Early Childhood Policy Fellowship

Past Fellows

Meet our past cohorts of leaders from across the United States who are working toward creating high-quality, equitable early childhood systems.

2025-26

Ene Afufu

Ene Afufu is the program manager of the National Early Educator Training Center at SEIU Education and Support Fund, where she leads efforts to build inclusive, worker- and human-centered solutions in early childhood education. With more than 12 years of experience in program management, policy advocacy, and workforce development, she brings a deep commitment to racial equity and economic justice. Her work focuses on advocating for child care providers as essential workers and advancing systemic change to ensure equitable access to quality care. Ene is dedicated to collaboration and creating spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued.

Jess Cho

Jess Cho is a managing director at Promise Venture Studio, where she helps lead The Promise Fund, a catalytic impact fund providing capital and support to proximate-led, early-stage social ventures in Early Childhood Care and Development. She also co-leads the Early Childhood Leaders of Color Collaborative and coaches a portfolio of equity-driven, early childhood-focused social ventures. Previously, Jess held leadership roles at The Primary School, Oakland Unified School District’s English Language Learner Office, and Education Pioneers. She brings expertise in strategic planning, talent management, operations, and product development and is a proud University of California, Berkeley alumna.

Dr. Carrie Comer-Yates

Dr. Carrie Comer-Yates is a senior leader with Chicago Public Schools, where she has directed district-wide early childhood and special education initiatives, overseeing cross-functional teams, coaching systems, implementation planning, compliance, and continuous quality improvement across hundreds of school- and community-based early learning programs. She is passionate about bridging research, policy, and practice to ensure every child has access to exceptional educational opportunities. Her expertise spans instructional leadership, early intervention, inclusive education, professional learning, program operations, policy implementation, and strategic partnerships.

Jaclyn Ballesteros

Jaclyn “Jackee” Ballesteros serves as community benefits and partnerships project manager at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, where she works with stakeholders across the organization to shape and communicate a future vision for community health. She brings extensive experience in early childhood education systems and ecosystem building, having worked as an educator and curriculum developer and, most recently, with Harris County’s Early Childhood Initiatives Division. Jackee holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Texas State University, a master’s degree in Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Education from the University of Colorado-Boulder, and a graduate certificate in Early Childhood Leadership from the University of Colorado-Denver.

Caitlin Fitzsimmons

Caitlin Fitzsimmons is a driven, solution-focused public health professional with 20 years of experience across sectors and settings, with expertise in infant and early childhood mental health. She currently works as a clinical social worker in a pediatric NICU. Caitlin holds an MS in Social Work and is a candidate for a Master of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health.

Natalie Flores

Natalie Flores is the assistant director of workforce development, serving the Pennsylvania Key on behalf of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning. Drawing on her experience as a former child care teacher, she helps shape early childhood education workforce development initiatives across Pennsylvania. With a deep commitment to equity, Natalie leads statewide efforts to reimagine professional development and advancement for a workforce that has long been undervalued. Through the Bank Street Early Childhood Education Policy Fellowship and other leadership networks, she works to expand early childhood career pathways and elevate these roles as viable, respected careers within the broader education ecosystem.

Patrick Gamble

Patrick “PJ” Gamble is the early learning policy administrator for the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, where he leads the County’s Prenatal-to-Eight strategy to redesign how early learning is funded, delivered, and experienced by families. He oversees Franklin County RISE, a $40+ million initiative supporting access to care, provider quality, and workforce stabilization, while guiding its transition to a sustainable long-term model. PJ also advances system integration across county and city efforts, including Early Start Columbus, and explores opportunities to strengthen data infrastructure. Known for his relational leadership and systems thinking, he brings together government, philanthropy, and community partners to build more coordinated and equitable early learning systems.

Dr. Leigh Jefferson Griffin

Dr. Leigh Jefferson Griffin serves as executive director of Louisiana Alliance Focused on Redefining Communities Everywhere (LAFORCE), a Baton Rouge-based nonprofit that supports programs positively impacting young children, families, and educators. Previously, Dr. Griffin served as Executive Director of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System’s Early Childhood Department. Her work focuses on strengthening communities and advancing opportunities for children and families through early childhood systems and supports. Dr. Griffin earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership from Southern University and A&M College and a PhD in Educational Leadership and Research from Louisiana State University.

Nyree Whittaker-Roth

Nyree Whittaker-Roth is a senior early childhood education program manager and instructional administrator in the Department of Education, bringing more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education. Her commitment to equity, policy advocacy, and family partnerships has shaped her work as a transformational leader who bridges gaps among home, school, and community. Nyree is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, focusing on the experiences of women of color in leadership, with an emphasis on resilience, mental health, and systemic impact.

