Cythnia Bryant

This training will inform directors and caregivers of the most recent updates to Minimum Standards forLicensed Child Care Centers. Participants will be able to identify the changes and explain the newrequirements.

Lynette Galante

Lynette Galante is the owner of Future Generation Early Learning Centers in New Jersey and has been involved in early care and education since 1994. She has served children and their families on many levels, including classroom teacher, program director, Head Start director, executive/multi-site administrator, center owner and national program consultant/ trainer. Lynette has assisted with the development of the current New Jersey child care licensing regulations and has participated with both Noggin and Sesame Street.

Kristin Miller

Mrs. Kristin Miller is a master professional development trainer for teachers, a curriculum writer and educational specialist, and certified health and safety consultant for early childhood programs.  She holds a Bachelor's degree in early childhood education and a Master's degree in curriculum and instruction. Mrs. Miller is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in philosophy, specializing in educational psychology.  She has over 23 years of professional experience in the fields of education and is the owner of an educational services company, eTeachingMe. She and her husband own a 501c3 non-profit called Parents' Pick Family Foundation. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, taking the boat to the lake, visiting the beach, watching movies, trying new foods, and has a hobby of scrapbooking.  Mrs. Miller is married and has three children and two dogs, all who reside in Burnet, Texas.

Stella King

My name is Stella King. I graduated from Oklahoma state university with a degree in Leisure Studies and an emphasis in service management.  I have been in the recreation field for over 25 years. I was a recreation coordinator for the City of Tulsa and have directed day camps, sleep away camps, and special events.   I currently teach fit n fun at The Adventure Preschool and I  just wrapped up my 10th year here. I have 2 young girls (13 and 11) that keep me exercising my heart on a daily basis.  At Oklahoma State University our motto was we don't learn to play, we play to learn.  I have adapted this motto into my lifestyle and  I try to teach my students and my girls that learning is fun.

Stephanie Rogers

Stephanie Rogers is a dedicated and passionate individual who has devoted the past 17 years to growing the Kingdom with an unwavering commitment to fostering spiritual growth and development, Stephanie has served as a Kids Minister. Married for 27 years, to her husband Kevin and a proud parent of three daughters, Katie,
Morgan and Caroline, Stephanie understands the importance of nurturing and guiding the next generation. Currently, Stephanie serves as the Preschool Minister at Champion Forest.
Jessica Salas was born and raised in the Houston area. She has taught in the early childhood field since 2009. I have worked at the Adventure Preschool since 2014. 

Yasminah Abdullah

Yasminah Abdullah-McKoy, M.S., CCC-SLP is a
licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist and the founder of Total Speech Therapy, a clinic dedicated to delivering accessible, culturally responsive care to diverse communities in Maryland, and Texas . A proud graduate of Howard University, Yasminah is currently pursuing her
doctoral degree in Leadership, further advancing her commitment to excellence in the field. With two decades of experience, Yasminah is deeply experienced in treating both pediatric and adult clients with a range of speech, language, and swallowing disorders, including those resulting from
stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis . Her innovative approach emphasizes mobile therapy services, bringing personalized care directly to clients in schools, daycare centers, senior communities, and assisted living facilities. totalspeechtherapy.com
Yasminah holds the Certificate of Clinical

Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) . Her dedication to empowering individuals through effective communication has established her as a leader and advocate in the speech-language pathology.

John Sivadon

John Sivadon is an Assistant Director of Special Projects at The Adventure Preschool with 20+ years of experience in education.
He holds a B.A. in Speech Communications and Journalism from Texas A&M University, along with a certification in Grant Writing
from Texas State University. He specializes in early childhood education STEM and grant writing. John is known for introducing science to early education students and staff through exhilarating presentations including fun mind-blowing experiments.

Andrew Stanley

Growing up a s homeschooled preacher’s kid, it seemed unlikely that Andrew Stanley would ever find love, become a comediak, orcontribute to society in a meaningful way. Two out of three is not too bad! Now a husband and fast rising stand up comedian,Andrew has been preforming all over the country since 2016. His unique perspective pairs well with his dry delivery andobservational nature. Andrew can be heard regularly on Sirius XM radio, he was selected a a New Face of Comedy at Montreal’s prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, and he appeared on Nate Bargatze’s The Showcase”on Nateland 2023. Andrew’s parents are still alive so he works clean.

