MAIN SPEAKERS
MAIN SPEAKERS
PRESENTERS
PRESENTERS
Karl Bastian
Pastor Karl Bastian has over thirty years of experience as a full time children’s pastor in large, small, and mobile churches. He is the founder of Kidology.org, one of the first and still leading Internet destinations for those who minister to children. He is the host of KidminTalk.com a popular children’s ministry podcast and is the creator of PastorKarl.com a positive media site for kids. He is a prolific writer of training resources, books, magazine articles, curriculum and is the creator of itBibleCurricululm.com. Karl has a Bible Theology degree from Moody Bible Institute and a Masters in Children’s Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Julie Hamilton
Julie Hamilton has served as an elementary physical education teacher, church preschool teacher, Mother’s Day Out director and Head Start teacher during her professional career. Her passion, drive and vision for early childhood learning make her a frequent presenter at conferences. Julie has also served as a consultant to churches and private programs regarding program analysis, teacher training and facility design. Julie’s true passion is in learning through outdoor classrooms. She is happiest when she and her students are covered in mud, goo, or water; even better if it is all three! The concepts of math, reading and social-emotional skills are all readily taught through activities in an outdoor classroom and the children just think they are playing. Shhhh! Don’t tell them they are learning!
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.
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. 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. 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.
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. 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.
Reggie Hicks
Reggie Hicks is a professional ax throwing trainer with Tomahawk Targets HTX
Lauren Osborne
Lauren has a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University and earned her Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Texas at Arlington. She taught school in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for eight years and has been consulting with and speaking for churches, school districts, childcare groups and parents since 2005.
Gene “Bubba’ Wright
I attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on a football scholarship. It was there that I met my wife, Robin. After dating two weeks, I proposed, and we have been married now for 44 years. We have six children, three boys and three girls. We have three precious daughter-in-laws, two son-in-laws, seven awesome grandsons and five beautiful granddaughters! I have served in 3 churches as Children’s Pastor for over 21 years. Since April 2008, I have been traveling around the country doing children’s activities, training children’s workers, and conducting senior adult retreats and revivals. I have the ability to appeal to every age group. Having the ability to both teach and entertain at the same time, everything I do points men, women, boys and girls to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
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.
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.
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.
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 as an early childhood consultant. Lynette proudly serves as the Board President for both the Association for Early Learning Leaders and its state affiliate, the New Jersey Child Care Association
Debbie Tonne 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!
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.
Kelli 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.
Sara Melton
Presenter Qualifications: 11 years of teaching at Wildwood Christian Academy 7 years teaching junior high math in a public school setting, Bachelors of Science in Psychology, Valid Texas Teaching Certificate
Lakeshia Nnanami
Lakshia 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.
Megan Peveto
Megan Peveto, MS, CC-SLP. Is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and founder of The SLP Next Door. She has experience working in early childhood centers, collaborating with teachers to support communication development. Megan has presented multiple times on functional communication and language development and partners with her church’s preschool program to support early learners.
Kris Ramos
Kris Ramos currently serves as the Director of Lakewood Little People, a ministry of Lakewood Methodist Church. Following a 13 year career in public schools as a teacher and administrator, I found my calling to serve God and His people, both big and small, in this ministry where I have served the past 17 years. My passion for quality early childhood education and my experience as a teacher and leader are the driving forces behind my efforts to support, encourage, and empower parents, teachers and directors.
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.
Lena Scholten
Lena holds a Bachelor's degree in Christian Leadership and has more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education and church ministry. She has served as a Children's Ministry Director, Interim Youth Director, and currently as Assistant Director of a Christian preschool. She also leads social media, advertising, and communications, combining ministry and marketing to help connect families with Christ-centered educational opportunities.
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.
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 5 decades of experience, she uses her experience, 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.
Elaine Sommerville
Elaine Sommerville, licensed CPA, regularly works with churches and nonprofit
organizations in areas of tax and regulatory compliance. In addition, to her professional
life, she is actively involved in ministry at her home church and is passionate to help
others learn how to succeed in balancing home, work and faith in their daily lives.
Lynette 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.
Kelly Thomas & Cara Williams
Kelly Thomas and Cara Williams are the mother-daughter duo behind Designed by Kelly, a
branding and web design studio that helps small businesses, churches, and nonprofits bring their stories to life through thoughtful design and clear communication. Together, Kelly and Cara combine their backgrounds in design, education, and ministry to teach practical workshops that help educators and leaders communicate more effectively using tools like Canva. Through their hands-on trainings, they equip teachers, church leaders, and nonprofit teams with simple design skills that save time, strengthen communication, and bring creative ideas to life.
Tom Willibeck
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.
Janna Williams
My name is Janna Williams, and I am the current Bible and Music Specialist at
Wildwood Christian Academy (WCA) in Magnolia, Texas. I have been with WCA for nine
years. I began my career at WCA in the twos class, initially as a support teacher and
then as a lead teacher. This year marks my fourth year as a Specialist. I graduated from
Southwest Baptist University with a degree in Political Science.
