundwork Ohio. Brittany brings a passion for building relationships and coalitions to drive impactful advocacy to this work. She oversees advocacy and engagement efforts to support Groundwork’s goal of making Ohio the best place to be a young child. A committed advocate for Ohio’s families for over 15 years, Brittany has devoted her career to advocating for policies that improve the lives of households throughout the state. Brittany’s career has always been anchored in public service, beginning as a staffer in the Ohio Statehouse and continuing to support the advocacy, engagement, and communications efforts of a variety of nonprofits working to improve the lives of Ohioans through access to food, housing, and other basic needs. Check out our Q&A with Brittany to learn more about why she’s a passionate advocate for young children and families in Ohio. Q: What drew you to early childhood policy research and advocacy? Tell us more about your “why!” A: My advocacy work has supported community development, access to affordable food and housing, small business support, and operations for a wide variety of nonprofits of various sizes. Children have been a thread through it all, including after-school programming for K-12 kiddos, housing and wraparound services for young adults exiting homelessness and foster care, and students in grandparent care in Chicago Public Schools. Children are the heart of our communities, and that work has become even more personal to me as I began raising my own daughters and navigating early learning opportunities for them. Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or a lesson that you’ve learned that has helped you in this work? A: When I was learning to garden in my first backyard and trying to discern weeds from plants the previous homeowner had seeded, my mom told me, “Brittany, a weed is anything in your garden you do not want.” While she was talking specifically about the flowerbed at hand, it felt like a revelation to me about taking on the responsibility and power to decide which elements I welcome not just into my backyard, but also into my life. Just as I weed through my flowerbed, I can weed out the distractions and negativity that prevent me from focusing on the tools and relationships that will help me drive meaningful impact. Q: What’s your word for 2024? A: My word for 2024 is intentional. It can be so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle and bustle of tasks both at work and at home. I want to be intentional with my time so that I am driving the deepest engagement with Ohio’s families and most impactful advocacy with Ohio’s policymakers that I can through my work at Groundwork. And at home, I hope to create as much joy as I can with my family. Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing? A: I am currently the President of Ohio Women in Government, a membership organization dedicated to developing the skills of women working in or interested in government. I also chair the Clintonville Area Commission, providing community voice to the Columbus City Council on proposed Zoning changes. I help lead my daughters’ Girl Scout troop and love to take them camping! My husband Justin and I love to take the girls to music festivals and to visit our parents in Northeast Ohio. I have a messy, overflowing backyard veggie patch, and you can find me most Saturday mornings at the Clintonville Farmer’s Market, at the Whetstone soccer fields, or running on the Olentangy trail.   Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers. A: A mom walks into her child’s care facility to drop her daughter off before her workday begins. One of the classroom aides greets the mother and child, and the aide is friendly and well-rested because she is no longer losing sleep over financial stress as she is earning a fair wage. Mom is glad to observe that there are ample teachers and aides in the classroom and each child is receiving adequate attention. She even hears some giggles and happy shrieks as she signs her daughter in. The facility is clean, bright, and fully stocked with healthy snacks and engaging toys, books, and other tools for learning. The child is bonded with her teachers and grins when she spots her favorite one. The child looks back at her mom, runs back for one more hug, then darts back into the classroom when she hears one of the aides start story time. The mom breathes a sigh of relief, checks the time on her phone, and realizes she has an extra few minutes to take for herself, enjoying her morning coffee in the fresh air before walking into her workplace. She mentally notes that it’s warming up outside and is glad her child will have a chance to play on the center’s playground with her classmates, and this mom can start her own workday confident that she can look forward to picking up a happy, healthy child. Connect with Brittany on X/Twitter , LinkedIn , or by email .

