Jacquilyn Banta

Jacquilyn Banta is a passionate leader in early childhood education, serving as an Executive of a large nonprofit in Santa Barbara County. With nearly two decades of experience supporting children and individuals with disabilities, she is deeply committed to empowering children, families, and communities through inclusive, innovative programs.

Jacquilyn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology: Counseling, a Master’s in Human Services: Executive Leadership, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Strategic Leadership—demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning and impact.

As the wife to Jeff of over 20 years, and a mother to five children (ages 4 to 19, including one on the autism spectrum), Jacquilyn brings both professional insight and personal experience to everything she does. She believes in the power of imagination, discovery, and joy in childhood and education.

In addition to co-authoring BRAVE Leadership, The Pursuit of BRAVE, and BRAVE Roots with her colleague and friend Michelle Lee Graham, Jacquilyn has supported her daughter Madelyn in publishing her first book It Snows on Wednesdays. Most recently, she’s partnered with her four-year-old daughter Serena to co-create a heartwarming six-book children’s series, Mr. Sun & Friends, inspired by Serena’s imaginary friends.

Jacquilyn’s work reflects her unwavering belief in inclusive learning, family-centered supports, and the transformative power of early childhood education.