Lisa Murphy, M.Ed., Early Childhood Specialist

Founder and CEO of Ooey Gooey, Inc.

Lisa Murphy has been involved in early childhood education for over 30 years. She has written

five books, produced numerous training DVDs, serves on many early childhood advisory boards,

is an international speaker and trainer, is co-host of the podcast Child Care Bar and Grill and is

the founder and CEO of Ooey Gooey, Inc. As an outspoken advocate, Lisa is known for her

commitment to creating child-centered, play-based early childhood environments and her fierce

protection of childhood. In 2013 she received her Masters in Early Childhood Education from

Champlain College, in 2018 she received the Patricia Monighan Nourot Award for Exemplary

Leadership and Play Advocacy from NAEYC’s Play Policy and Practice Interest Forum, and in

2020, her latest book, Lisa Murphy On… Being Child Centered was nominated for “Best in

Education” by Midwest Book Awards. Her seminars have been called humorous, energetic,

content-rich and inspiring. She currently resides in Central Florida.

Workshop Description: Sensory play is rightfully all the rage right now and we continue to learn more about its immense research-based benefits for our growing students. Come and learn the basics of sensory play and how to build your expectations, activities, and even the sensory bin itself in this hands-on session. We will explore some common snags and how to avoid them, as well as answer the questions teachers have about integrating it seamlessly into their worlds.

Speaker Bio: Devin has worked in the early childhood field for over 10 years. Her educational background consists of an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood – fourth-grade education from Baylor University and a Leadership Certificate in Early Childhood Literacy from Rice University’s School Literacy and Culture. She was a part of the School Literacy and Culture Early Literacy Leadership Academy (ELLA) for cohort one and has continued with the project as a mentor teacher for the Developing Oral Language, Storytelling Project, and the ELLA programs. Devin has worked in Houston ISD in both traditional classrooms and as a specialist in an Oral Language Development Lab as part of a collaboration with Rice SLC. She is currently a seminar leader with Rice SLC.

Workshop Description: The most important goals of early childhood education should be to foster a love of learning, to build healthy relationships with caregivers and peers outside of the home, and to lay a foundation for academic success with developmentally appropriate curriculum and practice. I want all children to be ready for big school and that depends on their deep understanding that school is a safe, healthy place where they are cared for and supported at each developmental stage. In this presentation I will present strategies to reach these goals with a focus on social and emotional development.

Speaker Bio: For over a decade, Amanda Armbruster has worked with young children and their families as a teacher, graduate student, Licensed Professional Counselor, and now in her own home as a mom. Amanda started Take a Break Tots to bring information about child development, behavior, discipline, and social-emotional intervention from the clinical world to the average household and classroom. She strives to help caregivers support the social and emotional development of the young children in their lives. Amanda provides lots of free information and personal parenting stories on her Instagram page (@takeabreaktots) and her blog (https://www.takeabreaktots.com/blog). Through consultations, Amanda helps caregivers develop personalized behavior and discipline plans.

Workshop Description: Through drumming, children create predictable, rhythmic patterns that mimic healthy brain connections that may have been disrupted by stress or trauma. Drumming builds community and helps children regulate their emotions, improve social skills and language development and increase fine and gross motor skills. Participants will learn ways to get started right away to integrate drumming activities into the daily routines in a preschool regular education or special education classroom.

Speaker Bio: Jenny Kist has been teaching young children for 26 years.  She is a Conscious Discipline practitioner who uses drumming and mindfulness in her work with children.  Jenny currently teaches in an early childhood special education integrated classroom at the Fort Zumwalt Early Childhood Center in St. Peters, Missouri.

Workshop Description: A child’s name is a wonderful developmentally appropriate tool for individualizing literacy learning.  Learn how to use children’s names as a springboard to meet a variety of objectives including phonological awareness, letter recognition, print awareness and more!

Speaker Bio: With 18 years of experience in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade, Laura Bennett is passionate about Early Childhood Education. Since 2017, she has pursued Continuing Education with Rice University School Literacy & Culture developing a deep understanding of storytelling and emerging literacy in the Early Childhood classroom.  Laura Bennett is currently a Pre-K Teacher at Kilpatrick Elementary in Katy ISD.

Workshop Description: Behavior is communication, and the message often gets lost in translation. Rethinking behavior is about questioning assumptions, learning how to see and meet the needs behind the behavior, and offering ourselves and our little learners compassionate curiosity and skill-building solutions.