As part of our “Get to Know Groundwork” series, we've been spotlighting members of our amazing team. This week, we’re getting to know Nathaniel Grossman, who joined Groundwork Ohio in January of 2024. Nathaniel is the Director of Communications at Groundwork Ohio. He has dedicated his career to expanding access to high-quality early childhood education and care for all children. Nathaniel and his family Nathaniel’s journey in education advocacy began with a role as a kindergarten teacher in DC Public Schools (DCPS). There his passion for instruction led to him being the first DCPS teacher to participate in Great Minds’ Eureka Math Fellowship. He also served as a teacher-coach and an educational consultant, collaborating with clients such as the Smithsonian Science Education Center. Witnessing the challenges that families faced in the public school system inspired an interest in education policy. Transitioning from the classroom, Nathaniel became an Editorial Associate at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, a DC-based think tank with a focus on K–12 issues. He wrote regularly for the organization’s Flypaper blog and produced the weekly Education Gadfly Show podcast. As the Deputy Director of Communications at the Center for Education Reform and the Yass Prize, Nathaniel developed the organization’s social media strategy for an audience of more than 50,000 followers. He also developed digital content for the website and oversaw email marketing. A native Ohioan, Nathaniel received his undergraduate degree from Miami University in Oxford. He holds an M.Ed. in Education Policy and Leadership from American University in Washington, DC. He lives in Columbus with his wife and young son.     Check out our Q&A with Nathaniel to learn more about why he’s a passionate advocate for young children and families in Ohio.    Q: What drew you to early childhood policy research and advocacy? Tell us more about your “why.”  A:  I spent more than a decade as a kindergarten teacher and saw firsthand how quality early child education programs like Head Start set kids up for success. Sadly, not all children have access to these programs. Just finding quality child care is difficult for working parents. This puts enormous strain on families and creates disparate impacts for children from under-resourced communities. If we want public education to remain the great equalizer in American society, we should work to expand access to early childhood programs.   Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or a lesson that you’ve learned that has helped you in this work?   A:  It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon . There are no quick solutions to the issues impeding access to early childhood education and care. It will take a prolonged effort from parents, elected officials, and advocacy groups to expand that access to all children. Along the way, there are bound to be setbacks and defeats. But we need to keep moving forward.   Q: What’s your word for 2024?   A:   Collaboration . Never be afraid to reach across the aisle. We need to overcome the partisanship in our politics and get things done. Supporting Ohio’s youngest children should be a goal everyone can work towards, regardless of background or party affiliation. And if we’re willing to collaborate on behalf of kids, it demonstrates that there’s more to unite us than to divide us.     Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing? A:  I’m a dedicated reader, both for myself and with my son. One of our favorite outings is to the Main Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, where there’s always a fun exhibit for kids. I also enjoy running on central Ohio’s beautiful trails, especially the Olentangy and Alum Creek Trails. All that running makes me hungry, so I love exploring Columbus’s restaurant scene with my wife. Our current favorite spot is Agni in German Village.   Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers.  A: I envision a future in which Ohio’s early childhood programs are so good it motivates families to move to the Buckeye State from around the country. Ohio becomes the  destination for parents with young children. As our population surges, our economy expands like never before. All that extra brainpower helps turn Ohio into the Silicon Valley of the Midwest. Connect with Nathaniel on LinkedIn  or by email .

As part of our “Get to Know Groundwork” series, we've been spotlighting members of our amazing team. This week, we’re getting to know Jacob Oates, who joined Groundwork Ohio in June of 2024. As Program Manager, Jacob will manage many of Groundwork Ohio’s crucial audiences, including professionals, families, community leaders, policymakers, and others through effective programming, operations, events, and communications. Jacob has spent his career supporting early childhood education in multiple roles and capacities. He began his early childhood journey as a classroom teacher, learning the skills and dedication needed to support young children in an early childhood setting. He quickly became aware of the impact that early childhood education has on young children of all backgrounds and abilities through his roles of program coordinator, administrator, and manager at the Nisonger Early Learning Program. These opportunities and roles allowed him to expand on and impact the lives of the families at the center. Through his time at the Nisonger Early Learning Program, Jacob encountered many of the challenges families have expressed in accessing and affording child care. He also saw the necessity for program funding at its core and the need for advocates in early childhood education. Jacob graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in education, where he was a part of the Unified Sports program at the intramural level. Jacob has a passion for supporting families with a child or adult with a developmental delay or disability, and his time at the Nisonger Center and Unified Sports sculpted this avidity. Jacob stays connected to organizations such as Special Olympics Ohio and DSACO. He lives in Columbus with his wife and in his free time enjoys geography and history-themed trivia, sports, and board games.   Check out our Q&A with Jacob to learn more about why he’s a passionate advocate for young children and families in Ohio.    Q: What drew you to early childhood policy research and advocacy? Tell us more about your “why.”  A:  In my role in early childhood education, I couldn’t help but notice the challenges that families face when it comes to gaining access to child care or funds for support of child care. Working with families and Publicly Funded Child care, I saw the internal and external hardship that parents and single-family households went through to keep their children in school. My why  for joining Groundwork Ohio is to make a true impact on the ground level to give families the support and voice to be heard over the issues of gaining quality and affordable child care.   Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or a lesson that you’ve learned that has helped you in this work?   A: Be the example. Whether this was instilled in me as a young high school athlete or in my experience in early learning, being the example for an issue or conflict by leading and supporting those that need help is a lesson that I have held on to and try and walk by day-to-day. Educating and leading others on the topic of early childhood are a couple of ways I try to “be the example” each day.   Q: What’s your word for 2024?   A: My word for 2024 is Aim . No matter what you are attempting, overcoming, or learning, always Aim  for your desired outcome. This is primarily an archery term, but I find it applies to life as well. In archery, you must fix the arrow to the bowstring, point, and focus before letting the arrow loose. In life, whatever we are targeting, we must first gather information, set a goal, and focus to get the results that we want. My Aim  for this year is setting ambitious goals and strategies to direct efforts toward improving the educational experiences and outcomes for young children.   Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing? A:  In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my family and playing board games. I grew up in a sports-dominated household, so I am no stranger to competition and games. My wife and I spend a lot of time with family and friends and enjoy pool, reading, and walking outside.   Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers.  A: A single mother of two who was denied access to the child care that her kids once attended can finally walk her children back through the front doors now that she has the support and access to funding needed to enroll them. The mother now has the time to pursue her career knowing that her children are being supported and accessing quality care. Connect with Jacob on LinkedIn or by email.

