Hannibal, MO – Kids Win Missouri has announced local parents and providers as their newest Early Care and Education Leader Fellows for the 20252026 program year.
In Marion and Ralls counties, Kids Win Missouri is partnering with the Hannibal Regional Economic Development Corporation (HREDC) to support the participation of local parents and providers who will bring their experiences and voices to statewide conversations about early childhood education. The ECE Leader Fellowship equips parents and providers with the tools, training, and confidence to engage with policymakers and strengthen Missouriʼs child care and early education systems.
“Over the past three years, weʼve seen firsthand how parents and providers can use their voices and leadership to shape stronger early childhood systems,ˮ said Casey Hanson, Deputy Director of Kids Win Missouri. “Fellows are leading conversations in their communities, engaging with policymakers, and driving solutions for child care and early learning. Weʼre proud of whatʼs been accomplished and to continue building this network of changemakers.ˮ
The following local parents and providers have been selected as fellows from the Hannibal area: ● Hilary Fessenden, Parent from Palmyra ● Kayla Wallace, Provider from Hannibal
“We are excited to have Hilary and Kayla represent our community in this important fellowship. We need to continue making momentum on the child care issue locally and at the state level, and engaging parents and providers in the process is critical,ˮ said Maria Kuhns, HREDC director.
The ECE Leader Fellowship, launched in 2022, is a year-long program that provides monthly training sessions, leadership coaching, and in-person advocacy experiences at the State Capitol. Fellows learn how Missouriʼs policy process works, develop skills to share their stories effectively, and work alongside other parents and providers from across the state to champion stronger early childhood systems. To date, more than 120 fellows from communities across Missouri have participated in the program, with many continuing to serve as leaders and advocates in their local areas.
Kids Win Missouri, a nonpartisan coalition dedicated to improving the well-being of children and families, leads the fellowship as part of its broader efforts to strengthen child care, pre-K, and other systems that support Missouriʼs youngest children.
For more information about the fellowship and Kids Win Missouri, visit www.mochampionofchildren.com.
