About Mandy Hollis
“What started as a job became a calling. Nearly 30 years later, I’m still learning, growing, and finding new ways to make a difference in the lives of children, families, and educators.”
Cambridge, Wisconsin
608-239-1477 • mandylynnhollis@gmail.com
Where It All Began
I have worked in Early Care and Education since 1997. Over nearly three decades, my career has taken me across six states—Michigan, Georgia, Hawaii, Washington, Mississippi, and Wisconsin—and through a wide range of roles within the early childhood field.
Each experience has shaped the educator, leader, and advocate I am today.
What I Believe
I believe children learn best through play, relationships, exploration, and meaningful experiences.
I also believe the adults and systems surrounding children matter just as much. Quality early childhood education depends on supported educators, engaged families, strong community partnerships, and policies that recognize the importance of early learning.
Learning Along the Way
My education reflects the varied experiences that have shaped my professional perspective. I hold an Associate of Arts in Early Child Development and a Bachelor of Arts in Arts and Early Childhood Education, and I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Early Childhood Education Policy.
I have also been a nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician since 2011. While these paths may seem different, each has taught me valuable lessons about preparation, communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and supporting others when they need it most.
Growing as a Leader
Since 2010, I have been part of the Cambridge Community Activities Program in Wisconsin, where I currently serve as the Youth & Child Care Center Director.
My work has evolved from teaching young children in the classroom to leading programs, developing teams, partnering with schools and community organizations, and advocating for children and families.
Along the way, I have learned that leadership is about much more than managing a program. It is about building relationships, creating opportunities for others to succeed, listening, reflecting, and continually asking how we can do better.
Beyond the Classroom
Today, my work extends beyond program leadership into research, professional learning, and early childhood policy advocacy.
My graduate research focuses on Wisconsin’s Get Kids Ready initiative and the ways policy decisions are experienced by families, early childhood providers, and school districts.
I am particularly interested in universal childcare, equitable access, workforce sustainability, mixed-delivery systems, family choice, and the relationship between community-based early childhood programs and public schools.
Sharing What I Learn
I enjoy sharing what I have learned through conference presentations, workshops, professional learning, and conversations with other educators and leaders.
I see research and practice as connected—not separate. I am passionate about creating opportunities for practitioners, policymakers, and communities to learn from one another and turn ideas into meaningful change.
What Motivates Me
At the center of everything I do is a commitment to children, families, educators, and communities.
I believe meaningful change happens when we listen to the people closest to the work, value different perspectives, and work together to create systems where children and the adults who care for them can thrive.
