4C Conference Sessions REGISTER NOW Friday Morning | Friday Afternoon | Saturday Morning | Saturday Afternoon Friday 10:30 AM–12:30 PM The ABCs of Alphabet Knowledge Presented by: Renee Mattson, Child in Bloom and Sam Giammarco, University of Cincinnati Systems Development and Improvement Center Renee Mattson Child in Bloom Renee Mattson, M.Ed., has worked in multiple capacities throughout her 28-year career in the field of education. She is a licensed intervention specialist PreK-12th grade, a licensed elementary educator first–eighth grade and a licensed gifted intervention specialist K-12th grade in the state of Ohio. Renee has spent years teaching children to read at the early childhood level through her work as an RTI instructor and as an intervention specialist for children with specific learning disabilities. Renee is the owner of Child in Bloom, a parent and educational coaching organization that focuses on providing adults who support children with knowledge and practical tools for differentiation and behavior modification. Most recently, Renee coordinates the Ohio Partnership for Excellence in Paraprofessional Preparation. Renee has taught preservice educators at Xavier University and Miami University and is a doctoral candidate for her PhD in educational studies with a focus on special education and collaboration skill development for special educators at the University of Cincinnati. Sam GiammarcoUniversity of Cincinnati Systems Development and Improvement CenterSamantha Giammarco, M.Ed., is a Research Associate at the University of Cincinnati Systems Development and Improvement Center where she serves as a research associate and lead literacy consultant. She is a licensed teacher in the state of Ohio and holds a K-12 Reading Endorsement. Samantha received her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Leadership from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University. Samantha has served as an elementary classroom teacher, a K-5 reading intervention teacher, instructional designer, and adjunct professor of literacy. She has led the implementation of evidence-based literacy practices at both the district and school level. Her special interests are literacy, leadership, and instructional coaching. X This session will discuss the importance of alphabet knowledge as an early literacy skill. We will discuss what explicit alphabet knowledge looks like in the classroom when it is rooted in the Science of Reading to positively impact later reading, spelling, and writing skills. The Art of Emotional Intelligence for Early Childhood Education Leaders Presented by: Garri Davis, Garri Davis Agency Garri Davis Garri Davis Agency Garri Davis is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating from Walnut Hills High School. She graduated from Cincinnati State with a degree in Financial Management, from Wilberforce University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management, and from Wesleyan University with a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management (cum laude). After many attempts to break through the glass ceiling, she left corporate America and decided to become an entrepreneur. She opened Water Lily Learning Center in 2012 and by focusing on a quality educational setting for her students and ensuring support for her staff, families, and community partnerships she has grown to 2 locations serving over 250 children and families. She is the CEO of the Garri Davis Agency, providing business development, leadership consulting and training to assist clients with solving complex business issues and increasing profits. The agency has helped over 25 female-operated businesses since 2020. Garri is also a transformational speaker and is the author of the best-selling book CEO in Stilettos. Garri also serves on the Board of Directors for Dress for Success, the African American Chamber of Commerce, and the Cost of Quality Committee for Preschool Promise. X Educators will learn how the capacity to comprehend and control our own emotions as well as those of others enables us to solve problems, exercise critical thinking, navigate tense situations, cultivate a positive sense of self, and foster empathy. These skills are crucial for leading a child care program, managing staff, interacting with families and understanding a child's needs. Collaborative Co-Teaching: How to Make it Work Presented by: Jennifer Glass, Educator Jennifer Glass Educator Jennifer Glass has a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies from Freed Hardeman University in Tennessee. For the past 15 years she has worked in child care/education in various capacities, including as a nanny for 4 families, an infant/toddler teacher, and a coach for preschool teachers (assisting with lesson planning, classroom setup, and behavior management.) She has worked with families from 7 different countries, children with medical needs, and children with differing abilities. Since 2017, Jennifer has been a professional development coach with 4C for Children and has written several trainings for early childhood professionals. In her spare time she develops curriculum and trains teachers for the Bible class program at her church. She loves to travel and spend time with her husband, daughter, and 2 dogs. X Working with others is difficult, whether you like each other or not. Often times, the best teachers struggle with sharing a classroom. Whether it’s a difference of personality, values, or dividing responsibilities, problems can arise that we can’t seem to resolve. This training will discuss the types of co-teaching and how to distinguish between them, indentifying personality types to better understand yourself and others, and problem-solving techniques to improve co-teaching relationships. Back to Top Every Interaction Counts: The Science Behind How Conversational Turns Build Brains Presented by: Marlo Parlin, 4C for Children and Cheri Thinnes, 4C for Children Marlo Parlin 4C for Children Marlo Parlin is a Center-based coach and instructor with 4C for Children in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has 16 years of classroom experience as an early childhood educator and holds a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Xavier University. Marlo has been designing, facilitating, and coaching since 2012 on a variety of topics that include: Intentional Teaching, Language Modeling, Emotionally Supportive Interactions, Learning through Play, Understanding the ECERS, the ELDS and Using the Pre-K CLASS to Improve Your Interactions. Recently, she became a certified LENA (Language Environment Analysis) coach and trainer. Cheri Thinnes4C for ChildrenCheri Thinnes has been a Specialist in Quality Programs at 4C for Children for the past 5 years, coaching both administrators and teachers towards compliance and Step Up To Quality. She has over 40 years of child care experience (in every role possible) and holds an Associate and Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Cheri is passionate about cultivating equity for ALL children and stretching out to improve inequities in the circles that are within her reach. X Over the past decade, peer-reviewed research studies have linked conversational turns to improved socioemotional development, executive functioning, reading skills, and brain development. In this session, we will explore the latest early talk research and how to put it into practice to promote responsive caregiving. Growing Up Wild Presented by: Gwen Roth, Hamilton County Conservation District and Lynn White & Melissa Proffitt, Butler/Warren Soil and Water Conservation District Gwen Roth Hamilton County Conservation District Gwen Roth is the Education Specialist with the Hamilton County Conservation District. She works hard to teach conservation issues to students and adults because she understands the connection between loving our planet and conserving its natural resources. Gwen presents conservation education programs, implements many workshops and events and coordinates the Caring For Our Watersheds (Ohio) competition for high school students. She recently took on the Program Management role for a brand-new AmeriCorps program in the area. Gwen graduated from the University of Toledo with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies and a M.A.T. in Biological Sciences from Miami University. Before joining the District, she worked for the Cincinnati Park Board as a Naturalist and as a National Park Service Ranger at the William Howard Taft National Historic Site. Gwen is also a board member for the Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub and in her spare time, enjoys traveling, gardening, quilting and watching college basketball. Lynn White & Melissa ProffittButler/Warren Soil and Water Conservation DistrictLynn White Butler Soil and Water Conservation District Lynn White, with Butler Soil and Water Conservation