Sara Mickelson

Sara Mickelson is an experienced education leader specializing in early childhood initiatives. Currently serving as the Deputy Cabinet Secretary at the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department, Sara supports efforts to create a robust early childhood system in the state. Prior roles include Director of Early Childhood Initiatives in Harris County, overseeing a significant investment in early childhood programs, and Chief of Programs at the Oregon Early Learning Division, where Sara was instrumental in expanding early care and education programming through the Student Success Act. Additional experience encompasses managing early learning policies at the Bainum Family Foundation and leading strategic policymaking at the National Governors Association. Sara holds a Master of Arts in Urban Education Policy from Brown University and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy from the University of Minnesota.