As part of our “Get to Know Groundwork” series, we’re spotlighting our amazing colleagues so you can get to know the dynamic components comprising our mighty team. This week, we’re getting to know Marti Ridley, Digital Communications Director. Marti joined the Groundwork team in November 2024.   A longtime supporter of early childhood education, Marti Ridley brings her personal enthusiasm and professional marketing skills to the policy advocacy work of Groundwork Ohio. In her role as Digital Communications Director, she connects stakeholders to Groundwork Ohio’s policy advocacy work through effective and strategic online and digital engagement.   Marti is passionate about volunteerism and advocacy for early childhood education. Over the last sixteen years she has been an active servant leader, providing governance and oversight of one of the largest Head Start programs in the state, Child Development Council of Franklin County, Inc. (CDCFC). She is a proud mom to two CDCFC Head Start graduates, now local high school students, daughter Amaia and son Machai.   Marti enjoys being ‘the smile that makes you smile’ and is known for her positive attitude and solutions-based approaches. Her areas of expertise include advocacy, project management, Head Start and early childhood education, parent engagement, and non-profit management and integrated services.   Check out our Q&A with Marti to learn more about why she is an energetic cheerleader for young children and families in Ohio!   Q: What drew you to early childhood policy research and advocacy? Tell us more about your “why”! A: During my service with Child Development Council of Franklin County, I quickly discovered how important it is to have passionate educated advocates sharing a cohesive message with our elected policymakers. Federal policy dictated every facet of our governance structure including which children and families we were able to serve. Knowledge of policies and strong partnerships with legislators was critical to the success of our mission, which allowed us to provide high-quality early childhood education to children and support to their families.   Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or a lesson that you’ve learned that has helped you in this work? A: “You don’t have to be perfect. Start with being present.”   Q: What’s your word for 2025? A: Illuminate.   Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing? A: I love to start with proximity. Get close to the cause. I enjoy visiting homes, classrooms and business meetings to speak with families, caregivers and employers to hear directly from them about their experiences and how we can help. We don’t have a magic wand, but we can make collective efforts to help children and families reduce barriers and reach success.   Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers. A: Accessibility to high quality health care— transportation to appointments and easy-to-schedule virtual options. Beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy with plenty of organic learning opportunities. Safe neighborhoods with housing that people can afford to stay in, providing stability for the entire family and community. Employment opportunities that stabilize households and allow people to enjoy the places where they live and work. An education continuum that has nearly perfected information sharing that allows us to best serve children as they learn and grow into our future problem solvers.   Connect with Marti on LinkedIn  or by email.

As part of our “Get to Know Groundwork” series, we've been spotlighting members of our amazing team. This week, we’re getting to know Ta'Sha Charles-Camara, who joined Groundwork Ohio in March of 2024. As the Community Engagement Manager for Groundwork Ohio, Ta’Sha L. Charles-Camara, MSW, supports the implementation and execution of family engagement activities. Ta’Sha elevates the voices of families with young children in early childhood policy and advocacy to achieve programmatic, policy, and practice changes at local, regional, and state levels. Ta'Sha has been leading with empathy and empowering underserved communities for over eight years and continues to make a meaningful impact through her non-profit organization Touching Lives "in the" Community Inc., which she founded on the ideas of equity, service, and inclusion with intentions to uplift underserved communities of color. Ta’Sha is currently working on her Doctoral degree in social work through the University of Kentucky where her main focus is administrative leadership. She has a bachelor's in social work and political science, and a minor certificate in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies from Ohio Dominican University. An alumna of The Ohio State University, Ta’Sha earned a master's in social work with an area of emphasis in social and community justice in May of 2022. Ta'Sha's vision for a more just and equitable society keeps her motivated. She believes that together, through empathy and education, we can achieve empowerment for all. Ta’Sha currently sits on the Young Professionals Board for St. Stephen’s Community House, where she spearheads volunteer initiatives. Along with board roles, Ta’Sha works closely with youth organizations throughout Columbus to promote community engagement and education. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., an organization founded to uplift the Black community and promote social advocacy. Ta'Sha is native to Columbus, Ohio, and has focused a large portion of her professional career in the area.   Check out our Q&A with Ta'Sha to learn more about why she’s a passionate advocate for young children and families in Ohio.    Q: What drew you to early childhood policy research and advocacy? Tell us more about your “why.”  A:  What drew me to early childhood policy research and advocacy is my love for systems and how they impact marginalized groups of people. My background is in social work, and I have always been interested in macro-level practices. Additionally, I believe children are the future and the foundation for a greater future starts in early childhood research and advocacy.   Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or a lesson that you’ve learned that has helped you in this work?   A: The best piece of advice I have received is from a mentor of mine. She compared the work we do to fishing; when you go fishing you may catch one fish, or you may catch a lot, but at the end of the day you caught something and that’s what matters most. I think this sentiment can be applied to all aspects of life because it's not about the number but about the impact.   Q: What’s your word for 2024?   A:   VICTOR   Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing? A:   I enjoy spending time with my husband and our dog, Three. We are a sports family, so I tend to support my husband at his coaching events and give back to our local community. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family exploring and learning new things!   Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers.  A: Equity and access for all children and families regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, and socio-economic status! Inclusion for the voices who have been pushed to the back for far too long and adequate accessibility to educational resources for caregivers.   Connect with Ta'Sha on LinkedIn  or by email .