District has over 25 years’ experience teaching about Ohio's natural resources. She is excited to teach young and old at programs, in workshops, and on fieldtrips. As a workshop facilitator, she has been recognized by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the National Project WILD Office. Melissa Proffitt Warren Soil and Water Conservation District Melissa Proffitt is passionate about working with all age groups and conducts classroom programs, community workshops, scout programs, and more for the Warren Soil and Water Conservation District! As a workshop facilitator for Project WILD, Aquatic WILD, Growing Up WILD, Curious KIDSS, and Project Learning Tree, Melissa frequently collaborates with and provides professional development to other local educators. X Growing Up WILD is an early childhood curriculum designed to teach about the natural world through 27 developmentally appropriate lessons. The activities meet NAEYC standards and address the social, emotional, physical, language and cognitive aspects of learners. Keepin' It Real In Early Childhood: Write On! Early Writing Experiences Presented by: Jane Holtgrefe, University of Cincinnati Jane Holtgrefe University of Cincinnati Jane has over 25 years of experience in the classroom, teaching kindergarten and preschool in both public and private schools. She holds a master’s degree in education and is a trainer for 4C for Children where she provides various professional development for preschool and school age educators. Jane is an adjunct professor for the University of Cincinnati’s Online Learning Program where she teaches CDA classes and supervises student teachers. She is married and has two adult children. X What is early writing really all about? What do we mean by prewriting skills? There are so many skills a child needs to develop even before picking up a pencil, but what are they and how do I set up an appropriate environment? How does gross motor have anything to do with a child’s ability to form letters? How do I set up a writing center that children will actually use? Let’s explore the answers to these questions and more, as we look at what it takes to support beginning writers in your early childhood classroom. Leadership and Teaming in the Early Childhood Classroom Presented by: Jessica Kappa, University of Cincinnati Adjunct Instructor Jessica Kappa University of Cincinnati Adjunct Instructor Jessica is an adjunct instructor for the University of Cincinnati, College of Education focusing on early childhood education, birth–age 5. Her role is to coach and support directors and teachers around leadership, curriculum, and best practices. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy from the University of Dayton. She has 14 years of experience in the Early Childhood field. She has been a lead teacher in infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms. Jessica also has experience teaching Early Childhood Education courses as an adjunct professor. She currently resides on the Westside of Cincinnati with her Husband, Michael, and their three children, Eloise, Jude, and Louis. X A strong teaching team is foundational in providing high quality care to young children. This session, geared towards the role of the lead teacher, will review leadership and communication skills that can foster a successful teaching team in infant through preschool classrooms. Messages of Hope: A Tool to Promote Resilience at Home Presented by: Erin Saul, Joining Forces for Children at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Crystal R. Rack, Hamilton Co. ESC-Head Start Erin Saul Joining Forces for Children at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Erin Saul, MBLI, currently manages a collective impact coalition in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky called Joining Forces for Children. At its core, Joining Forces for Children is a coalition of 50+ organizations working to build a movement to address the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on children, families, and communities. Erin first learned about ACEs and toxic stress while working at a sexual violence prevention agency in Portland, Maine. Since then, she’s been working to bring strengths-based, community driven solutions to the forefront of the conversation on ACEs and toxic stress. Erin earned her bachelor’s degree from Denison University in 2011 where she majored in Political Science. She completed her Master of Business Leadership and Innovation degree at Northern Kentucky University in 2022. Crystal R. RackHamilton Co. ESC-Head StartCrystal is the current Family Engagement Manager for Hamilton County Educational Service Center’s (HCESC) Head Start Program. The HCESC Head Start Program is a federal funded early childhood program designed to provide comprehensive services to young children and emphasizes parent engagement. She has worked for HCESC Head Start for 9 years; first as a TIPP (Therapeutic Interagency Preschool Program) Head Teacher at the Children’s Hospital of Cincinnati classroom, then as a Home Education Lead Teacher, and now as the Family Engagement Manager. Crystal has worked for several different counties Board of Developmental Disabilities programs in the role of an Early Intervention Specialist as well as a Developmental Specialist working with children birth through 6 years of age. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Recreational Therapy with a concentration in psychology and child-development from Mount St. Joseph University in 2002. Since then, she has gone on to further her education with coursework in the Educational Leadership Graduate Program at the University of Cincinnati. X Joining Forces for Children partners are excited to share the Messages of Hope: “5 Ways to Build Resilience” parent outreach program. This low barrier family engagement program was co-created by a diverse group of child care providers, parents, and early childhood mental health specialists to mitigate the impact of childhood adversity by equipping parents with everyday strategies to help children build the resilience. Anyone working with families of young children can use this program to educate families on simple and easy ways that parents, grandparents, and caregivers can build resilience with the children in their life. We will share tips and strategies for integrating the program into your family engagement work as well as discuss how this program overcomes traditional barriers in family engagement work. Professionalism in Early Childhood: Communication That Supports Strong Relationships Presented by: Nicole Malveaux, 4C for Children Nicole Malveaux 4C for Children Nicole Andrae Malveaux, who hails from the great state of Louisiana, has worked in Head Start for over 20 years and holds 25+ years of management and leadership experience. Ms. Malveaux holds a bachelor's degree in Management from the University of Phoenix and is a 2015 graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles/Johnson & Johnson Head Start Fellows Program. She is currently working to obtain a M.Ed in Adult Education and Training. Nicole is a former President of the Louisiana Head Start Association and is a current member of the Trotwood Chamber of Commerce. Nicole is the mother of two children, Natale and Zavier, and the proud Nana to her two granddaughters, Ma’Leah Rose and Nylah Grace. She is also the owner of RAG Time Jewels. X This session focuses on the importance of great service to our customer base and the value of professionalism in all aspects of child care. Standing in the Face of the Pandemic Impact: What We Know, What We Learned, and What We Have Still Yet to Learn Presented by: Lillian McCree, Family & Community Partnership Liaison Lillian McCree Family & Community Partnership Liaison Lillian McCree, M.Ed, IS, ECMH-C, Trauma Informed Care-III holds the Early Childhood Mental consultant credential for the state of Ohio as well as an Ohio Teaching and Intervention Specialist license. She has a Bachelor of Science in Social Welfare from Central State University (HBCU) and a Master’s degree in Education from Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, Texas. Lillian has been working with children and families for over 27 years in a variety of settings. Currently, Lillian is the Family & Community Partnership Liaison funded under by the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). In her role she shares her wealth of experience by supporting families as they navigate the education and behavioral health systems, while helping the systems better respond to the needs of families. Lillian is a US Air Force veteran and has served as a mental health specialist; an intervention specialist; a child protective caseworker; and college advisor & adjunct instructor. Lillian is part of the Early Childhood Mental Health consultation team, and works to build capacity for effective family