Stella Velasques

Stella Velasquez is the founder and Director of Stella Parenting with Love. She has a Master's degree in Counseling with Individual Psychology a Master's degree in Education, and hasmore than 15 years of experience in the educational field as an early childhood teacher, and more than 30 years, passionate about personal growth and development. She is a Master Trainer for Daycare teachers, and Facilitator with Positive Discipline in families and educational institutions. She has a Diploma in Children's Mental Health, and is a Life Coach in Health and Wellness from the Neuroscience & Coaching Institute (NCI). Her passion is helping children, adolescents, adults, and couples through psychotherapy sessions. Also, she helps parents, teachers, and nannies through counseling with Individual Psychology and do trainings and conferences on Positive Discipline.

Cheryl Schaum

I have held various administrative roles prior to discovering my true passion. Beginning as a
substitute at my church preschool, I found my calling in nurturing young minds. After more than 2 decades of serving as director over a couple of weekday programs, I retired in May 2024. I am passionate about letting children embrace their natural curiosity and wonder. I want every child to realize their full potential in Christ.

Miss Patty Cake - Jean Thomason

Jean Thomason (Miss PattyCake) has more than 35 years of experience as a musical performer, worship leader, song writer,author and conference speaker to women, parents, grandparents, teachers and children’s ministers. AND, she is the living embodiment of the joyful children’s musical character, “Miss PattyCake.” Through this brightly costumed character, Jean plants biblical truths into littlelives, teaching God’s Word through music, stories, and fun activities,while helping equip parents tolay a spiritual foundation. In 2024, she completed a Masters’ Degree from Trevecca Nazarene University in Worship Arts and Leadership. Her published book is, “Sharing God’s BIG LOVE with Little Lives.” She and her husband have 2 grown children, and live in Franklin, TN.

Laura Payne

Laura Payne is a former Teacher of the Deaf and sign language expert with a master’s in Education of theDeaf. Since leaving the classroom, she now teaches parents and educators how to effectively use signlanguage with 0-3 year old children, fostering early communication, confidence, and languagedevelopment.

Lakeshia Nnamani

Lakeshia Nnamani, M. Ed., has over a decade of experience as an early childhood educator. She is adept in identifying and implementing high quality instruction for young children. Not only does she have a strong educational background, but also has 2 years of experience instructing CDA courses. As an early childhood educator, she served as a pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teacher, preschool owner, child development professor and early childhood trainer. Moreover, while her on-the-job experience has afforded her a well-rounded skill set, she also has a solid educational foundation and a passion for teaching the youngest learners and supporting early childhood professionals.

Annette Collins

Hi my name is Annette Collins.
I am executive director of a faith based 501 (c)3 non profit child care in Decker Prairie Tx. I
have been in the field of early childhood
education for more than 25 years. I have served as a classroom teacher, program director and now executive director of God's Grace Learning Center. I am passionate about teaching and mentoring staff and sharing the knowledge I have obtained from all my roles of teaching, directing and forming a non-profit childcare center. Each area has been a journey that led to the next step to educate, equip and motivate staff to become the best at each level they are in.

Vickie Maertz

Vickie Maertz, the owner of PALS- Physical &
Academic Learning Services in Columbus, Texas, holds both a Masters and Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. With a background that includes working for multiple school districts, Early Childhood Intervention, pediatric home health, and private practice, Vickie is a lifelong believer that what you do for kids matters. She is SIPT certified, an Interactive Metronome provider, and trained in both Berard AIT and Therapeutic Listening, and has
lectured nationally on the topic of Autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorders. Currently, Vickie trains early childhood educators in the current, proven strategies and methods for learning. Vickie co-authored a book entitled “Classroom
Strategies For Children with ADHD, Autism &
Sensory Processing Disorders: Solutions for
Behavior, Attention and Emotional Regulation” with Karen Hyche.​

Josh Denhart

After serving as a children's pastor for over 10 years, Josh transitioned all his vocational energies toward KidMin Science. Josh is a seasoned educator with BA in Chemistry Education, a MA in Effective Instruction, and earned National Board Certification in Young Adult and Adolescent Science. As a former High School chemistry teacher, Josh melded his love for Science and Christ, creating “The Amazing Chemistry Show”, a traveling gospel-centered stage show with fire, explosions and foam. Carrying this Ministry of Chemistry even further, Josh created three“Science VBS”curricula.