As part of our “Get to Know Groundwork” series, we've been spotlighting members of our amazing team. This week, we’re getting to know Susan Ackerman, who joined Groundwork Ohio in March of 2024. In the heart of Groundwork Ohio’s mission stands Susan Ackerman, a passionate and dedicated leader with an unwavering commitment to the well-being of mothers and their precious babies and young children. As the Managing Director of Policy at Groundwork Ohio, Susan brings a lifetime of policy and advocacy expertise to the forefront of our efforts. Susan is the driving force behind the development, leadership, and implementation of the organization’s visionary policy agenda. With a keen focus on critical maternal and infant healthcare initiatives and early learning programs, Susan shapes policies and systems that are not only impactful, but resonate deeply with the needs of Ohio’s infants, toddlers, young children, and their families. In addition to her role in policy development, Susan directs Groundwork Ohio’s statewide coalition efforts, orchestrating recruitment, outreach, engagement, and mobilization initiatives to hold decision-makers accountable to the best interests of Ohio’s youngest. Susan’s journey to Groundwork Ohio is marked by a rich tapestry of experiences, most recently serving as the Managing Director of the Ohio practice for Sellers Dorsey. Here, she collaborated with health systems nationwide, securing additional Medicaid funding to preserve access and enhance care for Medicaid patients—an accomplishment indicative of her commitment to equitable healthcare outcomes.   Check out our Q&A with Susan to learn more about why she’s a passionate advocate for young children and families in Ohio.    Q: What drew you to early childhood policy research and advocacy? Tell us more about your “why.”  A:  I have always been interested in how things connect – in my professional life that means policy and funding. Health and human services policy is especially intricate and intertwined and particularly challenging for many people to navigate. Too often this complexity lets people down rather than helps to lift them up. As the mother of twins. I know that raising children is hard work. I have experienced many of the challenges that Groundwork works to improve - from pregnancy complications to premature birth to challenges finding quality child care – and yet I fully recognize that I had it much easier than most since I had a spouse, financial resources, and extended family support. I feel a strong responsibility to help children thrive.    Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or a lesson that you’ve learned that has helped you in this work?   A: I have been fortunate to have a lot of great bosses. Two pieces of advice that stick out are the need to leverage the power of the strong when you serve the poor and the weak and the power of diverse coalitions to make difficult and meaningful change.    Q: What’s your word for 2024?   A:  Optimism – We all have a vested interest in the health and well-being of children. If we all work together for children, we can improve our collective future.    Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing? A:   With our children about to “leave the payroll,” as they start their post-college lives, my husband and I are reengaging with those activities we set aside when we became parents. Ironically, one of our favorite activities remains checking out our favorite animals at the zoo. I am a huge fan of hippos and capybaras.    Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers.  A: All Ohio parents are empowered and have the resources that they need to ensure their children thrive. Connect with Susan on  Twitter , LinkedIn , or by email.