engagement among area school districts. With her support, school districts and ESCs can foster transformative partnerships with families and their communities to improve student wellness, increase family engagement, inclusion and diversity, and serve the whole child. X We didn’t see the pandemic coming and now we are three years in; how will year four look? The current complex mix of emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of young children in preschool through 2nd grade has resulted in increased stress levels for both educators and families. While lives were interrupted, some families took a position of resilience and determination despite adversity or challenge, while other families did not fare so well. Those families were from marginalized communities and experienced difficult situations before the pandemic and were in need of significant change and a sense of agency and empowerment. In this session, we will explore the impact of of COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of using an interconnected systems framework and mindset shift to support the well-being of adults who work with young children. We will discuss effective strategies for promoting self-care and stress reduction in educators and parents to create a healthy, supportive, equitable and inclusive environment for young children. Participants will learn how our team of IECMH consultants are working to improve the well-being of the adults upon whom the future success of these children depend. Supporting a Positive Social and Emotional Preschool Climate With Strengths and Mindfulness Presented by: Natalie Rinehart, The Character Effect Natalie Rinehart The Character Effect Natalie has 12 years of professional experience working in education both as an elementary classroom teacher and content coach in literacy, math, technology, and SEL. Before taking on the role as a specialist with The Character Effect, Natalie worked as a self-contained classroom teacher, teaching preschool and 2nd grade in South Carolina, Texas, and Alaska. She has spent her career working primarily with students from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Natalie has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She has a passion for the well-being and development of young children, particularly as it pertains to the social and emotional skills and abilities that are necessary for long-term mental health and wellness. Natalie is the proud mother of a 6-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter and enjoys caring for her animals, traveling, and going on outdoor adventures with her family. X Creating a positive social and emotional preschool climate takes intentional understanding of developmentally appropriate behaviors. Participants will learn how to cultivate emerging strengths in preschool students and how to use mindfulness as a strategy for improving student self-regulation. There's No Place Like Home Presented by: Briana Jones-Hardy, Learning Grove Briana Jones-Hardy Learning Grove Briana Jones-Hardy is a Quality Coach Specialist with Learning Grove. She has been in the Early Childhood Education field for over 20 years. Briana received her AA and BA from the University of Cincinnati. She was born and reared in Lorain, Ohio. She is the mother of 2 children, daughter Leah, 15 and son Landon, 11. Briana enjoys training and assisting educators with achieving their goals. She has helped many directors and providers become highly rated with Step Up To Quality. Briana believes that all children have the right to high quality care and education. One of Briana's favorite quotes is: "Education is the key to unlocking the world. It is the passport to freedom." —Oprah Winfrey X Social emotional awareness is important for providers, families and children. This session will break down the meaning of social emotional awareness, teach participants how to make it strength based and relate how they see social emotional aspects in their everyday life. Join us for a fun and engaging look into social emotional awareness! Friday 2–4 PM Behavior Management Techniques for the Preschool Classroom Presented by: Nicole Malveaux, 4C for Children Nicole Malveaux 4C for Children Nicole Andrae Malveaux, who hails from the great state of Louisiana, has worked in Head Start for over 20 years and holds 25+ years of management and leadership experience. Ms. Malveaux holds a bachelor's degree in Management from the University of Phoenix and is a 2015 graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles/Johnson & Johnson Head Start Fellows Program. She is currently working to obtain a M.Ed in Adult Education and Training. Nicole is a former President of the Louisiana Head Start Association and is a current member of the Trotwood Chamber of Commerce. Nicole is the mother of two children, Natale and Zavier, and the proud Nana to her two granddaughters, Ma’Leah Rose and Nylah Grace. She is also the owner of RAG Time Jewels. X This session focuses on the benefits and methods of modeling and encouraging positive behaviors, anticipating challenging behaviors and getting to the root cause of children’s challenges. Coping with Anger and Rage in the Preschool Classroom Presented by: Libby Wagner, Early Childhood Mental Health and Mindy Nickles, Early Childhood Mental Health Libby Wagner Early Childhood Mental Health Libby Wagner, BSW, M.Ed, ECMH-C, has been working to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and families for over 16 years. She has a Bachelor of Science in Social Work as well as a Master’s in Education specializing in School Counseling. Her experience includes work in child protective services, pediatric/medical social work and as an Elementary School Counselor. Libby is a consultant on the Early Childhood Mental Health team providing public schools with virtual and onsite services. She is trained in a variety of evidence based programs and treatment modalities, including the Zones of Regulation, Responsive Classroom and the Open Circle Curriculum. Libby is passionate about building classroom teachers' capacity to support the social and emotional development of their students. Mindy NicklesEarly Childhood Mental HealthMindy Nickles, MSW, LISW, ECMH-C, OIMHP-III, is an Early Childhood Mental Health consultant. She is an Ohio licensed independent social worker and holds the Ohio Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH-C) and the Ohio Infant Mental Health Professional (OIMHP-III) credentials. She has been working with children and families for almost 20 years. She previously worked as a treatment coordinator in therapeutic foster care as well as a case manager for Head Start. In addition to her role with the ESC, she is also a part-time certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapist for an outpatient mental health agency providing intake and assessment as well as counseling services. She is dedicated to working with children, families, educators, and staff to help support and promote the overall social and emotional development of children. She firmly believes that the foundation to doing so is ensuring the establishment of connections and relationships with staff, families, and programs to aid in building their capacity to manage the mental health challenges among the children they serve. X Incidents of anger and rage are increasing every year in classrooms. During this session, explore the emotion of anger and how we can respond in ways to help children intrinsically become motivated to cope in healthy ways. Discover ways to help de-escalate situations and how to safely respond. Participants will leave the session with resources and the ability to come up with prevention plans for their classroom. Demystifying Disability Etiquette and Awareness Presented by: Cynthia Crews, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Cynthia Crews Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Cynthia L. Crews has acted in the capacity of Business Relations Specialist for SW Ohio for Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) since the inception of the position a little over nine years ago. Recognized with the Director’s Service in Excellence Award in 2017 and 2020, Cynthia has distinguished herself through her prodigious and creative work with the statewide Business Relations Team and her OOD co-workers in SW Ohio in raising awareness of OOD’s mission with employer partners to promote and support the hiring of individuals with disabilities from both the student and adult populations served by the agency.Prior to arriving at OOD, Cynthia served as the Business Services Representative for Clermont County Ohio Means Jobs, where she also created and facilitated classes on Resumes, Interviewing, and Networking, drawing upon her 13 years in the private sector as a business owner and 12 years in purchasing for retail sales. Her education includes a B.A. in Political