Speaker Bio: Rebecca A. Weiner, M.Ed. is a dynamic educator, life-long learner, and creator of Learn Play Grow Educational Consulting. She supports transformational growth for young children with diverse abilities and their families, teachers, and schools through play-based learning, parent and teacher coaching, and inclusion support.

Rebecca earned a master’s degree in education and completed a residency in Rice University’s School Literacy and Culture program as well as a fellowship in Leadership Education for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND). She is a certified DIR Floortime practitioner, Positive Discipline parent educator, and early communication professional trained and licensed by the Hanen Centre.

Workshop Description: Reading aloud is still recognized as “The single most important activity…for eventual success in reading.” (Becoming a Nation of Readers, 1985, and The American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021). Join Margaret to explore ways to ramp up your read alouds to help your students develop a love for reading and skills for future reading success.

Speaker Bio: Margaret has an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of New Orleans, with an emphasis in reading and special needs. She was a classroom teacher for 19 years working mostly in early childhood classrooms. Upon leaving the classroom in 1996 she went full time to Rice University’s School Literacy and Culture in the School of Continuing Studies. She was Associate Director for The Classroom Storytelling professional development program and more recently for the Early Literacy Leadership Academy (ELLA). She retired in 2017, and has continued to mentor teachers in ELLA and present for conferences and summits. Margaret has had the privilege of working with well over a hundred teachers in their classrooms plus thousands who have attended her presentations at many local, state, regional, and national early childhood conferences. A favorite new activity is reading to toddlers at her church on Sunday mornings. Margaret shares her home with her two rescued dogs, Pearl and Darby.

Workshop Description: Join Sharon Dworaczyk from School Literacy and Culture at Rice University for a hands-on, interactive session focusing on a rich early literacy environment in infant and toddler classrooms.

Speaker Bio: Sharon Dworaczyk has worked with young toddlers through second-grade age children for thirty years. Her educational background consists of an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education specializing in Early Childhood and English as a Second Language from Texas A & M University in College Station and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Houston, Clear Lake. She was trained in the Classroom Storytelling Project from the School Literacy and Culture at Rice University in 1996 and has continued with the project as a mentor teacher and seminar leader.  Sharon has also worked with Creative Writing Camp since 1999 teaching entering Kindergarten through First Grade students and as site supervisor since 2014. She has spent the last three years also working as a curriculum coordinator at Westminster Weekday School and Holy Spirit Episcopal School in Houston, TX.

Workshop Description: This workshop will demonstrate the importance of using music in the classroom.  Additionally, participants will explore practical techniques for using everyday objects to bring music into their classrooms: no music experience necessary!

Speaker Bio: Tom Wilbeck is a Licensed Professional Counselor, trainer and performer who has been delivering therapeutic and educational intervention since 1995.  He is currently in private practice as a child and adolescent therapist, licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners and specializes in play therapy.  Tom has also been a trainer for groups ranging from Exxon, Coca Cola, and NASA to early childhood education audiences in the greater Houston area.

As a performer, Tom is “Mr. Tom” from Tom’s Fun Band; a nationally ranked children’s recording artist with 3 CDs to his credit.  Tom has had the distinct pleasure of performing more than 200 shows per year for the last 10 years, reaching hundreds of thousands of children with his infectious and heartwarming original songs.  Tom firmly believes that we each have a purpose.  Whether it be in a therapeutic setting, a training, or from the stage, Tom seeks to increase joy in people’s lives, so their purpose will shine through

Workshop Description: Math matters and should be used everywhere throughout the classroom. In this workshop, you will learn many new math related activities that will enhance transitions, circle time, and make learning opportunities out of snack and lunch time.  We will learn fun ways to introduce your children to mathematics. This workshop will include some make and take activities to help along the way.

Speaker Bios: Briccale King and Ashley Waite have a combined total of over 20 years of teaching experience in Early Childhood Education. Briccale is a Threes teacher at St. Luke’s Day School and Ashley is an Assistant Director at Agape Early Learning Center in Hampton, Virginia. Their objectives have always been to bring and incorporate math throughout their daily routines. They are two teachers who are passionate about teaching.

Workshop Description: An interactive workshop to get ideas of how to help parents “let go” and allow their child become more independent.

