Today we’d like to introduce you to T’Kayla Callahan.
T’Kayla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Absolutely! As the oldest of four children, I was the first to experience nearly everything. I am the first daughter, the first granddaughter on both sides, the first to go to college and graduate on time.
Growing up, resources were limited. I learned persistence and tenacity at a young age and I knew that the only direction God could carry us was upward. I felt a deep responsibility to pave the way for my younger siblings, and bearing the brunt of life-mistakes and challenges so they would not have to.
That sense of responsibility is where my love for teaching and “paying time forward” began. I was the older sister who turned my window into a whiteboard to teach lessons and who gave unsolicited advice when I thought it may help. Over-time, those early desires became a passion for working with children and families in every community I had the privilege to serve.
My path has led me through education, advocacy, leadership and most importantly motherhood. Each chapter of my life has reinforced my passion to open the door to resources and opportunities that otherwise may not have been available. What started as a responsibility to my family, has grown into a lifelong mission to empower others and build stronger systems for a future where the next generation is thriving!
My path led me and my husband to Kansas City, MO in 2021 and instantly knew we found home. We fell in love with the city’s people, the food scene and artistic culture. We are in the season raising two daughters (3yr and 1yr),who both make the world brighter with every smile, yet challenge us in our decision-making daily!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not! I often had to figure things out without a roadmap. Financial struggles were constant, and as a first generation college student, I didn’t always have someone to guide me through the systems I was trying to navigate.
But one thing I found early was my voice. Even as a child, I was the one speaking up. My voice became my strength, carrying me through moments of doubt and allowed me to stand in spaces where people didn’t expect someone like me to belong.
And truthfully, I didn’t find that voice alone. I was blessed to find amazing people along this journey who saw my potential and invited me to walk beside them. Their guidance led me to go deeper in my faith with the Lord, giving me the courage to believe that I had something valuable to contribute in the world.
It is through their mentorship that I learned leadership is not about standing out front, but about walking together. That may sound very cliche, but this lesson has carried me into the work I do now: advocating for families, building systems that work for children, and creating spaces for the underrepresented to use their voice.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love this question! My work is centered around early childhood education and family advocacy. My passion for supporting family dynamics were further shaped by years in the early childhood classroom; teaching and scaffolding learning experiences that not only served the classroom environment, but the home as well. I also have a background in intervention services; supporting children with diverse developmental and behavioral needs and helping parents, teachers and education staff navigate what success could look like for each child served.
Today, I support various early childhood initiatives at the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC). My work alongside MARC’s Department of Early Learning is all about strengthening the early childhood system across the bi-state Kansas City region. I am amongst the most amazing individuals who are equally committed to improving families’ access to affordable care and high-quality learning experiences across early education settings!
Outside of my profession, I have a love for early childhood policy, advocacy and pouring into our youth. When I became pregnant with my youngest, the already heavy cost of child care and having options to access weighed even more deeply on me. I realized through that experience the most powerful thing I could do was use my voice and step into action.
I am most proud of how I have grown in advocating for myself and others. I am also grateful for the opportunities along the way that gave me space to do that. My life has always required a form of advocacy, but the first time I spoke on behalf of a child who deserved better than what a system could offer, I knew what and whom I would continue to fight for.
Missouri’s Child Advocacy Day is something I have looked forward to over the last two years. I have contributed two guest commentary pieces to the Kansas City Star sharing my story about navigating our country’s child care crisis, and recently had the privilege of joining parents across the country at Strolling Thunder, where I represented the state of Missouri on Capitol Hill. There is nothing better than fighting for something you believe in and doing it alongside my family, simply put, is powerful.
Locally, I began volunteering with organizations like Lead to Read and PREP-KC. It brings me so much joy to support students through mentorship opportunities and share with them what others have poured into me. In August I was named a 2025 Most Wanted Honoree with Big Brothers Big Sisters- Kansas City and currently supporting the organization through the Most Wanted Auction this December, all benefitting youth mentorship and programming opportunities for kids in KC.
People may know me for my love of connection. I have been described as someone with a “therapists voice” and often tell new people I meet that if making new connections over coffee could be a side hustle, I would do it!! Making others feel seen, heard and valued will forever remain important to me.
I believe what sets me apart is that my leadership is rooted in the lived experience I shared with you today. In every room, I bring the perspective of a mother raising daughters, the daughter who walks by faith, an educator and an advocate who is walking the same challenges people in our community are also facing.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I don’t know if I could name just one. There are a few! I mentioned being persistent and tenacious early in my life. These qualities have been essential in my drive to be a supportive leader in the community I serve, and contributor to my family as a wife and mother. I am someone who values empathy and curiosity, which are two things that have supported me in facilitating attunement in relationship, understand the perspectives of others, and remain eager to learn new ideas!
I am proud to have rich and well-nurtured relationships in my life. My measure of success is not about positions held or moments accomplished, but rather how well I am caring for others and holding space for connection.
I believe connection is the heartbeat that keeps passion alive. Through connection, we find healing, purpose, collaboration and solutions. This is a value that I am working to instill in my daughters; teaching them what it means to love people wholeheartedly and prepare them to carry that truth as they navigate the world in front of them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marc.org/early-learning
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tkaylamcallahan/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tkaylacallahan
