Meet Our Executive Director

Since the very beginning of OberlinKids in June 2014, Jenn Keathley has been deeply involved in the collaborative’s mission to support Oberlin’s youngest residents and their families. She began as the Coordinator and stepped into the role of Executive Director in late 2018. Over the years, she has helped shape the vision and growth of OberlinKids, working to ensure that every child in the community is healthy, supported, and ready for school.

Background and Education

  • Originally from Boardman, Ohio.

  • Earned Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Intervention Specialist, plus PreK–12 Reading Endorsement from Ashland University (through the Lorain County Community College/University Partnership Program)

  • Earned a Master of Arts in Social Impact from Claremont Lincoln University in Claremont, California.

Early Childhood Experience

Prior to her work with OberlinKids, Jenn taught preschool at the Oberlin Early Childhood Center, where she developed a strong commitment to community-based early learning. That experience continues to inform her approach to supporting families and building collaborative programming.

What Drives Her Work

One of Jenn’s greatest joys in this work is collaborating with individuals who bring diverse expertise, perspectives, and lived experiences to the table. She thrives in environments where people come together to learn from one another and develop innovative solutions. Seeing families enjoy OberlinKids events—especially at the Community Classroom—fills her with pride. She finds great fulfillment in connecting families to meaningful programs and resources, and in hearing parents share how much OberlinKids has positively impacted their lives.

Statewide Leadership and Advocacy

In addition to her local work, Jenn actively contributes to broader early childhood efforts across the state. She serves on the Lorain County Imagination Library Coalition and has had the honor of attending the Governor’s Mansion in 2024 and the First Lady’s Luncheon in 2023, where she saw Dolly Parton perform live. She also collaborates with leaders such as Jeni Hoover, Director of Kendal Early Learning Center, and Ryan Aroney on advocacy efforts through Groundwork Ohio. Their work focuses on expanding access to affordable childcare, universal preschool, early literacy, maternal health, and infant vitality.

A Vision for Oberlin’s Future

At the heart of her work is a powerful belief: when children thrive, families flourish—and the entire community benefits. Jenn’s goal is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy and ready to learn, paving the way for stronger families, higher educational achievement, and long-term community well-being.