Speaker Bio: Jan Flowers has worked with children for over 30 years.  She has a degree in Health from The University of Houston and a master’s in early childhood education from The University of St. Thomas.  After being a nanny for nine years, she began her teaching career at St. Luke’s Day School, where she taught 2s, Pre-K, and the Bridge class.  She did private tutoring before starting at The Joy School, where she taught Kindergarten through 3^rd grade for 19 years.  Jan retired from The Joy School in May of 2019, and she now lives in Wiscasset, Maine, with her husband Larry and their two dogs, Lucie and Dahlia.  She continues to tutor and work with children on trips to help them learn independence and organization.

Workshop Description: Learn how writing ties into twenty first century learners, SEL, and provocations in a play-based environment. This workshop will truly show you that writing is the painting of a voice.

Speaker Bio: Hugo Basurto has 9 years of experience in early childhood education. He studied Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Houston and completed the Early Literacy Leadership Academy program at Rice University. Hugo has led staff trainings on Bridging Early Childhood Curriculum with Everyday Read Alouds, Assessing Children Through Storytelling Projects and Literacy, and Click: Classroom Documentation.  He is interested in research about creating risk-free writing environments.

Workshop Description: For children to be successful at school they need to have developed strong language skills….so let’s give children the tools and explicit instruction they need… with activities that are Engaging, Enriching and Exciting! We will explore language that asks questions, provides rich descriptive words, includes language experiences that compare and contrast, and more, using games, drama, songs, art, and read-a-louds! Join in the fun and learn at the same time!

Speaker Bio: Chris Smith is the Director of Early Childhood for Enid Public Schools in Enid, Oklahoma, a teacher, administrator, university professor, and national workshop presenter, with over 45 years experience.  She has initiated intergenerational  classrooms in nursing homes and started a Pre Kindergarten Lab school for a university program.  Her experiences and  passion for educating young children, have led her across the country providing early childhood trainings that excite, inspire, and challenge her audiences. She combines current brain research and “best practice” strategies to create exciting and innovative learning opportunities for teachers and children

Workshop Description: Having a positive partnership has the ability to create a safe and healthy environment for children to thrive during learning and

playtime.

Speaker Bio: Pastor Christina Brackens-Evans, affectionately known as Pastor C is a woman appointed for this day and time by God. Through her, the message of Jesus Christ rings loud to this generation.

Pastor Christina is the youngest daughter of the late Pastor Edward and Dr. Shirley Brackens. She accepted her calling in June 2009 and now Pastors with her husband, Pastor James Evans Jr.  They currently Pastor JC Ministries, located in Houston TX, where their vision for ministry is to reach those that are lost and help them to become authentic disciples of Christ who impact our nation.

Pastor Christina has worked in many facets of the ministry including Lead Administrator, Teacher, Lead Financial Officer, and Youth Pastor. These positions coupled with her unique calling and strong passion for women has gifted her the wisdom to minister to the hearts of many women, challenging them for positive change.  

Pastor Christina is the founder of H.E.R. Ministries, where’s she helping women to be Healed, Empowered, and Revealed. H.E.R. Ministries also umbrellas RTM INC. “Removing the Mask Women’s Conference”. Women each year come from across the country to attend the conference.

Pastor Christina is a wife, mother of three, a mentor, a certified life coach to women, and a toddler coach with a CDA in Early Child Development. After 20 plus years in Early Child Development, Pastor Christina with much prayer decided to launch out abroad. God has gifted her with love, reliability, and spiritual power that crosses generational, economic, and racial divides.  She moves forward alongside her husband preaching and teaching the word of God, fulfilling the call to transform lives, heal hearts, and building meaningful relationship while winning souls.

Workshop Description: We have all been in a parent meeting that involved news that was hard to hear.   Either we avoid the uncomfortable conversation, make mistakes in the delivery, or conduct a thoughtful and empathetic dialogue. Amy will provide participants with tools to navigate tough talks with first-hand accounts, research, and clinical experience.

Speaker Bio: Amy is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and Community Outreach at The Parish School (TPS). She holds a BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin and a MA in Speech-Language Pathology from The George Washington University.

Amy serves on the Texas Speech and Hearing Association Webinar Committee, is a part of the American Speech and Hearing Association Leadership Development Program 2022 Cohort, and serves on the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, Service for Students with Disabilities Task Force.

