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Alexandra “Ally” Forrester is the Program Director, Child Care at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), a Maine-based community development financial institution with a mission to build just, vibrant and climate-resilient futures for people and communities in Maine and rural regions by integrating finance, business expertise and policy solutions in ways that make the economy work more equitably. Ally is a member of Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE).

As CEI’s Program Director, Child Care, Ally leads the Child Care team and sets the sector strategy, including education, lending and policy initiatives for child care businesses in Maine. She creates, enhances, and delivers child care programs that result in financially sustainable businesses. Ally also leads Get Licensed, a cohort based program that coaches individuals through the child care licensing process. She advises prospective and existing child care business owners as they develop business plans and financial forecasts. Ally facilitates expert panels and fosters peer learning among Early Childhood Education professionals.  

Prior to joining CEI, Ally opened two elementary schools, one as a founding teacher and another as a school leader. After earning her undergraduate degree, she joined Teach for America and spent several years leading kindergarten classrooms. She has also owned and operated several restaurants, equipping her with valuable business acumen. In her role at CEI, Ally combines her passion for educational equity with her experience launching businesses and non-profit schools.

Education

• Wellesley College, B.A. in Economics, Art History
• Relay Graduate School of Education, M.A. in Teaching

Community Connections

• Maine Association for the Education of Young Children (MaineAEYC), Board of Directors
• Brunswick Youth Soccer League, Coach