Science out of the McMicken Honors Program and a B.S. in Secondary Education-Comprehensive Social Studies from The University of Cincinnati, as well as an M.A. in Public Administration, a mini-MBA, along with Cognate Field Studies in Journalism and Public Relations, and recent graduate certificates in DEI and Writing from Miami University. X This interactive training program will educate participants in how to become aware of and examine their own attitudes and biases, not only towards people with disabilities, but also towards every person. The session will incorporate role play and simulations to encompass a myriad of topics including disability etiquette, proper language usage, and how to have respectful interactions with people of all ages with disabilities. Early Childhood Educators: Passion Heart Determination Presented by: Archer Thomas, 4C for Children Archer Thomas 4C for Children Coach, teacher, and camp director with lifelong experience working with school age children in a variety of environments. Strength based childcare program coach passionate about the CDA, STEM and nature education practices. Imagineer of life-long experiential world learning while raising three children. Archer’s seeks every day to play the game of life with a purpose of impacting others. X We will dive into your passion as an educator and how to encourage children to discover their own passions. Participants will look inward at their strengths and passions and build connections that aid in their grit and determination. Discuss ideas and concepts that educators can utilize to encourage children to explore their interests while developing their own drive and passion. Eliminating the Stigma: Mental Health and Wellness in the Black Community Presented by: Ashley Glass, Black Women Cultivating Change Ashley Glass Black Women Cultivating Change Ashley is the Director of the B.O.S.S. (Bravely Overcome Self Sabotage) documentary and the Co-Producer of "Presence Over Presents" Black Fatherhood: The Documentary. She is a loving, single mother of 3 beautiful girls. She is a business owner of Black Women Cultivating Change where she hopes to advocate, educate, and provide platforms for mental health in the black community. Ashley feels that documentaries help give a visual of the health disparities that African Americans face every day. Ashley is a nursing student and is passionate about women's health, mental health, and health equity. Ashley is very involved in the community and also works as a Maternal Mental Health Program Manager for Best Point Behavioral Health. Ashley stands by her quote "life is not surface level" and challenges others to be kind and practice giving grace to everyone. X This session will cover ways to build relationships, gain knowledge from lived experiences, and empower individuals to prioritize mental health for self, family, and the community. From Surviving to Thriving: Improving Your Leadership Capability Presented by: Palmer Jason, Good Shepherd Academy Palmer Jason Good Shepherd Academy Palmer is Co-Owner and Managing Director at Good Shepherd Academy, LLC. He directs a staff of 11 employees including both full and part-time staff. Palmer holds a MBA-Finance degree from Washington University in St. Louis. In addition to his work at Good Shepherd Academy he is the founder and Senior Pastor at Jubilee Community Church in Miamisburg, OH. Palmer serves on the boards of area non-profit ministries in addition to being on committees with Preschool Promise focusing on Re-Imagining the Financing of Early Childhood Systems, and the Committee to Transform Preschool for Black Boys. Palmer and his wife Lisa recently celebrated 35 years of marriage and have 2 children, Ezzy and Preston. X This is an interactive workshop for program administrators to improve program development & evaluation through collaboration and reflective discussions. Growing on the Inside While Outside Presented by: Lisa Wellbrock Dieso, Crescent Ridge Academy and Courtney Ryan, Discovery Channel Education Team Lisa Wellbrock Dieso Crescent Ridge Academy Lisa Wellbrock Dieso has over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education as a teacher, administrator, and teacher trainer. She is currently the Head of School at Crescent Ridge Academy and Program Director of the school's Teacher Education Program where she teaches the Montessori early childhood science curriculum. She loves spending time outdoors with her family, finding this time is an opportunity to connect with the earth while disconnecting after a long day at school and work. Courtney RyanDiscovery Channel Education TeamCourtney Ryan has over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and is currently a consultant for the Discovery Channel's education team creating curriculum that inspires educators to go beyond traditional learning. She is also an educator for Miami University's Global Field Program leading Master's students to conversation hotspots around the world to learn solutions for a sustainable planet. She holds workshops around the city to assist educators in using nature as a classroom. She raises children, chickens, veggies, and healing herbs in her backyard. X It is averaged that U.S. children spend 3-6 hours in front of a screen per day and only 4-7 minutes in unstructured play outdoors. Natural and authentic, child-led time in nature has been taken away from the majority of children. As educators, we create beautiful, inspiring environments for today’s children to grow up in. Often, we forget that Mother Nature does that too! The marriage of early childhood education and nature-based education creates a culture of peace and respect, bringing out the natural and practiced skills of the child to be a better steward for the Earth and Humanity. Hedgehog, Queen Bee, or Wolf? Developing a Management Style that Creates an Empowered, Engaged, and Effective Environment Presented by: Becky Howard, Oxford Early Childhood Consulting Becky Howard Oxford Early Childhood Consulting Dr. Rebecca Howard is an education advocate, school board member, and university instructor. She is the co-author with Mary Mayesky of Creative Activities and Curriculum for Young Children (12th Edition). She provides consultation services to early childhood programs, and professional development trainings for early childhood teachers, caregivers, and administrators. She is a registered trainer with the Ohio Professional Development Network, certified to provide Step Up To Quality and Ohio Approved trainings, and can customize trainings for any early childhood organization. X This session will offer an opportunity to consider your management style as an administrator, with consideration of questions such as: Do you trust and empower your staff to be self-sufficient, while also providing adequate guidance, supervision, and support? How well do you know your colleagues, students, families, and community? Do you understand the challenges and successes that your teachers and caregivers experience in the classroom? Are you confident in your ability to locate resources that are important to your program’s success? Do you reach out to stakeholders in the community to ensure that your program is able to meet the needs of the families in your service area? Are you involved in advocacy to elevate the profile of the profession? Do you demonstrate and support a commitment to ongoing professional development? The Importance of Respecting Infants and Toddlers Presented by: Jennifer Glass, Educator Jennifer Glass Educator Jennifer Glass has a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies from Freed Hardeman University in Tennessee. For the past 15 years she has worked in child care/education in various capacities, including as a nanny for 4 families, an infant/toddler teacher, and a coach for preschool teachers (assisting with lesson planning, classroom setup, and behavior management.) She has worked with families from 7 different countries, children with medical needs, and children with differing abilities. Since 2017, Jennifer has been a professional development coach with 4C for Children and has written several trainings for early childhood professionals. In her spare time she develops curriculum and trains teachers for the Bible class program at her church. She loves to travel and spend time with her husband, daughter, and 2 dogs. X Respect is typically seen as something that is earned in most cultures. Many do not realize the value of respecting infants and toddlers. Respect can be seen as an abstract concept that can be interpreted in many ways. Participants will discover why respecting infants and toddlers is important to their holistic development and how to implement respect in the classroom in practical ways. Participants will utilize role-play to practice respectful interactions and group activities to compare different views of respect. Recharge and Regain