Amy is married to a lawyer-turned-pediatrician, Marshall Lerman, and is the mother of two dynamic girls, Lyla and Sunny. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga, being outdoors, and attending events in the community

Workshop Description: In light of the significant increase in recognized importance of social emotional skills, attendees will be given an enhanced understanding of the context in which SEL (social-emotional learning) and other so-called “soft, non-cognitive, and other” skills have risen to prominence. With a basis in early brain and child development, attendees will also be presented an entirely new, simplified framework designed to facilitate ease of understanding, applying, and the day-to-day cultivation of these 21st century skills for success.

Speaker Bio: Aquanita McClaney is an early childhood coach, educator, and avid pursuer of knowledge for more than 20 years. As a practitioner of professional development for both teacher and child-centered learning, her educational focus revolves around the implementation of relatable knowledge connected to practical, yet effective, daily practices in the classroom. She holds degrees from Tuskegee University, Auburn University, leadership certification from both the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Yale Women’s Leadership Program.  She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the field of education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Professional interests include further research and dialogue around the equitable practices necessary for foundational social-emotional intelligence through continuous learning and development.

Workshop Details: This informative workshop teaches participants strategies to cultivate a thriving classroom community of young readers and writers. During our interactive session, you will learn and participate in activities that support and promote fine motor, early literacy, and foundational reading skills. Join Ms. Davis for a meaningful and fun workshop training session that parents and educators enjoy!

Speaker Bio: The founder of MD&F (Ms. Davis & Friends) Early Childhood Development Consulting Firm, Ashley Davis, CDA-trained Early Literacy Leadership Academy graduate with 12 years of experience in early childhood education, leads our classes, workshop presentations, and training sessions with energy and enthusiasm. Her intentional and thoughtful instructional approach supports student understanding and creativity. At Ms. Davis & Friends, we help create better educational outcomes for all students and educators with research-based, classroom-tested strategies, expert guidance, and meticulous care.

Workshop Description: I believe that now more than ever, we need to help our children be inclusive in their lives and in their hearts.  We can start by making it clear that all are welcome in our classrooms. Learn how to create an even more inclusive classroom by using books and music together—and sing and dance and play with me while you’re doing it!

Speaker Bio: Barbara Brandt has taught at St.Luke’s Day School for 15 years, both in the classroom and as the music teacher.  She has a CDA degree, has studied with the Richards Institute’s Education through Music for many years, and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting, which comes in handy while working with preschool children!

Workshop Description: In this hands-on training, explore the wonderful world of vertebrates and invertebrates with animal activities, experiments, and games that help children understand the characteristics of living things and how they live in the wild. Living versus nonliving, animal body structure, social behavior, habitats, and defenses are among some of the topics. Animal cracker classification, snake ties, predator-prey games, pitfall traps, bug bait painting, sleeping bag metamorphosis, and life cycle studies add to the fun and nurture children’s love for animals!

Speaker Bio: 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. With over 1,100 children, 3-year-olds through 4th grade, attending Science Camp each summer, Barbara brings a wealth of experience to professional development! She has been training teachers for over 30 years. In addition to her passion for science education, Barbara also served on the Texas State Board of Education until her recent retirement.  She was elected for four 4-year terms. Governor Perry appointed Barbara twice, the maximum time allowable, to serve as Chair of the board.  Barbara was honored to serve as a voice for teachers, parents, and children at the state level. Recently, Barbara was elected by fellow alumni to serve as a Regent for Baylor University for a 3-year term. Once again, she is honored to serve in a position that focuses on education issues!

Workshop Description: Dealing with challenging behaviors can be frustrating but developing an awareness of what behaviors are most bothersome to you can help you most effectively address those challenges. Understand how co-regulation can help with some of your most challenging behaviors and how important perception, response and awareness can be to managing class behaviors.

Speaker Bio: Casey Casteel the owner of Casteel Counseling and Play Therapy and Casteel Educational Consulting. She is a child and teen therapist in private practice, specializing in play therapy, and an educational consultant providing teacher and parent education, school selection guidance, and school consulting . She specializes in early childhood social and emotional support, anxiety, and ADHD. Prior to her current role, she has served over twenty years in various roles in the education field, including: preschool- middle school teacher, in therapeutic schools and special education schools; enrichment teacher, program director, learning specialist, and school counselor. For more information, please visit: www.caseycasteel.com

Workshop Description: Participants will learn best practices for addressing the needs and temperament types of young children, develop tactics in how to identify, assess and address challenging behaviors, and acquire resources to support families and the classroom environment.

