Rowan Atwood, MSW, is a Policy Specialist on the Illinois Policy team, where they focus on combining administrative advocacy and data analysis to support policy change.  

Prior to joining the Start Early team, Rowan worked in childcare and education in various roles as a FFN provider, an au pair, a children’s library assistant, an AmeriCorps volunteer, and as a substitute teacher. They began working in ECE policy while in graduate school in Philadelphia, and moved to Chicago shortly afterwards. 

Rowan holds a B.A. from Washington College, as well as a Master of Social Work and a Master in Law from the University of Pennsylvania.