Calm Presented by: Natalie Rinehart, The Character Effect Natalie Rinehart The Character Effect Natalie has 12 years of professional experience working in education both as an elementary classroom teacher and content coach in literacy, math, technology, and SEL. Before taking on the role as a specialist with The Character Effect, Natalie worked as a self-contained classroom teacher, teaching preschool and 2nd grade in South Carolina, Texas, and Alaska. She has spent her career working primarily with students from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Natalie has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She has a passion for the well-being and development of young children, particularly as it pertains to the social and emotional skills and abilities that are necessary for long-term mental health and wellness. Natalie is the proud mother of a 6-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter and enjoys caring for her animals, traveling, and going on outdoor adventures with her family. X Let's recharge and regain calm! This session will help participants understand the impact of stress and secondary trauma. We will learn how mindset can reduce the impact of stress and explore strategies for increasing life satisfaction. The Social Resilience Model: The Brain Body Connection Presented by: Kayla Hairston, Greene County Educational Service Center and Lindsay Green, Early Childhood Intervention Specialist Kayla Hairston Greene County Educational Service Center Kayla Hairston, OIFP-II, MPH, CHES, is an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant at the Greene County Educational Service Center. She brings to the team a public health background and the skill-set of being a Prevention Specialist, a Certified Health Education Specialist as well as a Certified Coach recognized by the International Coaching Federation. Kayla is very passionate about empowering others to be advocates of their life journeys; and is dedicated to addressing the social determinants of health that stand in the way of future success. Lindsay GreenEarly Childhood Intervention SpecialistLindsay Green, M.Ed., ECMH-C, OIFP-II, is a licensed Early Childhood Intervention Specialist and has her Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Credential, Ohio Infant Mental Health Credential OIFP-II (Ohio Infant Family Practitioner Level II), and is an Ohio Approved Professional Registry Trainer. Lindsay is a PBIS Master Trainer and specializes in Social Emotional Development. She has eighteen years of experience working with children and families, as a Kindergarten teacher, an Intervention Specialist (2nd grade) and home care provider. Lindsay is a life-long learner who embraces the joy of education and the need for wellness. As an IECMH Trainer and Consultant, she is dedicated to helping others see relationship building as the foundation of education; and to support children, caregivers, and educators in having access to the best possible services to support student success. X The Social Resilience Model is rooted in neuroscience and the brain body connection. During this session, participants will learn grounding techniques to help in any situation where dysregulation may be felt along with four other skills to increase neuroplasticity for resilience. We will discuss the human nervous system and consider how stress, distress, and trauma affect it. We will also apply the four core concepts of safety, attention, activation, and attachment to our roles. Saturday 10:30 AM–12:30 PM Beyond Crayons and Collages: Exciting Art and Sensory Play for Everyday! Presented by: Alissa Nasiatka, Educator Alissa Nasiatka Educator Alissa Nasiatka has been involved in Early Childhood Education for about 25 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Special Education with an emphasis in early childhood. Additionally, she has taken several master's classes in ECE and hundreds of hours of professional development in the field. Alissa has been a teacher and director in Seattle, WA and Cincinnati in a variety of settings including public and private preschools, child care centers, and family child care. Alissa has also worked as a CDA Instructor, Professional Development Specialist and Leadership Coach for 4C for Children. She has been married to her husband Paul for 29 years, has been a foster and adoptive parent. She has four children and two very spoiled dogs. X There has been a great deal of discussion in early childhood care and education about "process" vs. "product" art. We understand that process art is more appropriate and meaningful to young children but how do we become intentional in our efforts to provide a variety of art and sensory experiences everyday? In this training, participants will be able to identify skills acquired through art and sensory play as well as engage in multiple art and sensory experiences. Participants will also become more confident in how to speak with children about art. Activities will be focused on children 2 1/2-6 years old, but most can be extended/modified for older children. Be prepared to get messy and have fun! Introduction to Conscious Discipline - Creating Safety, Connection, and Belonging in our Classrooms Presented by: Tabatha Rosproy, Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor Tabatha Rosproy Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor Tabatha Rosproy is a 13-year early childhood educator, and the first pre-school teacher to ever be named National Teacher of the Year. She was awarded this honor in 2020 and has spent the last several years speaking for organizations around the country, elevating the work of early childhood educators and the students and families they serve. Tabatha is passionate about social-emotional learning, working with families, and empowering educators to be advocates for their field. Tabatha is well-known for helping to create a full-day public pre-school classroom inside of a nursing home in Winfield, Kansas called “Cumbernauld Little Vikes” and loves to work with schools to create intergenerational partnerships. Tabatha has transitioned into a new role with Kansas Parent Information Resource Center where she travels the state training schools on best practices in Early Childhood Education and Family Engagement. She resides in Olathe, KS with her husband, Tim. X Are you struggling with classroom management or escalating behaviors in your classroom? Join Tabatha Rosproy, Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor and 2020 National Teacher of the Year as she introduces you to the power of Conscious Discipline and how its unique approach to adult-first self-regulation can help make your classrooms safe, connected, and full of willing learners. Let’s Play, Learn, and Grow Together: Using Group Games to Support Executive Function and Self-Regulation Presented by: Kenneth Sherman, Highscope Educational Research Foundation Kenneth Sherman Highscope Educational Research Foundation Kenneth Sherman is the Educational and Professional Development Director, as well as Chief Academic Officer, of HighScope’s San Antonio Hub of Excellence in San Antonio, Texas. Kenneth joined HighScope in 2014 as a HighScope Demonstration Preschool Teacher and an Early Childhood Specialist. He has more than 20 years of experience as a teacher of young children and has been a center director, mentor teacher, coach, and trainer. Kenneth has presented at numerous state and local conferences and developed customized trainings for early childhood programs around the United States and in Europe. He currently serves on several committees in Texas that focus on race and equity. Kenneth holds a master’s degree in early childhood and a bachelor’s degree in sociology. X Executive function skills are crucial building blocks for the early development of both cognitive and social capacities. These cognitive skills lay the foundation for how young children will continue their learning and development in each stage of their life. One such message is that simple group games and songs provide a good avenue for developing these skills. In this workshop, the components of executive function and self-regulation will be discussed as an overview, followed by practical classroom activities and strategies that teachers can implement to support the development of executive functions in young children. Positive Language: Turning the Tables on Our Preschoolers Behavior Presented by: Laura Rossey, Educator Laura Rossey Educator Laura Rossey has been an educator for the last 20 years and enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom for 10 years in the middle. She has worked collaboratively on teams all of her teaching years. Her enjoyment of communicating in love languages has helped her excel with communication among peers, parents and students. X In this session, participants will discuss common behaviors that are stressful for