Kris Ramos currently serves as the Director of Lakewood Little People, a ministry of Lakewood Methodist Church.

Kris has a passion for quality early childhood education. Kris’ experience as a teacher and leader are the driving forces behind her efforts to support, encourage, and empower teachers.

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.

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.

Dr. Sharon Jackson has a background including teaching and administration in military, Montessori program, faith-based and for-profit settings, as well as public and higher education. Her wide-ranging experience is deeply grounded in appropriate practice and respect for young children and families.

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.

Prerna Richards is a nationally recognized early childhood leader, keynote speaker, and coach with over 40 years of experience supporting educators and leaders. Her work focuses on emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and the transformative power of connecting before correcting.

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.

Early Childhood Education and emergent literacy is at the heart of Dr. Carol Morgan's educator experiences-including service as Head Start Director. Most recently, Dr. Morgan has worked with struggling readers K-3, and hopes to be able to serve others for customized sessions using her diverse experiences.

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.

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.

Georgieana Carreon has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, she serves as Director of Tiny Tot Learning Center, a 4-Star Texas Rising Star facility.

Deidre Harris is an early childhood education consultant, trainer, and leadership coach with over 30 years of experience supporting educators, leadership teams, and early learning organizations.

Sarah Smith brings 30+ years of Early Childhood experience as a Level 2 Texas Trainer, Texas Rising Star mentor, and Fred Rogers Institute Educators’ Neighborhood alumna.

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.

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.

Neal Agrawal is a Finance Professional with total of 27 years of experience out of which last 17 plus years have been in Early Education Business and Real Estate Brokerage.

Jennifer Weeks has a true passion for the field of Early Childhood Education. As a trainer, her goal is to empower teachers and program leaders by building their confidence and competence in instructional practices, while providing meaningful support and honoring the expertise they bring to their work.