Speaker Bio: Donna Wheeler has been employed in various roles in the field of early childhood education for 34 years. She has been a registered trainer of early childhood professionals for 17 years. Donna earned her undergraduate degree in Social Ecology, with emphasis on Human Development, from the University of California, Irvine and her master’s degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College, Pasadena, California.  Additionally, she holds the Child Development Associate credential from Houston Community College.

Donna has previously worked as a preschool center Director, a Nature Educator at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, a child development (CDA) Instructor for Houston Community College, a motor skills teacher, art teacher, and teacher of 4-year-olds. She enjoys spending time with her family, including her dogs, gardening, daily walks and travel. Donna looks forward to sharing her research and her classroom experiences with “high energy” children with you.

Workshop Description:Get ready to enjoy this engaging hands-on presentation of the fine motor development of young children 3-6 years old. This session contains essential, rarely addressed, information for educators of ALL young children, which supports pencil grasp, pre-writing, and scissor skill development across the curriculum. Activities and techniques are ready to use in the classroom or home tomorrow!

Speaker Bio: 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 in California, 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.

As an entrepreneurial educator since 2004, Dr. Gibbs supports the appropriate development of young children by providing “once in a lifetime workshops – every time” with the goal of elevating educational practices and life-long outcomes for children beyond expectations!

Workshop Description: In this workshop participants will learn to understand children’s undesired behaviors, with and without learning differences:  We will discuss age-appropriate re-directs using intrinsic motivation, multiple intelligences, classroom management, natural consequences, sensory integration, executive function, and behavior interventions built on best practices of trust, boundaries, mental health awareness and learning challenges.  Learning tools to humorously redirect frustrations and sensory escape back into learning will help bring a calm, teachable state into your classrooms and other learning environments, so this is a broad discussion on behaviors and interventions, with an empathetic and somatic-science understanding.

Speaker Bio: Gayle is an activist mom of a rising 10th grader with learning differences.  She is an educator, author, advocate, ally, and learning differences consultant, and has been living in the spectrum 12+ years. She teaches non-credit workshops as an adjunct at Lonestar College System (LSCM) Academy of Lifelong Learning (ALL) campuses and out in the community.  She is Founder at GettingSorted.com, Founding Co-Facilitator of SpecialNeedsSibs.org & OurTrainingCenter.org; and writes at IfWeLearnDifferently.com.  She is on the Advisory Council of the Center for School Behavioral Health Collaborative (CSBH), participates on several teams of Behavioral Health and Suicide Prevention Community Taskforce (BHSP) and on the boards of NAMI-Greater Houston and Cafe Azul, and contributed to Autism Moms Are Beautiful. She loves to collaborate, and always has new projects she is working on, including Aprendemos Diferente, Lights! Camera! Action!, Share the Knowledge Brown Bag Lunches, a documentary series (Neurodiversity Stories of Heart, Challenge, Strategy) and First Responders Supports When Dealing with Neurodiversity.  We also love our interns from Sam Houston State University (SHSU), College of Public Health.  Gayle grew up on and worked on a farm in Illinois, the oldest of five.  She then moved to Houston and worked 17 years in corporate America (construction, oil, gas, petrochemical and consulting).  Seeking greater purpose, Gayle moved into education.  She has earned a M.Ed., Ed.Tech. from Texas A&M, a B.B.A. in Finance from University of Houston, and a A.A. in Pre-Engineering from Houston Community College.   She is also the author of a series of eBooks and publications about the world of learning differences.  More can be found at GettingSorted.com.

Workshop Description: The first three years of a child’s life are a period of rapid development, highly influenced by children’s interactions with their caregivers. In this session, participants will learn responsive caregiving strategies that support social-emotional, language and communication and cognitive development.

Speaker Bio: Marisa Barrett left the Midwest to fulfill her passion for working with children from hard places. She has a tremendous gift for connecting with children of all ages, helping them thrive and reach their fullest potential. As a trainer and consultant, she is most noted for her ability to translate research into practical strategies. Marisa received her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Sam Houston State University. She has been endorsed as an infant family associate from the Texas Association for Infant Mental Health and as a Texas Child Care Health Consultant. Marisa is a certified CLASS observer and trainer of observers. Marisa maybe a transplanted Texan but enjoys chips and queso like a native. When not watching the movie Twister for the 3,599th time, she can be found with her camera in hand or cheering for her beloved KU Jayhawks.