teachers and students in the classroom. Participants will learn how to prevent power struggles in the classroom by rewording what they say to children and by giving them choices. Problem Solving: 6 Steps for Conflict Resolution Presented by: Lance Reed, Highscope Educational Research Foundation Lance Reed Highscope Educational Research Foundation Lance Reed is an Early Childhood and Assessment Consultant at Highscope Educational Research Foundation. Lance has both a bachelor's and master's degree in Early Childhood Education and Educational Leadership and a decade of successful experience in encouraging and nurturing individuals and organizations that aspire to deliver high-quality early childhood experiences. Lance specializes in warly childhood development and regularly presents at local and national conferences to showcase new resourceful, individualized, and diverse ideas. A stronger believer in the impact of your work is most evident in the lives you change. Lance enjoys teaching and guiding others who have the same passion to work with young children and their families. X Conflicts inevitably arise between children in the classroom, and these situations provide excellent learning opportunities to teach conflict resolution and problem solving. This session will help participants understand and recognize children’s different perspectives in conflict situations and use HighScope©'s six steps of conflict resolution. Project Ready! An Open Source Research Based Preschool Curriculum Presented by: Rosie Warburg, Mount St. Joseph University Rosie Warburg Mount St. Joseph University Rosie Warburg is a full-time faculty member at Mount St. Joseph University. She holds dual roles as project manager and early learning specialist for Project Ready! This unique project, created and directed by Dr. Amy Murdoch, focuses on preschool literacy. It involves the creation of a free, research-based instructional program with a large focus on language and knowledge development. Prior to her work with Project Ready!, Rosie spent more than a decade as a classroom teacher and reading specialist in a variety of schools, both traditional and Montessori, around the Cincinnati area. X Project Ready! is committed to eradicating the economic and racial achievement gap by helping schools provide comprehensive, high-quality early education. A key to reducing reading difficulty, particularly for children living in poverty, is to provide high quality, explicit, and well-planned instruction from the start of a child’s school career. Preschools that provide quality language, literacy, and content instruction have produced promising positive effects on children’s later academic achievement. However, many preschool programs are not equipped to provide quality instruction due to lack of teacher preparation and/or curriculum materials. Even teachers with advanced degrees may struggle with instruction due to weak and/or non-existent instructional materials. Come learn about the amazing results from our initial research as well as how to access all of these materials free of charge! Resisting Bias: A Framework to Develop Black and Brown Children by Leveraging Cultural Difference Presented by: Carlton Collins, Activist/Author/Entrepreneur and Kenny Glenn, Cincinnati Leading Men Fellowship Carlton Collins Activist/Author/Entrepreneur Carlton Collins is an activist, author, entrepreneur, and speaker with over a decade of experience in education initiatives nationwide. His book published in 2017, Resist Every Bias on Every Level (REBEL) focuses on Black Male Achievement and Leadership Development. In 2018, he co-founded Engines That Work, a minority business development firm based in Cincinnati. In 2020, as part of The Heights Movement, a community development organization, he launched My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Lincoln Heights in partnership with the Obama Foundation. He has served on numerous boards and aided in numerous initiatives including founding Morehouse Education Association, which focused on getting more Black men into education through tutoring, mentoring, internships, and teaching post-graduation. Kenny GlennCincinnati Leading Men FellowshipKenny Glenn is the Program Associate for the Cincinnati Leading Men Fellowship. As a professional athlete, Kenny competed internationally in track & field for the country of Honduras. Kenneth has also served on Boards and worked in programs, schools, and nonprofit organizations throughout Cincinnati. Alongside The Business Hospital, he also assists small businesses in the realms of financial strategy and project management. Kenny has Bachelors and a Masters Degree in Accountancy from Miami University. Kenny is the award-winning author of the educational book, Question Everything: Advice for Students & Graduates. Widely recognized for his passion and ability to inspire others, he is on the forefront of a movement that promotes self-education and self-mastery. In doing so, students and graduates will be equipped to learn and apply the necessary skills to achieve their personal definition of success. X This session focuses on the implementation of clear strategies to create effectual and positive relationships with Black and Brown youth in your care. A major focus is being able to unpack internal biases that have been developed over years from media to marketing to nightly news that influence how we feel about others (even children) from different cultural backgrounds. As educators, we have an incredible responsibility to serve all youth equitably—this session teaches how to be intentional in that process. We will help educators along their journey to launch these young people into future academic, interpersonal, and social success. This is taught through the lens of Leading Men Fellowship Cincinnati, a program of The Literacy Lab. Strategies for Supporting Infant and Toddler Development Presented by: Stephanie Weber, University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Stephanie Weber University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Steph Weber, PsyD, MPH is an Associate Professor and clinical psychologist at University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center where she serves as the Associate Director and Training Director for the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program. Dr. Weber earned her Doctor of Psychology degree from the University of Indianapolis in 2011 and her Master’s in Public Health from University of Cincinnati in 2020. She is also the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s "Learn the Signs. Act Early." Ambassador to Ohio and leads the Act Early Ohio state team, where her work focuses on early identification of developmental delays and disabilities. Clinically, Dr. Weber directs Next Step Clinic, a multidisciplinary clinic for preschool-aged children with prenatal opioid exposure and specializes in treatment of behavior disorders as well as toilet training and pica in individuals on the autism spectrum. X This session outlines practical strategies for enhancing infant and toddler development and learning with a specific emphasis on social/emotional growth. Stress Free is the Way to Be! Taking the Stress Out of Family Engagement Presented by: Tracy Schnirring, 4C for Children and Victoria Faris, 4C for Children Tracy Schnirring 4C for Children Tracy Schnirring is the Team Lead of Quality Programs at 4C for Children in Cincinnati, Ohio where she has been providing coaching to teachers and administrators for the past 9 years. In addition to coaching, Tracy is an Ohio Approved training instructor for various topics and is a Professional Development Specialist for CDA candidates. She has over 25 years of experience in the field and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Cincinnati. As a former classroom teacher, Tracy’s passion is supporting educators to better understand and implement best practices in ECE. Victoria Faris4C for ChildrenVictoria Faris has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Studies. She has a wide range of experience within the field: teacher, home visitor, and director of a child care. When she's not at work she is busy with her children, Lily and Jude. She also loves spending time in her garden and tending to her plants. X Is planning family engagement activities stressful for you? If you answered yes, then this training is for you! Join us as we eliminate that stress with different tips and strategies needed to pull off a meaningful family engagement event! Supporting Literacy Through the Science of Reading Presented by: Sharon Kleymeyer, Educator Sharon Kleymeyer Educator Sharon Kleymeyer has been an educator for the past 40 years. She has worked as a preschool teacher and coordinator, an elementary school teacher, assistant principal and a district curriculum, instruction and assessment coordinator. She has a vast