Andrew Keys

Associate Pastor of Children's and Student
Ministries. Andrew graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and
received his Master's in Divinity from Austin
Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Amanda Hawkins

Amanda Hawkins has a degree in Physical & Occupational Therapy. She grew up loving God and loves serving Him today by teaching children at her church for the past 7 years. She loved it so much that she continues teach. One of her goals is to leave an important mark on each of these little ones and takes advantage of using all her knowledge sine the spend hours with her and are in full physical, mental, and spiritual development. She has been happily married for 15 years and has two beautiful children with whom she works with daily also.​

Carolina Montoya

Carolina Montoya is a passionate educator with a background in Kinesiology and over 8 years of teaching experience. She specializes in working with preschool-aged children and currently teaching 3 year olds. She love creating a fun, nurturing environment where young learners can grow physically, emotionally, academically and spiritually.
Her background in kinesiology helds her support children’s motor development and encourages active, healthy learning every day.

Peggy Osborne

Peggy has been a pastor’s wife since 1974 when she and Chris Osborne married. After serving in Oakwood, New Baden and Midland, Texas, they served together at Central Baptist Church in College Station, Texas for 33 years.

They have had the privilege of sharing with countless families and college students who have attended Texas A&M University and Blinn College.

In January of 2020, they stepped down from the pastorate but not from ministry! Peggy and Chris have moved to Fort Worth where Chris is teaching as a full time professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

With this move, Peggy has the opportunity to continue to support and mentor students’ wives and other women attending the school. She says that it is a privilege to see the next generation standing strong in Christ!

Peggy has been in the field of education for over 25 years. She spent fourteen years in the elementary classroom teaching pre-k, kindergarten, second and fourth grades. From 1998 through 2010 she was an administrator within the College Station Independent School District’s Early Childhood Department in College Station, TX. Since December of 2010, she and her daughter, Lauren, have been consulting with Faith Based Schools and childcares, school districts and Head Starts all across the state.

In addition to consulting work, Peggy has enjoyed speaking at MOPS groups, women’s events such as “Advent By Candlelight” and women’s retreats. She enjoyed many years of teaching a women’s Sunday School class and various studies in her church setting. She especially enjoys getting to speak alongside Lauren as a Mother/Daughter team!

Kelly Kral-McDaniel

Kelly Kral-McDaniel holds a Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University and a Master of Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. She has been an educator for over 20 years. Through her work with Early Childhood Intervention, she has supported children with special needs aged 0-3 and partnered with their caregivers to access and implement appropriate developmental services. Furthermore, she has spent twelve collective years as a preschool and kindergarten teacher.

Betty Bernal

Betty is passionate about sharing the joy of learning Spanish with young children. With 10 years of experience as a Spanish teacher. I’ve developed innovative teaching strategies that make learning fun and engaging for little ones. I believe in fostering a love of learning through interactive activities, songs, and games all while creating a safe and nurturing environment where kids can confidently explore the world of Spanish.

Chris Smith

Chris Smith is an Early Childhood Educator/Consultant and national workshop presenter from Enid, Oklahoma, transplanted from Chicago, Illinois. She has a degree in Christian Education and a M.Ed. in Early Childhood. Recently retired after more than five decades of experience, she uses her expertise—combining current brain research and “best practice” strategies—to create exciting and innovative learning activities for young children. A keynote of her years in education has been her belief that developing strong relationships with students, colleagues, and the community is the key to educational success, and she infuses that belief into all her workshop experiences. Former participants add:
“She is a constant source of inspiration by her upbeat attitude and obvious love of children.”
Also: “Her enthusiasm and passion are contagious, and her hands-on projects are easily implemented into the classroom.”

So… Be prepared to have some fun, “catch the wonder,” and rediscover your joy of teaching with Chris!

Darlene Abbott

Darlene Abbott has written children’s music and curriculum for 25 years. She currently writes preschool for Semsen Music. She created Preschool Praisentations with Kathie Hill and has contributed to many products by LifeWay including both the Children’s Music Series and the Children’s Worship Series. Darlene is the creator of the Music MomProducts which include music teaching games and activities. She travels as an instructor and clinician for music educators, community and church choir leaders, and preschool teachers. She served as the Director of the Kidlife Worship Choir at the Church at Station Hill until 2023. In 2023, Darlene and her husband moved to Columbia, TN to begin The Church at West End.Darlene has a B.S. in Music from the University of North Alabama.

