Jaclyn is a dedicated early childhood educator, administrator, policy and leadership coach, and community partnership strategist with over 25 years of experience. Her work is deeply rooted in advancing racial equity and social justice for young children and their families. As the former co-director of the Policy and Leadership department and director of the Early Development Instrument (EDI) at Erikson Institute, Jaclyn led efforts in community data engagement and co-authored the framework for Community Data Literacy. This work, focused on both grassroots and top-level collaborations, has been instrumental in transforming data into actionable policies and driving the movement towards Data Justice on local, national, and international levels.

Before joining Erikson, Jaclyn expanded the Child Parent Center model as the program manager for Chicago Public Schools (CPS). She also helped launch the Social Impact Bonds program for the city of Chicago and co-created the Altgeld Riverdale transitions model, a year-round community-based initiative integrating public, private, and community organizations. Her foundational experiences as an early childhood, special education, and bilingual educator took her from Streator, IL, and Oak Park, IL, to Chicago’s Brighton Park neighborhood, shaping her passion for equity in education.

In 2020, Jaclyn launched her consultancy, collaborating with advocacy organizations committed to supporting young children. Her work and advocacy is also shaped by her personal life as the mother of four children, three of whom were born prematurely, including one who is medically fragile and technology-dependent, and another who has epilepsy. Her firsthand experience navigating the healthcare system has fueled her passion for health equity for young children. In 2023, she was appointed as an advisor to the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHC.net) National Research Agenda and is co-chair of the Family Advisory Council at the University of Illinois Chicago’s Department of Specialized Care for Children. Additionally, Jaclyn was named to the Policy and Advocacy Committee (PAAC) to the Board of Lurie Children’s Hospital. She also serves as a Parent Mentor at Lurie Children’s Hospital and contributes to policy discussions, such as the NICU to Home transition and the Lifespan Respite Task Force.

 Most recently, Jaclyn contributed a chapter to the 2023 book Transforming the Early Years Policy in the US: A Call to Action and remains actively involved in policy and advocacy at the state and national levels.