PRESENTERS
PRESENTERS
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.
John Sivadon
John Sivadon is an Assistant Director of Special Projects at The Adventure Preschool with 15+
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. For more information about John Sivadon, contact
him at 832-971-1323.
Dr. Sharon R. Jackson
Dr. Sharon R. Jackson is a lifelong early childhood advocate and a seasoned professional with presentations for national, state and local conferences. With over 30 years as a director, her background includes public schools, military childcare, Montessori, faith-based and for-profit settings. Her experience is not only wide-ranging but deeply grounded in appropriate practice, respect for children and families and the value of play and agency in the lives of young children.
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.
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).
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Leisha Davis
Leisha Davis has been teaching and shaping little minds for over 12 years. There is nothing more rewarding to her than seeing a child’s eyes light up while learning! Prior to working in the education field, Leisha worked at IBM for 20 years. During her time at IBM, she volun-teered many hours to tutoring K-2nd grade reading and math skills.
Andrew Keyes
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.
Kara Gore
CEO: Laugh N' Discover EC/PK and EC Boss COnsulting
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Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education, Grambling State University
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Master of Education, Early Childhood Education, Stephe, F. Austin University
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With over a decade of experience as an early childhood educator, I am adept in identifying and implementing high quality instruction for young children. As an early childhood educator, I have served as a pre-kinndergarten and kindergarten teacher, preschool owner, child development professor and early childhood trainer. Moreover, while my on the job experience has afforded me a well-rounded skillset, I also have a solid educational foundation and a passion for teaching our youngest learners and supporting early childhood professionals.
Diane Havens
Teaching teachers has always been a passion of mine. I have worked for several companies,
going to at least 15 states to spend time inspiring and motivating teachers to move creatively to
teach children to learn through play.
I opened Kids In Action children’s movement center in 1988 and it has now spread as the basis
for 2 beautiful childcares, one in Kingwood and one in Spring. We also reach out to other
schools to teach their motor development.
I graduated in 1968 from North Shore High School, followed by Lon Morris Jr. College then on to
SFA with a BS degree in Kinesiology. My first PE teaching job was in Houston ISD. Shortly
after, my husband’s job took us to Great Britain for 8 years. I have 2 beautiful children and 3
beautiful grandchildren and currently reside in Kingwood.​
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.
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.
Gayle Fisher
Gayle is an educator, author, advocate, ally, and learning differences consultant, and has been a mom living in the spectrum 16 years. She teaches as a pro bono adjunct at Lone Star College System (LSCS) Academy of Lifelong Learning (ALL) campuses and out in the community. She is Founder at Getting Sorted, Special Needs Sibs, Our Training Center and If We Learn Differently. She participates on several teams of Behavioral Health and Suicide Prevention Community Taskforce (BHSP) and on the boards of Cafe Azul, Coffee/Crafting/Community, and NAMI-Greater Houston, and has contributed to Autism Moms Are Beautiful. She loves to collaborate, and always has projects she is working on, including Aprendemos Diferente and First Responders Supports When Dealing with Neurodiversity. More can be found at GettingSorted.com.
VENDORS & PRESENTERS
VENDORS & PRESENTERS
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