A message from ELA’s new Chair and Vice Chair
In high school, I took a home economics elective course in Child Development. It sounded fun, and I liked children. When my teacher introduced Piaget and his Theory of Cognitive Development, I was completely enthralled by not only the idea that the brain of the child was unique and developing, but that the environment provided by the adults had such an impact on children’s development.
I chose Early Childhood for my life’s work and never looked back. What started as an after school job at a child care center became a career. I earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in child development at University of North Texas. And because not even the most worthy things happen without planning, organization, and financial backing, I also earned an MBA at Texas Woman’s University.
After many years as the director of the child care center at Cook Children’s Medical Center, I launched my own company, Green Space Learning, to provide professional development and consulting to early childhood professionals. Green Space has grown to include licensed child care centers, online and in-person professional development courses, and the design and installation of natural playgrounds.
Nearly three decades in the field of early childhood and Piaget still impacts my work daily. While our field routinely becomes distracted by achievement, academics, and future success, Piaget reminds us that childhood is a unique experience supported by adults and centered around Play. Providing all children with the opportunity for a joyful, play-based childhood, free of the stressors of economics and access continues to be my motivation and is what brought me to the Early Learning Alliance in 2016.
As chair of the governing board, I look forward to supporting the mission of ELA in three key areas:
● At home. Creating a network of the best possible quality and equitable care for children and their caregivers here in Tarrant County.
● Beyond Tarrant County. Build on ELA’s reputation in the state as a thought leader and innovator and expand that influence to other communities across the country.
● For the Future. Advocate for children, their families and early childhood professionals with local leaders and state lawmakers.
As ELA moves into the final few years of its 10 year initiative, I look forward to working with this creative, dedicated, talented group of community leaders to create a lasting and sustaining impact.”
Audrey Rowland, Chair of Early Learning Alliance
Greetings and salutations,
I wanted to take a few moments to say hello, give you some background on me, and say how honored and excited I am to be asked to serve as Vice Chair for ELA.
Here’s the dirt on me…
I’ve been a long time nonprofit leader and have spent close to thirty years providing hope and opportunity to the communities I serve. Prior to becoming the Executive Director at The Parenting Center in 2020, I worked with the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth as the Vice President of Operations. An exciting part of my tenure with the YMCA was providing leadership to the Fort Worth YMCA Turkey trot and helping create an annual holiday tradition for thousands of friends and generations of families. Prior to Fort Worth, I spent ten plus years with the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. I spent close to half of my career in the childcare field of the YMCA and worked with ISD’s all across the metroplex with afterschool programs. As I
I currently serve on the Board of Directors for LGBTQ Saves, the Benbrook Chamber of Commerce, and serves as the Chair for the Internal Affairs Committee with the Early Learning Alliance. I am the proud father of five young adult children (21-27), human companion for two wonderful pups, an avid music lover (live or otherwise), and a fan of nature and anything outdoors.
I am excited about the purpose and possibilities of ELA in 2023 and look forward to serving with our leadership team.
Christopher Butler, Vice Chair of Early Learning Alliance