Workshop Description: When two or more people are together, the occasional conflict is inevitable.  Unfortunately, these conflicts can quickly escalate to damaging proportion.  This fast-paced, interactive training will explore with whom conflicts can occur, possible causes for conflict, and techniques for peacefully resolving conflicts.

Speaker Bio: Marlyn Kramer is the Founder/CEO of ECE Training Dynamics, LLC.  She is a certified Child Care Health Consultant, an Ages and Stages Trainer and a Master Registered Trainer with the Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System.   Ms. Kramer has a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Texas in Austin and an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from Southwest Texas State University.  She taught pre-kindergarten for over 12 years where she also served as a coach and mentor.   After teaching 1st grade for Austin ISD, Ms. Kramer provided teacher training for the school district, worked with special needs students and their parents, and participated in IEP preparation and ARD meetings.  Additionally, she taught hearing impaired at all age levels for Hays ISD.  She created various early childhood curriculum for ages 12 months through kindergarten.   Ms. Kramer develops and presents trainings for Texas Workforce Commission, SECA, OMEP International conferences, TXAEYC, multiple private preschool centers and numerous other state and local conferences.  She is an active member of NAEYC and TXAEYC for whom she serves on several committees.

Workshop Description: Acting, singing, dancing and laughing! Apply the theatre arts to required curriculum. Ting a ling a ling, I love you 🎶

Speaker Bio: Winkie Ballas Jamail taught pre-school music for 10 years. She is currently freelance teaching Classroom Management, Differentiated Instruction for K – 12 and Music and Movement for Pre School. (www.PrepareForClass.com).  She is certified in Arise Life Skills for at-risk kids

Workshop Description: In this workshop, you will explore your self-identity, discover the ways identity shows itself in the classroom, and learn how to practice, apply, and strengthen your approach to establishing a strong sense of belonging in the classroom.

Speaker Bio: Amanda is the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coordinator and Physical Education teacher at The Joy School. Prior to her appointment at The Joy School, Amanda spent time at The Westminster Schools (GA) as an athletic coach, physical education teacher, department chair, and affinity group lead. She has served as a faculty member for the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) for the last seven years.

Workshop Description: The world of early childhood is all about exploring, innovating and investigating…all characteristics of STEM topics. In addition, young children are masters of play when given the opportunity and play can be an important vehicle for learning, discovering and creating in the world around them. This session will explore play strategies as an encouraging opportunity for young children to interact with the principles of STEM in the most appropriate and meaningful ways while sharing ideas for combining the four STEM areas in learning experiences.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Sharon R. Jackson is a life-long early childhood advocate and a seasoned professional with presentations for national, state and local conferences. A director for over 30 years, her areas of expertise include classroom practice, program administration, family engagement and the importance of home-school connection for strong outcomes. From a background that includes public schools, Head Start, military childcare centers, a Montessori program, faith-based organizations and for-profit settings, her experience is not only wide ranging but also deeply grounded in appropriate practice, the value of play and respect for young children and their families.

Sharon has worked with for over ten years supporting and working with programs across the nation as a consultant and trainer. Her ability to relate to her audience and to provide information that is immediately effective for practice are highlights of her sessions. She is an encourager by nature and participants feel that tone in her presentations.

Workshop Description: This presentation will provide an understanding of the underlying of role neuroscience and trauma in the concerning behaviors commonly observed in early childhood. Information will be provided regarding efficient strategies and responses that can provide effective change in those behaviors.

Speaker Bio: Ms. Brown is committed to helping children, adolescents, and their families in their journey of hope and healing. She is a Registered Play Therapist, Texas Licensed Professional Counselor National Certified Counselor, National Certified School Counselor, Certified Integrative and Trauma Protocol Consultant, Synergetic Play Therapist, and Certified EMDR Consultant. She has a passion for providing education to those who work with children regarding the role neuroscience and trauma play in a child’s experience.

Ms. Brown is also a Certified Special Education Educator in Texas and spent 15 years in the public school system before becoming an LPC. She provides trainings for many organizations and schools in the Houston area including Children’s Assessment Center of Houston, Head Start of Houston, Texas Department of Family Services, Buckner International, and multiple private schools.