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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:
Bob Rosenbaum, Communications Director
brosenbaum@hannaperkins.org
216.401.9342

Jennifer L. Harris named CEO of Hanna Perkins Center for Child Development

May 22, 2025

SHAKER HEIGHTS – Jennifer L. Harris, Ph.D., has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Hanna Perkins Center for Child Development, effective July 21, 2025. She succeeds Karen Baer, who announced her retirement last year after 13 years of leadership. Baer’s final day as CEO is June 30.

Harris brings more than 25 years of experience in early childhood education, mental health and nonprofit leadership. She most recently served as Executive Director of Rainey Institute, where she expanded programming, established new community partnerships, and led successful fundraising efforts totaling more than $7 million—including a major capital campaign for a new facility.

“Jennifer is a visionary leader whose entire career has been devoted to children and families,” said Mary Reed, president of the Hanna Perkins Board of Directors. “She brings a rare combination of mission-driven passion and practical expertise in early childhood development and organizational sustainability. We are excited to welcome her to Hanna Perkins.”

Prior to her role at Rainey Institute, Harris was executive director of the Oberlin Early Childhood Center, where she founded the OberlinKids Collaborative—a collective impact initiative that brought together 15 community organizations to improve kindergarten readiness. Earlier experience includes educational and program management positions at Achievement Centers for Children and Head Start agencies, focusing on disability services, mental health support and inclusive early education.

“From the moment I walked into Hanna Perkins, I felt a deep connection to its mission and people,” Harris said. “I’ve known the organization for much of my career, and its commitment to supporting emotional development in young children resonates with my own values and experience. I’m honored to follow in Karen Baer’s footsteps and look forward to continuing the important work she has led.”

Harris said she’ll focus in the first few months on “listening, learning and having discussions.”

“I really want to be able to apply the Hanna Perkins Promise throughout every aspect of the organization, from hiring to training to programming. It’s a big part of what differentiates Hanna Perkins, and it needs to be brought to life in everything we do – above and beyond our direct work with families and children.”

Harris earned her Ph.D. in Urban Education and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Cleveland State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Ohio University. In addition to her administrative roles, she has taught at Cleveland State University, Ashland University and Lorain County Community College.

She lives in Shaker Heights and has two daughters – one grown and the other a sophomore at Shaker Heights High School. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

Baer, who joined Hanna Perkins in 2012, led the organization through a period of growth and modernization. She expanded its reach in Northeast Ohio, strengthened partnerships across sectors, and advanced the center’s reputation as a national leader in early childhood mental health and education. Her final day as CEO is June 30.

“Karen’s leadership has been nothing short of transformational,” said Reed. “She leaves a lasting legacy of excellence, and we are deeply grateful for her service.”

About Hanna Perkins

Since 1951, Hanna Perkins Center for Child Development has been a partner with parents and professionals to help children become the boss of themselves by understanding, communicating and manage their feelings for success in school and life. Located in the historic renovation of the former Malvern School in Shaker Heights, Hanna Perkins provides these services:

• Hanna Perkins School:State-chartered kindergarten, preschool, parent/toddler program.
• Hadden Clinic for Children & Families:Mental health counseling and therapy for children from birth through adolescence, and for new moms struggling with postpartum depression.
• Bullying Prevention: My Mad Feelings, an educational curriculum for young children, provides age-appropriate social-emotional lessons that head off bullying as they grow older.
• Consultation and training with other schools and early learning centers.
• Continuing education for early learning educators, childcare workers, social workers and others who work with children on a daily basis.
• Child psychoanalytic training: An official training program of the American Psychoanalytic Association, conducted in cooperation with the Cleveland Psychoanalytic Center.

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