As part of our “Get to Know Groundwork” series, we've been spotlighting members of our amazing team. This week, we’re getting to know Malissa Harris, who joined Groundwork Ohio in June of 2024. As a Policy Associate, Malissa will provide critical assistance and support to Groundwork Ohio’s policy team and support the implementation and execution of Groundwork’s Family Action Network to elevate the voices of young families with young children.     Malissa has spent her career working in early childhood education at Little Miracles EDC and is dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families. Through her work as an early childhood educator and Assistant Director, Malissa provided vital support in helping families with screenings and referrals. She helped to manage and oversee a 5-star Step Up To Quality program and created a system to help the center maintain its 5-star rating, which included creating a child portfolio system, providing assessments, partnering with Early Start Columbus and the Child Development Council of Franklin County Head Start, and assisting new early childhood educators with the skills to help them be successful in the classroom.      Most recently, Malissa worked as an Americorps VISTA at United Way of Central Ohio. She helped support United Way of Central Ohio’s Tax Time Program, which provides free high-quality tax preparation services to families of low- and moderate-incomes. In her role, she supported a small team to find sponsorships, recruit volunteers, partner with other non-profit organizations, research tax credits, and lead the implementation of their first Tax Time Pilot.   Malissa received her undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati in Early Childhood Education and her graduate degree from The Ohio State University in Education Policy. Malissa’s interests include ensuring all families have access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education.    In addition to her role at Groundwork Ohio, Malissa is passionate about families being advocates for their own children. She sits on the Child Development Council of Franklin County’s Policy Council as co-chair and is also a part of the Ohio Head Start Parent Advocacy Network.    Check out our Q&A with Malissa to learn more about why she’s a passionate advocate for young children and families in Ohio.  Malissa and her family. Q: What drew you to early childhood policy research and advocacy? Tell us more about your “why.” A:  In my role in early childhood education, I couldn’t help but notice the challenges that families face when it comes to gaining access to child care or funds for support of child care. Working with families and Publicly Funded Child Care, I saw the internal and external hardship that parents and single-family households went through to keep their children in school. My why  for joining Groundwork Ohio is to make a true impact on the ground level to give families the support and voice to be heard over the issues of gaining quality and affordable child care.   Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or a lesson that you’ve learned that has helped you in this work?  A: When attending the Annual Conference for the National Association of the Education for Young Children (NAEYC) in 2018, I signed up for a conference session that presented insight into the Child Care Block Development Grant (CCDBG) as it was an opportunity for me to learn more about how early learning is funded. When I came back to Columbus, I talked to the owners at Little Miracles EDC and told them that we needed to become the voices for families and early childhood education. I wanted to advocate for access to affordable high-quality early childhood education even though I did not know much about early childhood policy research or advocacy. This also inspired me to go to The Ohio State University for Education Policy. I focused my master’s on advocating for high-quality, affordable child care for families and early childhood educators’ wage disparities.   Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or a lesson that you’ve learned that has helped you in this work? A: The best piece of advice that I have received is “Keep Trying.” It can be daunting to be a catalyst for change but when you find people who have the same goal in mind, it’s easier to bring about change. I think that takes courage to not give up on whatever your goal(s) are. Q: What’s your word for 2024? A: My word for 2024 is Add . I want to bring new experiences and people into my life to advance my own growth. I have begun to add people into my life outside of the colleagues who I spent nine years working alongside in the early childhood field. I think that I have made connections that will last a lifetime. I can be introverted when I first meet people, so I have tried to overcome that within the last year. Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing? A: In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family visiting different places around Columbus and the state. Our favorite places this summer are the pool, splash pads, COSI, and exploring the different parks. My mom and I spend a lot of time together watching Korean or Chinese dramas as well. Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers. A: My vision for the future of Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers is that they have access to all the resources and supports that they need to be successful. This would include access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education, early intervention, health care services, etc. Connect with Malissa on LinkedIn or by email .

As part of our “Get to Know Groundwork” series, we've been spotlighting members of our amazing team. This week, we’re getting to know Sara Loken, Groundwork's Managing Director of Communications. Sara joined the Groundwork team in September 2024 to oversee the development, strategy, and execution of all communications outreach. Before joining Groundwork Ohio, Sara served as the Chief Communication + Brand Officer at Community Shelter Board, where she played a pivotal role in elevating the organization's brand and advancing its mission to ensure everyone in Columbus and Franklin County has a place to call home. With over 25 years of nonprofit experience, Sara has a deep commitment to social justice and advocacy, which she brings to her work at Groundwork Ohio.   Check out our Q&A with Sara to learn more about why she’s a passionate advocate for young children and families in Ohio. Q: What drew you to early childhood policy research and advocacy? Tell us more about your “why”! A: After more than 25 years working on homelessness and housing insecurity, transitioning to Groundwork Ohio allows me to tackle systemic inequities at their roots and earlier stages. Advocating for equity for young children is particularly compelling because it offers the opportunity to address barriers early that can impact a person's ability to live healthier and more successful lives.   Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or a lesson that you’ve learned that has helped you in this work? A: The most impactful lesson I've learned is that racial inequity is pervasive across all systems. The institutions, systems, and outcomes in the U.S. are rooted in the racial hierarchy upon which the nation was founded. This reveals a "groundwater" problem, meaning that the issue runs deep and affects everything, requiring comprehensive "groundwater" solutions. I gained this understanding through trainings with the Racial Equity Institute , which align with Groundwork Ohio’s efforts to collaborate with state policymakers to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.   Q: What’s your word for 2024? A: Empower. One of the best gifts we can give others is to encourage them to be entirely themselves and exercise agency and empowerment over their own lives. I’m especially focused on this principle as I delight in watching my young adult children find their way in the world.     Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing? A: When I’m not advocating on behalf of young children and families, I enjoy reading, paper quilling, and hosting collaborative weekly dinners with my beautiful, blended family. I also spend regular time with a tight-knit group of lifelong friends. Traveling with my partner, Charles Miller, who works in information technology, is another passion. We recently purchased our dream home in Grove City, where we enjoy a quiet and happy life, appreciating one another and the fruits of our families.   Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers. A: In my vision for Ohio's youngest children and their caregivers, I see a future where every child, regardless of their background, has access to high-quality early education, health care, and supportive environments. Caregivers are empowered and supported with the resources they need to nurture their children, free from the stress of financial or systemic barriers. I envision communities where racial inequities have been dismantled, and every child has the opportunity to thrive, grow, and reach their full potential in a state that truly values and invests in its youngest residents.   Connect with Sara on LinkedIn , or by email .