range of experiences communicating with parents and has successfully partnered with parents to meet the diverse needs of their children. X Learn how preschool educators can support early literacy using the science of reading. Participants will learn how to use games, singing, and play to teach prereading skills such as, rhyming, alliteration, vocabulary building, and phonemic awareness. Where’s My Hat? Managing the Many Roles of a Family Child Care Provider Presented by: LaToya Dixon, First Fruits Child Care Limited LaToya Dixon First Fruits Child Care Limited LaToya Dixon holds an associate degree in early childhood education from the University of Cincinnati and has been working in the field of early childhood for more than 12 years. Her experience in the field consists of direct service with infants, toddlers and preschoolers as a teacher, a family child care coach, and a CDA Professional Development Specialist for family child care providers. Currently she owns First Fruits Child Care Limited where she supports families by providing an integrated approach to early childhood educational experiences and parent, family, and community engagement.LaToya is dedicated and passionate about her work and involvement in the child care field and has delivered numerous professional development trainings to family child care providers to enhance the foundation of learning for children and their families. X This training is designed for family child care providers and leaders. The goal of this training is to provide an overview of the roles and responsibilities that make a program successful. Participants will discuss ways to increase influence in and out of the classroom, strategies that support young children in child care settings, and how to communicate with families to have positive partnerships while expanding on their own growth as a professional. Saturday 2–4 PM Beyond Baby Shark: Embracing Diverse Family Structures Presented by: Lydia Bowers, Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency Lydia Bowers Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency Lydia Bowers is an author and educator who, after almost two decades working directly with young children as a classroom teacher, is passionate about making difficult topics accessible to children, families, and educators. After receiving her master’s degree in early childhood education from Erikson Institute, Lydia joined the Head Start family as a Professional Development Manager with Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency. Her children's book series, We Say What's Okay, focused on consent foundations for preschoolers, is available now from Free Spirit Publishing. X Not every family has Baby Shark, Mommy Shark, and Daddy Shark! In order to be welcoming and supportive of all children in our care, we need to evaluate how we are welcoming and supporting families. In this session, participants will practice ways to evaluate programs and classrooms and gain resources for making your space safe for all families. Bringing Positive Early Childhood Education to Your Early Learning Environment Presented by: Lisa Golden, Triple P America Lisa Golden Triple P America Lisa Golden MSSA, LISW-S is a skilled clinician, program administrator, and trainer with more than 20 years of experience working with children, families, and professionals. She currently works as an Implementation Consultant at Triple P America, supporting programs across the country in implementing evidence-based parenting interventions and professional development opportunities for early childhood educators. Lisa recently held a position at the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) leading the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Initiative "The Whole Child Matters." In this role, Lisa coordinated statewide programs and services to promote the mental health and wellness of infants, young children, and the adults that care for them. Prior to joining OhioMHAS, Lisa provided a range of treatment and prevention services for over a decade at Nationwide Children’s Behavioral Health. As a therapist, focusing on clinical interventions to mitigate the impact of adverse experiences in childhood and as a supervisor, supporting services to promote children’s mental wellbeing. Lisa led the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Team that provided evidence-based classroom consultation and training to early childhood programs across Central Ohio. Additionally, Lisa aided in the development and implementation of the Ohio Preschool Expulsion Prevention Partnership, a statewide hotline aimed at reducing expulsion in early childhood settings. An engaging speaker and trainer, she uses her bold personality and experiences to bring about dynamic conversations on topics related to diversity, children’s mental health, and adult wellness.Lisa is a licensed supervising social worker and holds a Master’s Science in Social Administration (MSSA) from Case Western Reserve University, and a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Capital University. Lisa brings extensive experience providing therapeutic interventions to children and families, providing community education, and developing innovative programs to move toward healthy social emotional development and wellness. X Couldn’t we all use more “PECE” in our lives? Children especially need to have PECE in the places where they learn, play, and grow. The Positive Early Childhood Education Program (PECE) is a self-paced, online training providing professionals practical, easy to use strategies to promote children’s positive social emotional growth, teach new skills effectively and manage problem behaviors when they occur. During this program demonstration, professionals will see the many tools immediately available to use in their day-to-day practice. Come to this session to learn more about Ohio’s effort to provide this free, research based, online training series to your team of 1 or 100. I Need a Break: The Importance of Downtime for Family Child Care Providers Presented by: LaToya Dixon, First Fruits Child Care Limited LaToya Dixon First Fruits Child Care Limited LaToya Dixon holds an associate degree in early childhood education from the University of Cincinnati and has been working in the field of early childhood for more than 12 years. Her experience in the field consists of direct service with infants, toddlers and preschoolers as a teacher, a family child care coach, and a CDA Professional Development Specialist for family child care providers. Currently she owns First Fruits Child Care Limited where she supports families by providing an integrated approach to early childhood educational experiences and parent, family, and community engagement.LaToya is dedicated and passionate about her work and involvement in the child care field and has delivered numerous professional development trainings to family child care providers to enhance the foundation of learning for children and their families. X Knowing how important it is to relax and refresh oneself, this training will teach participants how to manage their time, prioritize tasks, and develop and maintain the discipline to pause from work. Participants will learn effective time management tools, strategies to plan and complete activities and tasks, and how to practice mindfulness to keep from being burned out. "I See You, I See Me!" The Multicultural Classroom Presented by: Chenelle Price, LIMBright Education Chenelle Price LIMBright Education Dr. Chenelle B. Price is the founder of LIMBright Education which specializes in Educational Consulting, Professional Development and Youth Empowerment. As a Pastor, Author, Educator, Certified Life Coach, Women's Empowerment Influencer, and Motivational Speaker, she has influenced lives internationally.As alumni of Hughes Center High School, Dr. Price has given back to her Alma Mater by sponsoring high school graduates and providing scholarships to students pursuing higher education through the LIMBright Scholarship Foundation. She received her bachelor's at Union Institute & University in Early Childhood Studies. She then furthered her education and received her Master's in Teaching at Liberty University and returned to Union Institute & University to obtain her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Education.For her impact in education and the communities, Dr. Price has been featured in numerous magazines with global reach and is the recipient of the following awards: SWOAEYC's (the Southwest Ohio Chapter of NAEYC) 2021 DEI Advocate of the Year Award; Millennial Monument Award; 2021 Eugene S. Ruehlmann Social Justice Fellowship. Dr. Price currently serves as a SWOAEYC Board member, an Educator at IDEA Valley View and teaches Behavioral Science courses at the University of Cincinnati. X With age appropriate literature and unique activities, creating a multicultural