Fellowship Class of 2026-2028
We are thrilled to present our
2026-28 ZERO TO THREE Fellows!
The Fellows are a vibrant, diverse cohort of early and mid-career leaders who bring a broad range of expertise, skills and perspectives to their commitment to ensure infants and toddlers have a strong start in life.
Chosen through a highly competitive process, the Fellows will engage in an intensive 18-month fellowship designed to strengthen and expand their leadership capacity. The program focuses on transforming systems, policies and programs to promote equitable access and outcomes for young children and their caregivers. Addressing the complex challenges that affect early childhood requires bold, compassionate leaders who can mobilize diverse collaborators, partners and constituents to drive innovative, sustainable change.
For more than four decades, ZERO TO THREE has been the leading organization for professionals working to champion the well-being of the youngest members of our society. The Fellowship empowers a global network of transformative leaders dedicated to making the world a better place for early childhood development.
2026-2028 Fellowship Class
Ashley Adams
Attending Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Boston Children’s Hospital
Aika Aluc
PhD Candidate, Lehigh University - College of Health
Peter Barasa
Project Director, Vumgbala Child Development Center
Anicia Battles
Workforce Development, Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health
Munirah Fulani
Registered Nurse/Pediatric Care Consultant, Maxim Healthcare Services
Keren Gunawan
Project Manager, Paideia Educational Solutions
Ruth Esther Hernández
Senior Program Analyst, Center for the Study of Social Policy
Ricky Holder
Senior Program Associate, Think of Us
Jayley Janssen
Director of Research and Evaluation, Indigo Cultural Center
Miranda McNeal
Director, Early Childhood and Prevention Services, CommQuest Services Inc.
Leticia Mejia
Clinician, Victor Community Support Services
Suma Metla
Pediatric Physical Therapist/Founder, Three Little Ducks
Samantha Peyton
Senior Policy and Program Officer, Low Income Investment Fund
Tiffany Salter
Assistant Director, Child First, Coastal Horizons Center
Allison Smith
Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Natan Vega Potler
Clinical Instructor, NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Clare Viglione
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, UC San Diego, Director, GROW.V.BABY Practice-Based Research Network, Vital Village Networks
Melissa Villarreal
Clinical Psychologist, Neurodesarrollo Quito
Ashley R. Watts
Lecturer in Early Childhood Education, University of Houston-Downtown Belonging Leadership Team Lead, Center for Coaching Strategies
Fatima Youssef
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Dubai Health, Vice President, Emirates Mental Health Society
Support our Fellowship Program
Your gift helps us provide professional development programming and up-to-date resources for early childhood leaders around the world. Choose ‘Support the Academy of Fellows’ on the payment page to dedicate your gift to our fellows.