As part of our “Get to Know Groundwork” series, we’re spotlighting our amazing colleagues so you can get to know the dynamic components comprising our mighty team. This week, we’re getting to know Vanessa Butler, Senior Director of Community Relations & Special Projects. Vanessa joined the Groundwork team in October 2024.   Vanessa Butler recently rejoined Groundwork Ohio to serve as the Senior Director of Community Relations & Special Projects, to assist with building, maintaining, and nurturing key community relationships through unique strategies, initiatives, and engagement tactics. Vanessa previously served the President and CEO of The Center for Healthy Families, an organization that provides direct services and advocacy for pregnant and parenting teens and their families, as well as girls, young women, and gender expansive youth. Vanessa’s previous professional roles consist of serving as a policy associate for Groundwork Ohio, a civil fellow and clerk for The Ohio State University’s Student Legal Services, as well as a deputy auditor for the Board of Revision in the Franklin County Auditor’s Office. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from Capital University Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Denison University. She is a 2022 graduate of The Kathy Duffy Espy Leadership for Social Change Program by YWCA Columbus. Vanessa previously served on several boards, including the board of directors for the W.O.R.T.H. Foundation, the alumni board for Columbus Academy, as well Komen Young Professionals board of the Susan G. Komen Columbus affiliate. She was also previously highlighted in the Columbus Urban League’s HerStory Makers 2024, as well as Who’s Who of Black Columbus Young Professionals. Check out our Q&A with Vanessa to learn more about why she is a passionate advocate for young children and families in Ohio!   Q: What drew you to early childhood policy research and advocacy? Tell us more about your “why”! A: Every child’s future is dependent on the decisions and choices made today. I have always considered myself an advocate and voice for others ever since I was a child. Now as an adult, I see the current state of society and critical needs that are necessary for each child to thrive in equitable environments and be the best versions of themselves. I look for ways to connect with others in authentic and genuine ways to align minds and resources needed in this work. We all have a vital role to contribute towards tangible change, and I seek opportunities to do my part.   Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or a lesson that you’ve learned that has helped you in this work? A: Do not become disheartened when progress is slow and takes time. Be encouraged by every human interaction you have with others because you never know the impact you’ve made, which can then culminate into effective, tangible outcomes.   Q: What’s your word for 2024? A: I actually have a few: intuition, release, practice, and bliss.   Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing? A: I always enjoy spending quality time with family and close friends, attending community events, going on long walks downtown, and watching movies.   Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers. A: Each childcare environment is filled with intentional belonging, which focuses on the individual attentiveness and development of each child. Rooms are filled with greenery, artwork, and soothing sounds. Learning environments will promote curiosity, joy, affirming and celebrating each child when new discoveries are made, as well as rest. With caregivers receiving the necessary support needed to tend to young minds, it will model and cultivate more nurturing spaces for both young minds and those entrusted to care for them.   Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn or by email .