2023-24

Suzette Espinoza-Cruz

Suzette Espinoza-Cruz is a Senior Early Education Programs Specialist in the Early Learning and Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) at the City of Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL). She has 20+ years of experience supporting diverse early learning and child care workers across the city. Previously, she worked as an Early Learning Policy Specialist, taught pre-K, worked as an ECE mentor teacher, and co-led the worthy wages campaign for child care workers in San Francisco, California. Suzette has served as a member of several state and local policy advisory boards and currently volunteers as a legislative leader with Save the Children Action Network and is a member of the King County Child and Youth Advisory Board. She completed a P-3 Executive Leadership Certificate from the University of Washington and has a Bachelor of Arts in Consumer and Family Science (Child Development) from San Francisco State University.

Denise Bermudez

Denise Bermudez is the Director of PHLpreK for the Office of Children and Families at The City of Philadelphia. In her role as PHLpreK Director, she oversees the operations and strategic planning of the PHLpreK program, The City of Philadelphia’s free high-quality pre-K program that is funded by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax. In some previous roles, she was an Early Childhood Director and an Operations Manager for out-of-school time programming at two Latino non-profit organizations in Philadelphia. She holds a master’s degree in Organization Development and Leadership with an emphasis on Adult Learning from Saint Joseph’s University and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Temple University.

Lauren Brown

Lauren Brown serves as the Director of Family Services for the District of Columbia Public School’s Early Childhood Education Division. Lauren has served on this team for 11 years, first joining as a specialist, then as a manager, and now as the director for the last three years. The Family Services team provides parent programming in addition to supporting children and families to develop goals and address critical needs. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California.

Andi Bales Molnar

Andi Bales Molnar is the Professional Learning System Specialist for Oregon’s Department of Early Learning and Care. In this role, she partners throughout the early learning sector to support equitable access to workforce development, increase access to early learning for families, and system development for program quality improvement. She has over 20 years of experience in early learning programs and grant management, Head Start Collaboration and educational technical assistance, and subsidized child care. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Curriculum from California State University, Chico, and a master’s degree in Leadership in Human Services from Pacific Oaks College.

Aruna Gilbert

Aruna Gilbert is the Chief Program and Policy Officer at the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County in Florida. She supports the administration of federal, state, and local funding to provide subsidized child care and resources and referrals for over 700 early learning sites. Aruna holds a master’s degree in Social Work from Barry University and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the State University of New York at Cortland.

Kassandra Gonzales

Kassandra Gonzales, MA, LPCC, IMH-E, is a program coordinator for the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Departments (NM ECECD), Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) Initiative. Her early childhood experience began as an early childhood educator for seven years, moving into the behavioral and mental health field where she started as a treatment coordinator for Treatment Foster Children, before becoming a Behavioral Management Specialist (BMS). Prior to joining NM ECECD, she was an experiential play therapist and clinical supervisor for a BMS program for six years. Kassandra holds a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from the University of New Mexico. She has recently received a graduate certificate in Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) from Georgetown University.

Lara Kyriakou

Lara Kyriakou is the Associate Director of Early Childhood Policy & Advocacy at The Education Trust–New York, where she focuses on advancing policies that support infants and toddlers during the first critical years of life across New York State. Prior to joining Ed Trust–NY, Lara worked at the South Bronx Rising Together initiative at Children’s Aid Society. Lara has also worked in research settings at New York University and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and as a home visitor and an early childhood child care teacher in Philadelphia. Lara holds a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development and a bachelor’s degree from Pace University in Psychology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies.

Nakilia McCray

Nakilia McCray is a Regional Program Specialist with the Administration of Children and Families, Office of Child Care. She oversees Child Care Development Funds for State Lead Agencies, encouraging both compliance and collaboration. Prior to this role, she spent almost two decades with Georgia’s Lead Agency, Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning, as well as working in lead management roles with a nationally recognized employer-sponsored child care provider. Nakilia’s goal is to consistently drive program improvement. She is committed to nurturing children’s growth and dedicated to shaping policies for a better future. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Early Childhood Education from Appalachian State University.

Ana Nieto

Ana Nieto is the Coordinator of Prenatal to School Entry Partnership Alignment and Grant Development at Somerville Public Schools, where she supports cross-sector early childhood initiatives. She has served the early childhood field for over 15 years as an Early Childhood Senior Program Specialist at the LEGO Foundation, Early Childhood Director at the Ministry of Education in Colombia, and working on different research groups at Harvard, Yale, New York University, and Los Andes universities. Dr. Nieto is a psychologist and anthropologist from Los Andes University and holds a master’s degree and doctorate in education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Binal Patel

Binal Patel is the Chief Program Officer at Neighborhood Villages (NV), overseeing program implementation, evaluation, and refinement of the breadth of NV’s direct service programs. In her role, she partners closely with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), City of Boston, and other state-level leaders to create systems change solutions to meet the needs of the early education workforce and the families they serve. Her previous experience includes serving as Co-Founder and Director of The Family Cooperative (TFC), an early childhood center in Watertown, MA, and 10 years of experience as an ECE educator. She graduated with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from New York University, and a bachelor’s degree in International Studies–Economics from the University of California, San Diego.

