Stephanie Thomas is the vice president of Early Childhood Education with YWCA Minneapolis. She is responsible for leadership and strategy of all early childhood education sites, curriculum and the workforce development program.

Ms. Thomas joined YWCA Minneapolis in August 2017. She has 23 years of nonprofit experience as a senior leader and demonstrated capabilities in program development, team leadership, relationship development and strategic management. Ms. Thomas obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls.

Stephanie is an expert in early childhood education and school-age care and has been an advocate for early childhood and school-age care on a state and national level. She is a certified trainer for working with 0-5 year olds, 5-12 year olds and school-age child care and administration of early childhood and afterschool programs. In her previous position, Ms. Thomas was responsible for leading and developing one of the largest nonprofit departments of early childhood and school-age care programs in the state, positively impacting thousands of youth and families each year. She has provided leadership for research, development and implementation of new childcare programs, practices and resources.

Stephanie is a past board member of MnAEYC-MnSACA and is a member of the MnAEYC-MnSACA Policy and Advocacy Advisory Group, as well as the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council Early Childhood Network. Stephanie and her spouse, Tim, enjoy spending time supporting their children in a variety of activities, including athletic and academic endeavors. They reside in Maple Grove.