classroom experience can provide meaningful learning opportunities for children. We will explore how to effectively use literature and activities to engage children in difference, encourage them to embrace sameness among peers, and to have confidence in their identity. Lesson Planning for Family Child Care Presented by: Jennifer Glass, Educator Jennifer Glass Educator Jennifer Glass has a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies from Freed Hardeman University in Tennessee. For the past 15 years she has worked in child care/education in various capacities, including as a nanny for 4 families, an infant/toddler teacher, and a coach for preschool teachers (assisting with lesson planning, classroom setup, and behavior management.) She has worked with families from 7 different countries, children with medical needs, and children with differing abilities. Since 2017, Jennifer has been a professional development coach with 4C for Children and has written several trainings for early childhood professionals. In her spare time she develops curriculum and trains teachers for the Bible class program at her church. She loves to travel and spend time with her husband, daughter, and 2 dogs. X It can be difficult to plan for multiple ages groups and abilities in home child care. This training will discuss how to prepare an effective plan for a wide age range, adapting activities based on development, and how to choose materials that all learners can engage with. Recruiting to Retain Quality Early Childhood Educators Presented by: Andrew Brzezinski, 4C for Children Andrew Brzezinski 4C for Children Andrew Brzezinski joined 4C for Children in 2017 and is currently serving as a Strategic Director of Program Operations. Andrew holds his Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Childhood Education but his passion lies in the field of Early Childhood Education where he has over 16 years of classroom and leadership experience. He currently lives in Maineville with his wife Amanda, their sons Kaiden and Rocco, their daughter Andi, and two dogs Ivy and Luna. X Frustrated being understaffed? Having challenges finding quality staff? Learn how to create marketing strategies that will attract staff and lead to hiring. We will also explore systems to put in place to ensure retention of quality early childhood educators. Resisting Bias: A Framework to Develop Black and Brown Children by Leveraging Cultural Difference Presented by: Carlton Collins, Activist/Author/Entrepreneur and Kenny Glenn, Cincinnati Leading Men Fellowship Carlton Collins Activist/Author/Entrepreneur Carlton Collins is an activist, author, entrepreneur, and speaker with over a decade of experience in education initiatives nationwide. His book published in 2017, Resist Every Bias on Every Level (REBEL) focuses on Black Male Achievement and Leadership Development. In 2018, he co-founded Engines That Work, a minority business development firm based in Cincinnati. In 2020, as part of The Heights Movement, a community development organization, he launched My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Lincoln Heights in partnership with the Obama Foundation. He has served on numerous boards and aided in numerous initiatives including founding Morehouse Education Association, which focused on getting more Black men into education through tutoring, mentoring, internships, and teaching post-graduation. Kenny GlennCincinnati Leading Men FellowshipKenny Glenn is the Program Associate for the Cincinnati Leading Men Fellowship. As a professional athlete, Kenny competed internationally in track & field for the country of Honduras. Kenneth has also served on Boards and worked in programs, schools, and nonprofit organizations throughout Cincinnati. Alongside The Business Hospital, he also assists small businesses in the realms of financial strategy and project management. Kenny has Bachelors and a Masters Degree in Accountancy from Miami University. Kenny is the award-winning author of the educational book, Question Everything: Advice for Students & Graduates. Widely recognized for his passion and ability to inspire others, he is on the forefront of a movement that promotes self-education and self-mastery. In doing so, students and graduates will be equipped to learn and apply the necessary skills to achieve their personal definition of success. X This session focuses on the implementation of clear strategies to create effectual and positive relationships with Black and Brown youth in your care. A major focus is being able to unpack internal biases that have been developed over years from media to marketing to nightly news that influence how we feel about others (even children) from different cultural backgrounds. As educators, we have an incredible responsibility to serve all youth equitably—this session teaches how to be intentional in that process. We will help educators along their journey to launch these young people into future academic, interpersonal, and social success. This is taught through the lens of Leading Men Fellowship Cincinnati, a program of The Literacy Lab. SWITCH: How to Change When Change Is Hard Presented by: Debbie Anderson, COAD Debbie Anderson COAD Debbie Anderson is an infant toddler specialist and step up to quality coordinator in the Early Care and Education Division of COAD in which she promotes the establishment of quality childcare settings, assists in improving quality care in current settings, facilitates trainings and provides technical assistance to child care programs. She is a PITC (Program for Infant Toddler Care) certified trainer. She has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Marshall University in Huntington, WV. Debbie has 23 years of experience of working in a large child care center, with eight of those years being the assistant administrator. X Psychologists have discovered that our minds are ruled by two different systems that compete for control, the rational mind and the emotional mind. The rational mind wants to change something at work but the emotional mind loves the comfort of the existing routine. Come learn how our mind controls our thoughts and feelings on change and learn a three-part framework that will help guide individuals in any situations where a change in behavior is needed. Participants will learn to "direct their riders," "motivate their elephants" and shape their paths. The Three Levels of Family Engagement Presented by: Kaleena Wiseman, 4C for Children Kaleena Wiseman 4C for Children Kaleena is married with 4 wonderful children. As a parent, teacher and administrator, she has learned how to navigate meeting individualized needs of children. She has children diagnosed with autism, epilepsy, ADHD, and twice exceptional. Kaleena has been in the field for 20 years as an assistant, teacher, director, and early childhood professor. She is currently employed with 4C for Children as a HUB outreach specialist and specializes in working with children who have special needs and those who have experienced trauma. X In this training we will learn the basics of family engagement and identify what level you are on and how to move to the next level. Trauma-Informed Care, Developmental Outcomes and Evidence-Based Interventions for Young Children Presented by: Stephanie Weber, University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Stephanie Weber University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Steph Weber, PsyD, MPH is an Associate Professor and clinical psychologist at University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center where she serves as the Associate Director and Training Director for the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program. Dr. Weber earned her Doctor of Psychology degree from the University of Indianapolis in 2011 and her Master’s in Public Health from University of Cincinnati in 2020. She is also the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s "Learn the Signs. Act Early." Ambassador to Ohio and leads the Act Early Ohio state team, where her work focuses on early identification of developmental delays and disabilities. Clinically, Dr. Weber directs Next Step Clinic, a multidisciplinary clinic for preschool-aged children with prenatal opioid exposure and specializes in treatment of behavior disorders as well as toilet training and pica in individuals on the autism spectrum. X Providing training for child care providers may assist them with effectively identifying issues that may arise in their classrooms as well as delineating strategies and techniques that are effective for children with developmental concerns and with those who have experienced trauma, given Ohio's opioid epidemic. Additionally, providing the opportunities for skill development and implementation of learned techniques with a training partner may aid the teachers being able to independently deliver interventions.