Thristina Courtney has over 20 years in early childhood education, she has served as a teacher, trainer, and program leader. Thristina has led a preschool and after-school/summer camp program, focusing on high-quality learning and development.

As a trainer, Thristina has supported educators and leaders nationwide through professional development, mentoring, and curriculum guidance to elevate early learning environments.

Cody Patterson has a bachelors in applied art and science with an emphasis on office administration and entrepreneurship from the University of North Texas. Cody is the co-founder of Van Learning Center, a preschool dedicated to nurturing early childhood development through responsive and intentional care.

Brittani Baldwin, M.Ed., is an Early Childhood Education Specialist and certified Educational Diagnostician with over 16 years of experience in early childhood education.

Bobbie Villareal is an experienced childcare owner/director and nurse with over a decade of leadership in early childhood education. Bobbie has owned and operated multiple centers, emphasizing safe, nurturing, and structured environments.

Amber Herndon is the visionary leader of The Middle Matters Institute, Amber leverages her Texas EC-12 Principal, ESL, and SPED certifications to bridge the gap between policy and practice. Amber specializes in human-centered leadership, learning disabilities, and emergent literacy. By designing kinesthetic, interactive training, Amber empowers educators to create inclusive, evidence-based environments where every learner thrives.

Megan Peveto, MS, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and early childhood communication specialist. With more than a decade of experience working with toddlers, preschoolers, and early childhood professionals, she focuses on helping educators and clinicians simplify communication by prioritizing function, reducing frustration, and increasing engagement in everyday routines. Megan’s work centers on helping professionals rethink communication through a function-first lens, emphasizing clarity, practical application, and real-world relevance.

Dr. Preeti. Jain is an associate professor of early childhood education at the University of Houston – Clear Lake.

Dr. Jain has over 22 years of experience in early childhood education, having served as a teacher, administrator, consultant, assessor, trainer, coach, and curriculum specialist. Dr. Jain speaks Gujrati, Hindi, and English.

Elizabeth “Ellie” Escamilla, B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Our Lady of the Lake University, has over 15 years of experience as a teacher, mentor, and consultant.

Alba Bunnell, PhD was born in Nicaragua and raised in the United States, Dr. Bunnell is an early childhood education leader with over 30 years of experience as a program director and professional trainer. She holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology and specializes in social and emotional development, trauma-informed practices, and developmentally appropriate education.

Elizabeth Rau Ripperger is a Texas early childhood professional with over 35 years of experience as a licensed educator, center owner, program director, and trainer.

Jasmine Davis is an early childhood professional development trainer and consultant committed to strengthening early learning environments.

Zona M. Dargan is an Early Childhood Education Specialist with 30 years of experience in teaching, coaching, and professional development.

Delicia Parker‘s trainer/consultant journey is driven by a passion for shaping the future of quality care for young children.

Scarlett Tandy has two decades of experience in early childhood education across both public and private settings, she brings a strong foundation in developmentally appropriate practice, curriculum design, and teacher support.

Kaylan Mills is an experienced and credentialed early childhood professional with over 8 years of progressive experience in child development, training, and program support.

Thania Gonzalez grew up in Brownsville – located at the southernmost tip of Texas.
Thania has been an infant, toddler and preschool teacher in Early Head Start/ Head Start.

Vickey M. Burton is an "educarer" who desires to reach and teach to the exceptional needs of all children and their families. Vickey is a known speaker with 22 + years of childcare ministry experience.

Teddie Gamel comes with over 25 years experience in the early care and education industry. She has served as a past Owner, Trainer, Trainer Consultant, Regional Director, and Executive Director.

Dr. Ronilda Henson, an accomplished educator and advocate, holds diverse certifications and affiliations spanning early childhood to graduate school levels, and advocating for literacy and socio-emotional growth.

Michelle Coston began working alongside families to support and care for their infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, Michelle reflected on her own experiences of uninterrupted exploration and play.