Dr. Rick Chromey

Dr. Rick Chromey is an author, speaker and historian. His mission is to help people interpret history, navigate culture and explore faith to create trusted and transformative change. In 2017, he founded MANNA! Educational Services International to serve churches, Christian schools and faith-based organizations with "inspirational edu-trainment." He’s authored over 15 books on leadership, church ministry, classroom management, history and culture, including his most recent work titled GenTech: An American Story of Technology, Change and Who We Really Are (2020).

Tom Wilbeck

Tom Wilbeck, MA, LPC, is a multi-instrumentalist who pulls audiences in with stories and a multitude of opportunities to join in the fun by becoming part of the show. You can see more of Tom's musical expression in his children's group Tom's Fun Band.

Natasha Harris

Natasha Harris is the Founder, Presenter & Executive Owner of Integrity Training & Professional Services. She has an Associate’s Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. Natasha has also completed Master classes toward Organizational Leadership and Early Childhood Education for Childcare Administrators and Leaders.

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She also provides Staff & Administrative trainings and specializes in Business Compliance, Leadership Development, Professional Administration, Effective Communication, Vision and Purpose planning & implementation, Ethics/Integrity, Reflective Leadership, Staff Development and Professionalism in the Corporate setting, deficiency compliance planning and so much more. 

Integrity Training is also an approved credentialing organization with Childcare Licensing to provide Texas Director Credential Courses. As of 2023, Natasha has credentialed over 100 new directors and mentor numerous owners and directors across United States.

John Authenreith

Rev. John Authenreith has served in various roles of church ministry for almost 25 years. He
currently serves as the Senior Pastor at Cochranton Community Church in NW Pennsylvania,
where he lives with his wife of 31 years, Donna. Previously, he served other churches as both a
technical director and a worship pastor. He holds a BA in CommunicaGons from the University of
Akron, and an MA in Biblical Studies from Liberty University’s School of Divinity. John has been
blessed to be a part of the PTAC leadership team since 2005.

Albert Wright

Albert Wright is a Master Trainer, Author, and host of a popular YouTube show. He is the epitome of someone who refuses to be defined by his circumstances. After growing up
in poverty he spent more than 20 years in the field as everything from a teacher, director, regional director and most recently as an advocate speaking to lawmakers and
other professionals. Albert holds a BS in Child Development as well as a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education. Albert is a 3-time Trainer of the Year award winner and winner of numerous other awards and acknowledgements. Albert believes that it is important to be both informative and entertaining while training.
Albert believes that it is important to be both informative and entertaining while training,
because if people are entertained, they are more likely to retain the information. Albert
seeks to train with the perfect balance of laughter and learning, which has turned Wright
One Training clients into true fans of his work.

Barbara Lynn

Barbara Lynn earned her Master’s degree in Child Development and Family Relationships from the University of Texas at Austin and Principal Certification from University of St. Thomas, Houston.

In addition to being an educator of children for 16 years (Pre-K, K, and Special Education), she taught in the Department of Education and Early Childhood at Wharton County Junior College for 18 years. Now retired, she serves as an adjunct instructor and presenter at state and local Early Childhood Conferences.

Lynnette Tello

I have taught for the Houston Independent School District for 29 years. I have a Masters in Early Childhood from the University of Houston.  I have been a classroom teacher in Pre-K, K, 1st and 2nd.  I am currently a reading interventionist for Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 5th graders. My primary goal is to create a positive space for all children to feel safe and confident in their learning environment. 

Lori Buxton

Lori Buxton is the Executive Director of the Association for Early Learning Leaders and has been involved in early care and education since 1995.  She has served children and their families on many levels, including classroom teacher, program director, children's pastor, executive administrator, training consultant, and national speaker.  Lori is a dynamic speaker who is passionate about encouraging, equipping and empowering early education professionals.  She has been a featured guest on Preschool Podcast, Rock Star Radio with Kris Murray,  1Place Podcast Series, “Excellence in Childcare'', Director Dialogues with Chanie Wilschanski, and is co-host “Small Talk! With Ron & Lori''.  Lori is a past member of the Board of Directors for the Association for Early Learning Leaders, and served on Sesame Street PD Advisory Board.

Marianne Gibbs

Dr. Marianne Gibbs is an occupational therapist and dynamic, national early childhood educational speaker. Dr. Gibbs received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1985 from Claremont McKenna College, Master of Occupational Therapy Degree in 2000 from Texas Woman’s University, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a Specialization in Curriculum and Instruction in 2010 from University of Phoenix. In addition to being the owner of Gibbs Consulting, Inc., Dr. Gibbs is also a contributing author to the Frog Street Press Pre-K curriculum and Benson Handwriting programs. As an entrepreneurial educator since 2004, Dr. Gibbs supports the appropriate development of young children by providing once in a lifetime workshops - every time!

