Katrina Baker
Katrina Baker is a dedicated early childhood education professional with over 16 years of experience in childcare and program leadership. She began her career as a preschool teacher and spent six years as a preschool director, focusing on creating high-quality learning environments for children and meaningful support for families. Her commitment to advancing excellence in early education led her to join Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend as a Texas Rising Star Mentor, where she guided childcare providers across 11 counties in meeting and maintaining rigorous quality standards.
Today, she serves as the Supervisor for the Child Development Early Education Department at Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend, overseeing 169 childcare centers and supervising 11 Texas Rising Star mentors, each managing caseloads of 30 to 38 centers. In this role, Katrina acts as a “mentor of mentors,” providing guidance, professional development, and oversight to ensure programs deliver exceptional outcomes for children and families. Her approach emphasizes mentorship, relationship-building, and continuous improvement, reflecting her philosophy that strong leadership empowers educators and strengthens early learning.
Outside of her professional work, Katrina balances her career with raising three children while pursuing her bachelor’s degree, expected in spring 2027. She is actively involved in her community through volunteer work with the Ronald McDonald Foundation, local food banks, and service on her child’s school board. Recognized for her leadership and dedication to growth, she also earned the Foundations of Leadership Certificate from the National Society of Leadership and Success. Katrina’s career is defined by her passion for supporting educators, fostering nurturing learning environments, and creating lasting positive impact in the lives of children and families.
• Executive Leadership Training Certification
• Del Mar College - AAS
• Dean's List (Associate degree)
• National Society of Leadership and Success
• Roland McDonald Foundation
• Local food bank
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to strong mentorship, meaningful relationships, and timely education. Early on, Shalene Lee, CFO of Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend, believed in me before I even had my associate’s degree, guiding me through an education plan and supporting my growth. Beyond mentorship, building genuine connections and following through on commitments has been key to advancing my career. Taking leadership courses while in leadership roles has allowed me to immediately apply what I learn, turning theory into practice and making a real impact.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to remember that early childhood work shapes everything that follows. After sixteen years in the field, I’ve learned it’s not always easy, but it is essential and deeply personal.
As Supervisor for the Child Development Early Education Department at Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend, I oversee 169 programs and 11 Texas Rising Star mentors, focusing on supporting quality, educators, and children. Strong mentorship, especially from Shalene Lee, CFO, has shaped how I lead today—I aim to develop people, not just manage them.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to focus on building genuine connections and always follow through on your commitments. Being reliable and fostering strong relationships has been essential to my own journey, opening doors and creating opportunities for growth throughout my career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in early childhood education right now is balancing work and home life while making a meaningful impact. With my daughter graduating this May, I’m navigating daily work responsibilities while also being fully present for her milestones and family celebrations. The ongoing challenge is finding harmony between supporting my family during important moments and fulfilling my professional responsibilities as a supervisor.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me are resilience, presence, and service. I strive to show up fully for my team, the providers we serve, and my family, while also giving back to my community through volunteering and serving on my child’s school board. Taking leadership courses while in leadership roles allows me to immediately apply what I learn, turning theory into action in real-world situations.