As part of our “Get to Know Groundwork Ohio” series, we’re spotlighting our amazing colleagues so you can get to know the dynamic components comprising our mighty team. This week, we’re getting to know CJ Murphy, Operations manager. CJ joined the Groundwork Ohio team in August 2024.   As Operations Manager, CJ Murphy supports the Groundwork Ohio team through the day-to-day functions of the organization, including financial and grant tracking, physical office needs, and general administrative support. They strive to create a welcoming, supportive, and organized environment to ensure the team is performing at their best.   CJ holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Ashland University and is currently pursuing a Master of Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.   Prior to joining the Groundwork Ohio team, CJ taught 7th and 8th grade math for Groveport Madison Local Schools. Seeing firsthand how much more support their students and families needed to thrive, especially before reaching middle school, inspired CJ to get involved in improving the lives of children at a more systemic level. Since leaving education, they now have five years of non-profit administrative and fiscal experience. Check out our Q&A with to learn more about why they are a passionate advocate for young children and families in Ohio!   Q: What drew you to early childhood policy research and advocacy? Tell us more about your “why”! A: As a middle school teacher, I saw a lot of students who were behind on their education through no fault of theirs or their families. I began wondering what we could do to better bolster these students and their families, and the more I dug, I realized they’d been failed by the system at one point or another. Early childhood policy, research, and advocacy is the way I see correcting those systemic issues to allow children and families to thrive.   Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or a lesson that you’ve learned that has helped you in this work? A: Take time to do things that bring you joy. Too many times, we are told that if we work hard, everything will get done and done well. What happens more often is that you work nonstop and burn out and your work suffers. Doing things that bring you joy for no other reason than they bring you joy is a way to take a break, recharge, and continue to do the good work you’re so passionate about.   Q: What’s your word for 2024? A: Possibility. This year has brought a lot of positive changes for me, so I want to continue to bask in the possibilities life has to offer.   Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing? A: I love hanging out with my son, our cats, and our family and friends. My favorite hobbies are embroidering, baking, and gardening, but I’m always up for learning something new!   Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers. A: In the future I envision for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers, everyone has access to the services they need to thrive, without having to worry about how utilizing those services impacts the rest of their lives.   Connect with CJ on LinkedIn or by email .

As part of our “Get to Know Groundwork” series, we’re spotlighting our amazing colleagues so you can get to know the dynamic components comprising our mighty team. This week, we’re getting to know Dominique Johnson, Policy Associate. Dominique  joined the Groundwork team in January 2025.   Dominique Johnson has joined Groundwork Ohio as the new Policy Associate, where she will play a critical role in supporting the implementation and expansion of the Safe Babies approach across the state of Ohio. Her work will also focus on advancing maternal and young child health policy priorities, with the goal of creating healthier, more equitable outcomes for families. In this capacity, Dominique will collaborate with stakeholders, community leaders, and policymakers to drive initiatives that address the pressing needs of mothers, infants, and children.   Dominique’s journey into advocacy is deeply personal and rooted in her own lived experiences. After the heartbreaking loss of her child, she was compelled to reflect on the systemic challenges that impacted her life—both during her youth and as an adult. This realization ignited her passion for change and motivated her to use her voice to advocate for the next generation. She is dedicated to breaking down barriers, addressing inequities, and working toward a future where all families have the support and resources they need to thrive.   Dominique serves on the board of Queens Village Columbus, a minority, woman-led organization committed to empowering Black women while addressing the significant racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates in Columbus, Ohio. Through her work with Queens Village, she has actively participated in initiatives that uplift and support Black mothers, families, and communities. Her role has also afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of other organizations and initiatives, including Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where she has contributed to Safe Sleep programs aimed at reducing infant mortality.   Her personal journey has shaped her approach to advocacy, giving her a unique perspective and a relentless drive to create solutions that prioritize equity and inclusion. By championing the Safe Babies approach and maternal and child health priorities, Dominique is working to ensure that every child and every family has the opportunity to thrive.    Check out our Q&A with Dominique to learn more about why she’s a passionate advocate for young children and families in Ohio!   Q: What drew you to early childhood policy research and advocacy? Tell us more about your “why”!  I was drawn to early childhood policy research and advocacy because I have personally witnessed the persistent challenges faced by children growing up in underserved communities. Growing up in the inner city of Cleveland, Ohio, and later working with elementary kids in Dayton, Ohio, I noticed the challenges children face, such as entering kindergarten without being able to read at grade level and experiencing developmental delays that often go unnoticed or unaddressed. It is disheartening to see that the same issues I encountered as a child and later as a young adult persist today, decades later.   As someone who once struggled to keep up with school, I understand the profound impact that early educational and developmental support can have on a child’s future. My lived experiences fuel my passion to address these systemic issues and advocate for meaningful change. It is unacceptable that these challenges remain unresolved, and I am committed to using my perspective and dedication to create policies and programs that ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.   Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or a lesson that you’ve learned that has helped you in this work? The best advice I’ve ever received is to never be afraid to take a seat at any table. Advocacy work was entirely new to me when I first started, and I had limited knowledge about maternal and infant health. However, I did have my own lived experiences during pregnancy and the stories of others in my community. Instead of letting my lack of technical expertise hold me back, I embraced that advice and stepped confidently into spaces with organizations like Nationwide Children’s Hospital and March of Dimes. I spoke boldly about what I knew, shared my perspective, and remained open to learning from those around me. By listening attentively and engaging meaningfully, I was able to expand my knowledge and grow into a more effective advocate.   Q: What’s your word for 2025?  My word for 2025 is "slingshot." Over the next year, my goal is to challenge myself by exploring new directions and pushing beyond my current limits. I aim to take bold leaps of faith and see how far I can soar, embracing growth and embracing opportunities for success in every new venture.   Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing? Outside of my advocacy work for young children and families, I enjoy hosting various gatherings at my home, from game nights with my cousins to children's birthday parties and even hosting bridal showers for my niece. I take great pleasure in decorating these events and creating thoughtful meals and drinks that make the occasion special for my guests. Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers. My  vision for the future of Ohio's youngest children and their caregivers begins with building strong, supportive communities. I envision a world where becoming a parent feels like joining a supportive club—a network of care where parents are never alone. This club includes not only doctors and hospital staff as trusted allies but also doulas and midwives, offering an additional layer of personalized support for those who choose it.   Hospitals are places where mothers of all races feel genuinely heard, respected, and confident that the staff will do everything in their power to prioritize the health and well-being of both mother and baby. However, this club doesn’t end its membership after a child is born. The support continues, extending into the home with visits that not only address the physical health of the mother and child but also provide meaningful assistance, such as offering mothers a few hours of rest or a free, nourishing meal for the family.   In this vision, it’s okay for a mother to admit she feels overwhelmed and needs a moment to seek help, knowing she will return to her child as an even better, more present parent. This club wouldn’t judge or shame mothers who need assistance but instead would extend a helping hand, connecting them with resources while ensuring their child is cared for by trusted family or friends. This isn’t about taking children away but about surrounding families with the support they need to stay together and thrive.   This vision is backed by a system that truly understands the challenges of parenting and champions policies and programs designed to make it easier. A system where every baby and child have a real opportunity to thrive, whether with the family they come from or with another family that loves them as their own.   Achieving this vision requires more than just new programs—it demands a shift in how we view and value people in need. We must recognize that every family deserves the same opportunities for health, stability, and success, regardless of their circumstances. By investing in policies and programs that support all families, and by seeing ourselves in the experiences of others, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for Ohio's children and caregivers.   Connect with Dominique on  LinkedIn .

As part of our “Get to Know Groundwork Ohio” series, we’re spotlighting our amazing colleagues so you can get to know the dynamic components comprising our mighty team. This week, we’re getting to know Mary Jane Sanese, Communications Associate. Mary Jane joined the Groundwork Ohio team in April 2025.   Mary Jane joins Groundwork Ohio as a Communication Associate, to support the organization’s communications and advocacy efforts aimed at improving outcomes for children.   Mary Jane is a published journalist with experience at Axios and Gannett/USA Today Network covering Ohio politics. She is a communications and marketing professional with experience in both the nonprofit and private sectors. She is a graduate of Ohio University’s E.W Scripps School of Journalism where she received a B.S. in Journalism and a minor in Political Communications.   Check out our Q&A with Mary Jane to learn more about why she is a passionate advocate for young children and families in Ohio! Q: What drew you to early childhood policy research and advocacy? Tell us more about your “why”! A: As we know, 90% of brain development happens in the first five years of life. When I was four years old, I went to the eye doctor and learned I was legally blind in my left eye. However, I was told if I wore an eye patch on my right eye, it would strengthen my left eye and I would have close to 20/20 vision with glasses on. I was lucky we caught it when we did, because once the optic nerve is fully developed after age five, an eye patch would no longer be effective. This is a perfect example of why early intervention is so extremely important. If my mother never would have taken me to the eye doctor when she did, I may not have had the opportunity to correct my vision, and it would have impacted the rest of my life. The first years of life are crucial in so many ways, and it’s imperative that all children and their caregivers are given the resources and the opportunity to have a solid foundation in their first few years, because that can make all the difference for the rest of their lives.   Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or a lesson that you’ve learned that has helped you in this work? A: The best piece of advice I have received is to never stop learning. I try to remember to look at every interaction, mistake, or experience as a way to learn something and grow from it!   Q: What’s your word for 2025? A: Seek. This year I want to seek out all the things that can help me grow as a person personally and professionally- new connections, answers to questions and problems, or opportunities to experience new things and challenge myself!   Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing? A: I enjoy traveling, baking and tending to my many plants. I recently have started learning how to refurbish some of my antique furniture! I also love hanging out with my cats at home and enjoy a good board game night!    Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers. A: My vision for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers is that the tools and resources for a healthy start are accessible to everyone, and that the access makes everyone’s lives easier to thrive.   Connect with Mary Jane on LinkedIn or by email .