Gabby has been working in early childhood for over 10 years across four different states. She and her husband welcomed their first child in 2019 and recently discovered they would be welcoming their second child in October of 2025! We are so lucky to have Gabby as part of our fellowship and we can not wait to see all that she continues to do with her advocacy skills. Learn more about Gabby here!
How did you become an advocate for early childhood education?
I have been working in early childhood education for over 10 years across four different states. I have seen that access to affordable, quality childcare is a national crisis. When I moved to Missouri, I did some research on how I could get involved with advocacy. I found Kids Win Missouri and applied to be a fellow. This fellowship has taught me so much about the best time to advocate for a bill as well as how easy it is to call up your legislator and advocate for the field of early childhood education.
Why do you think it’s important to be an advocate as a provider?
There are many places in a child care dessert which means that waitlists are long due to availability being minimal. Over the previous four states I’ve worked in, I have seen many providers leave due to workplace stress, inability to meet the cost of living (including affording child care after having a baby of their own), and many other factors.
Why should Missouri invest more in child care and early education?
Early childhood education is the time the most brain development happens. It is when children begin to learn and develop social-emotionally. We teach children how to regulate their emotions by helping them co-regulate and teach them coping skills. By building this foundation, they are able to learn how to get their brain from an emotional or survival state into an executive state of functioning where they are regulated and ready to learn. This skills help to ensure that when they enter kindergarten they already have the basics of what they need to learn best.
In one sentence, what does the ideal child care and early education system look like for Missouri families?
Child care would be high quality, affordable for all, and care for the whole child.
What is one thing you’ve learned about advocacy that you’d like to share with others?
It is easy to call your legislator, give feedback on policy proposals, and advocate for positive change. They want to hear from their constituents.