Gabriela Rojas

Gabriela Rojas is a Program Manager for Early Care and Education at First 5 Alameda County, where she supports county-wide initiatives supporting Family Child Care providers and Family Friends and Neighbors. Previously, she worked as an infant toddler teacher, site supervisor, and program director, supervising multiple programs that serve children 0-5 in a range of settings, including a parent cooperative, university, and non-profit organizations. Gabriela has worked in the field of early care and education for over 15 years. She received her undergraduate degrees in Legal and Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley and her master’s in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Trauma Studies from Pacific Oaks College.

Payal Seth

Payal Seth is the Vice President of Second Generation Programming at Jeremiah Program (JP). At JP, she sets the strategy and designs programming for nine geographies, including but not limited to running early childhood centers across three states. Prior to joining JP, Payal was the Vice President of Special Services at Achievement First, where she oversaw programs for special education, mental health, bilingual, and multilingual education. Payal has taught and supported children of various ages and developmental stages in Detroit, the Bronx, Chicago, and Newark. Payal earned a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Lehman College and a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Psychology from the University of Michigan.

Tierah M. West

Tierah M. West, MPH, currently serves as the Associate Director of Early Childhood Data Systems in the Virginia Department of Education’s Division of Early Childhood Care & Education. In this role, Tierah sets and executes the state’s data strategy around early childhood care and education by building data capacity, enabling and strengthening the use of data for decision-making, and addressing gaps in data enterprises. She also provides strategic leadership focused on the coordination of the many data and technology systems in Virginia’s ever-evolving birth-to-five space. Tierah is a two-time graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, earning both a BS in Sociology and a Master of Public Health degree from the university.

2022-23

Adriana Reis

Adriana Reis is an educational administrator with the Division of Early Childhood Education at the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE). She supports instructional coaches across all five boroughs. Previously, she taught pre-kindergarten and kindergarten and worked for six years as an instructional coach with the NYCDOE, providing pedagogical support to all early childhood programs, infants, toddlers, 3-K, and pre-K. She received a Master of Science in Teaching from PACE University and a Master of Science in Leadership from Bank Street Graduate School of Education, including the School Building Leader and School District Leader Certification with the New York State Education Department.

Alisa Burton

Alisa Burton, MA, (she/her) is a program supervisor for the City of Oakland Head Start program, where she supports management systems, leads workforce development initiatives, and supports community partnerships. She has over 25 years of experience in Head Start, developing and administering programs and providing early childhood instruction to community college students. She holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education with an Infant Specialist certification from San Francisco State University, California and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.

Carol Orji

Carol Orji is the Director of Early Childhood Initiatives with Wake County Smart Start. She has been in the field of early care and education for over 20 years with experience as a Quality Enhancement Specialist, Lead for the Early Head Start Child Care Partnership, Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC) Coordinator, Early Childhood Initiative Manager, and Wake Three School Manager. Prior to joining Wake County Smart Start, Carol gained classroom experience as an early childhood teacher. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Baylor University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Dr. Danielle Johnson

Dr. Danielle Johnson serves as the executive director of Durham’s Partnership for Children based in Durham, North Carolina. She is the first Black leader in the history of the organization. Under her leadership, the organization has grown in both staffing and program delivery. She received a Master’s in Education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, a Master’s in Public Health from Hunter College, City University of New York, as well as a Bachelor of Science. Danielle is currently a UNCW Watson College of Education EdD candidate. Her research focuses on collaborative action research, culturally responsive and sustaining instruction, and program design with an emphasis on globalization within the early childhood sector.

Elena Barreto

Elena Barreto is the regional coordinator for the NW Early Learning Hub and NW Parenting Hub, where she works at the intersection of social justice and education. She works with partners to build capacity and implement early learning and parenting support opportunities rooted in equitable practices across Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties. Additionally, she works with families to elevate their voices, desires, and needs to decision makers in the region to effect change. She has a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington and a BA in Elementary Education and Human Development from Boston College.

Jamie Bonczyk

Jamie Bonczyk (she/her) is a program officer for 80×3: Resilient from the Start at Greater Twin Cities United Way. She is an awarded early childhood education leader known for creating social-impact networks, change initiatives, and partnerships that create sustainable health and education outcomes for children, families, and educators. Her background includes the roles of executive director of an early learning non-profit, Head Start administrator, adjunct instructor, author, professional development content creator, and preschool teacher. Jamie has a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Leadership from Roosevelt University.

