2025-2026 Early Childhood Education Leader Fellows
Introducing the 2025–2026 ECE Leader Fellows
We’re proud to announce the selection of two exceptional early childhood education champions for the 2025–2026 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Leader Fellowship: Amber Hansen of Clinton and Charlotte Smithson of El Dorado Springs.
The ECE Leader Fellowship is an initiative hosted by Kids Win Missouri. It is designed to lift up parent and provider voices from across the state—and in our region, that includes Cedar, Henry, Polk, and St. Clair counties.
Our region was eligible for two fellowships: one for a parent and one for a provider. Fellows in our area will work closely with New Growth as their local community engagement partner. This means they’ll benefit not only from statewide leadership training and support, but also from hands-on, local guidance to stay connected and supported throughout the year.
The ECE Leader Fellowship equips early childhood professionals, caregivers, and advocates with the tools, confidence, and connections they need to speak up for Missouri’s youngest children. Fellows participate in monthly leadership development sessions, engage with policymakers, and elevate the voices of families and providers in their communities.
Meet Our 2025–2026 Fellows:
Amber Hansen — Henry County
Amber brings more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education. She is the founder and executive director of Seeds of Faith Preschool, a licensed, faith-based center in Clinton, Missouri, now in its 15th year. Amber also teaches early childhood education courses as an adjunct instructor at two local colleges. Her leadership extends into the community as an active member of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce and its Childcare Committee, working to improve access to quality child care across the region.
Amber joined the fellowship to strengthen her advocacy skills, especially through engagement with policy makers in Jefferson City. She believes deeply in the importance of investing in Missouri’s youngest citizens—because “these young citizens are the future of Missouri!”
Charlotte Smithson — Cedar County
Charlotte is a foster and adoptive parent, stay-at-home mom, and certified trainer for Missouri’s foster parent classes. She and her husband have opened their home to children under the age of five for the past three years and recently adopted their son from foster care. Charlotte’s journey as a parent has been supported by programs like Parents as Teachers, which she credits as an incredible resource.
Charlotte is joining the ECE Leader Fellowship to step out of her comfort zone and become a stronger advocate for child care access—particularly for foster families navigating complex systems. She’s passionate about ensuring that all children, especially those who have experienced trauma or displacement, receive the strong early start they deserve.
Amber and Charlotte will represent the region that includes Henry, St Clair, Cedar, and Polk counties in this year’s cohort. We are thrilled to support their leadership journey and amplify their voices as they work to build stronger communities for children and families across the state.
Stay tuned for updates as our fellows take on this year’s policy visits, community conversations, and leadership trainings!