Debbie Jones

Debbie Tonne Jones, owner of Confident Director, brings over 20 years of early childhood education expertise to her role. With a Bachelor of Arts from Howard Payne University, she specializes in staff training, parent workshops, and program consulting, particularly in faith-based programs. Having served in various capacities, including teacher and program director, Debbie's passion lies in empowering directors and teachers to maximize their potential. She loves encouraging freedom in their roles through the "boring stuff" like budgets and labor laws, as well as in the "fun stuff" like risky play and natural environments!

Barbara Cargill

Barbara Cargill earned her undergraduate degree in education from Baylor University and a Master of Science in Science Education degree from Texas Woman’s University.  Having taught high school science for almost ten years, she was the recipient of many teaching awards including a National Excellence Award for science teaching.  Barbara’s interest in creative learning for children and a love for science motivated her to create the WOW! program in 1994. Every summer, over 1,100 children attend WOW Science Camp. She has been training educators for over 35 years. In addition to her passion for science education, Barbara also served on the Texas State Board of Education for sixteen years until her retirement in December 2020.  In 2022, she began a 3-year term serving as a Regent for her Alma Mater, Baylor University. Most recently, she began serving on the Board for Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County. Barbara and her husband Terry have been married for 40 years and have 3 wonderful sons, an amazing daughter-in-law, and 2 precious granddaughters.

Alba Bunnell

I have worked for twenty-nine years in early childhood as a teacher, administrator, and director for twelve years. I have a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Studies. I am a Texas trainer and a PD bilingual specialist. I am studying for my PhD Developmental Psychology. My vision and dedication are to guide early childhood educators and parents on positive and appropriate ways to foster the social, cognitive, emotional, and physical development of every child we encounter. My passion is communicating with colleagues, teachers, and parents about the importance and impact of our job in early childhood education.
As a Master Registered Trainer in Early Childhood Education with over 28 years of experience, I am dedicated to inspiring educators to nurture young minds. My educational journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Studies.
Currently, I am studying to obtain my Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology (May 2024). My
passion lies in comprehending brain development in children from infancy through five years old, optimizing learning opportunities during these critical windows. I am committed to laying a
strong foundation of learning in each child and encouraging educators to take pride in their role as the architects of a young child’s educational and spiritual development. My experiences as a reviewer to the NAEYC in 2023 have further enriched my understanding of early childhood education.

Robin Rettie

Robin Rettie, M.Ed., Special Education combines components of evidenced-based behavior strategies, cognitive development, and neuroscience into The Anchor Teaching Framework, laying the foundation for self-regulation through measures supporting sensory processing and social-emotional learning for all settings and ages; Early Childhood through Adults, including the workplace setting. Robin has a life-time of experience; sibling to Laurie Lorraine Rettie (LLR) born with Microcephaly and 34 years directly in the field working to support individuals with neurological and genetic differences. Robin is the founder of Lighthouse Learning Resources (LLR – named in honor of her sister), an online specialty store, educational consulting, and educator and parent training company.
Robin’s professional training includes a BA in General Education EC – 8 and Master’s in Special Education, extensive training in autism, curriculum, sensory processing, behavior, All Kinds of Minds - 8 neurological constructs of learning, Mediation and Negotiation Training, and Special Education Law. Additionally, Robin is the former Life Academy and Employability Director of The Monarch School and Institute in Houston, TX. Areas of concentration include educational consulting with families navigating public education, employment training, job coaching and company disability training, educators and parent training utilizing evidence-based strategies to redirect behavior rooted in sensory and social-emotional challenges. Everyone is supported with an end goal of increasing access to all aspects of life; school, community, and employment.
Robin actively serves on the PAC Advisory Board for Attention Deficit Disorder Association, Former USA Board Member of World Autism Organisation, PAWS Abilities, and Advisory The Greater Houston Disability Chamber of Commerce.

Jessica Salas

Hi! My name is Jessica Salas. I was born and raised in the Houston area. I have taught in the early childhood field since 2009. I have worked at the Adventure Preschool since 2014. I am currently working on my Bachelor's of Elementary Education. When I am not teaching, I run my painting business, The Enchanted Brush Facepainting. I have been face painting since 2015. I love to show teachers how to integrate face painting into their classrooms.