Kaeleigh Hernandez

Kaeleigh Hernandez is a research fellow at the Center on the Ecology of Early Development (CEED) at Boston University. Prior to joining, she served as the Assistant Director of Early Education Policy for a statewide advocacy non-profit in Texas. At CEED, she conducts research on sociocultural classroom interactions and explores ways to embed equity measures across various early care and education systems. Kaeleigh completed her graduate degree in Social Work with a concentration in Public Policy and Administration at the University of Missouri.

Kimberly Moua

Kimberly Moua is the Early Childhood Equity Fund Program Manager in the Early Learning Division of the Oregon Department of Education. Kimberly is a proud, passionate, and avid advocate for equitable and inclusive systems practice and is committed to developing innovative, creative, culturally appropriate, and safe environments for all communities. She is currently working on her dissertation as she pursues her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership focusing on Adult, Post-Secondary Higher Education. She has a master’s degree in Teaching from Pacific University and a Bachelor of Science from Oregon State University.

Margo Ford Crosby

Margo Ford Crosby is beginning her second year with ABSS Early Learning Community for the 2022-23 school year as the Director of Pre-K and Before/After School. She has worked in the non-profit sector, completed 12 years in the public-school arena, been an instructor at community colleges, and worked with the Children’s Developmental Services Agency (CDSA) as an early intervention services coordinator. She majored in Birth – Kindergarten Education at Winston-Salem State University, where she earned her degree and established her passion for family engagement and literacy. She later attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, receiving a master’s degree in Early Childhood Leadership and Administration, while gaining her passion for policy and advocacy.

Neda Hall

Neda Hall is currently an adjunct early childhood education instructor and a child development consultant for the California Department of Education, Early Education Division on the Early Head Start Child Care Partnership grant overseeing the education content. She began working in the field of early learning as a student assistant in a Head Start classroom. Since then she has worked as a teacher, center director, education coordinator, and T&TA specialist for the Office of Head Start. Neda earned her BA and MA in Child Development from California State University, Sacramento.

Dr. Nikki Kovan

Dr. Nikki Kovan is the interim director of the Early Learning Services Division at the Minnesota Department of Education. She oversees public preschool programs, special education, family education, early learning scholarships, and early childhood screening. She previously held a leadership role in the Child Safety and Permanency Division at the Department of Human Services. Prior to that, she worked at the University of Minnesota, translating early childhood research into practice for early childhood and child welfare practitioners. Nikki received her Ph.D. in developmental psychology from the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota.

Rowena Kamo

Rowena Kamo is the Senior Program Administrator for Early Care and Education at First 5 Alameda County, where she oversees the planning and management of First 5’s ECE initiatives, including Quality Counts, the county’s local Quality Rating and Improvement System. Previously, she served as the research director at the California Child Care Resource & Referral Network, where she has worked for over eight years documenting the changing child care landscape through the California Child Care Portfolio. Her work also included the development of a statewide child care consumer education database and referral website to increase parents’ access to child care information. Rowena has been in the ECE field for over 10 years. She received her BA from UC Santa Barbara and an MPA from The Maxwell School at Syracuse University.

Dr. Tamilah Richardson

Dr. Tamilah Richardson is the Director of Early Childhood Learning for the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). She has served the early childhood and elementary education fields for over two decades as a former pre-kindergarten teacher, early childhood administrator, and school library media specialist. Dr. Richardson’s passion and work has primarily focused on high-quality early care and education systems building, early literacy development, family engagement and empowerment, and equity and excellence in education. She has earned degrees from Hampton University (BS in English with an ECE concentration), Old Dominion University (MSEd), and The George Washington University (EdS and EdD in Education Administration and Policy Studies).

Taundwa Jeffries

Taundwa Jeffries is the Head Start State Collaboration Office Director for the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), where she facilitates partnerships with Head Start agencies and state entities that provide services to vulnerable children and families in the Commonwealth. Prior to joining VDOE, Taundwa was the administrator of the state Professional Development IMPACT Registry for the Virginia Department of Social Services, supporting early childhood professionals through educational pathways available for state recognition. She worked for Richmond Public Schools Early Head Start/Head Start Program for over 20 years as an early childhood educator, a lead family advocate, and a kindergarten teacher. She holds a CDA with an Infant/Toddler endorsement, a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.

Dr. Tracey Black

Dr. Tracey Black is an education manager for the City of Oakland Head Start/Early Head Start Program, a comprehensive early care, education, and family services program that serves families with children prenatal to age 5. She has worked for over 20 years in the fields of early care, education, and family services and holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education, from Mills College in Oakland, California. She is an adjunct faculty member, teaching core courses in child development in Peralta Community College District, and serves on the boards of Lotus Bloom Family Resource Center in Oakland and Black Women in Early Childhood Collective.