Ron Shuali, M.Ed. has been called the “Messiah of the Mind.” His laughter filled keynotes, workshops and assemblies are always full of eye-opening experiences as audiences have multiple “Ah-HA!” moments. Ron holds a Master of Education, is a best-selling author, motivational speaker, and most importantly…He is funny.  His study of martial arts, yoga, reiki and improv creates hilarious and educational experiences. Ron’s team of Yenseis teach children his award-winning Yogarate® program at many preschools, including the preschool at the United Nations.

Specializes In:

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• Behavior Management

• Bullying Solutions

• Social Emotional Learning

• Management Training

• Staff Retention

• Conflict Resolution

• Team Building

• Physical and Mental Well Being

• Workplace Morale and Joy

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The Philosophy is Simple:

Ron’s keynote programs and workshops are designed to engage every audience and immediately enlist the audience’s commitment to listen and learn. Through fun and comedy, Ron activates the “yearning for learning” that resides inside us all.

“Each participant WILL learn 3 tools that will enhance their lives forever.  That is my commitment, my guarantee, and my promise to you!”

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What is UNprofessional development?🤔It's the opposite of boring trainings.😴 See 4 yourself!

I'm tired of tantrums!
Are you tired of the meltdowns? Are you worn out from the fits being thrown? There is hope! Join us to talk about how God has wired a child's brain and how we can best teach and train them to thrive instead of simply survive. (The brain!)
Bullies: What do we do with them? How do we handle bullies? Are they teachable? What do we say to the victim? Join us as we discuss the answers to these hard questions! We will talk about God's design of the brain and how it is intertwined with the way we handle bullies and victims. Why won't these kids listen?
"I tell them what to do 84 times and they still aren't obeying!" You are not alone! Join us as we discuss how God has uniquely wired the brain to receive information and how we can best teach our kids so that they WILL hear us and begin to obey!

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.

Tell Me a Story: Story dictation is a valuable classroom practice, essential to developing children's understanding of the relationship
between speaking, reading, and writing. In this session teachers will learn a variety of prompts to get kids talking and
storytelling and simple, straightforward procedures to make dictation a consistent classroom practice.
The Freedom to Teach: Teachers will learn research, strategies, and language to share with parents, colleagues, and administrators to be confident in leading a play-based classroom

This training will inform directors and caregivers of the most recent updates to Minimum Standards forLicensed Child Care Centers. Participants will be able to identify the changes and explain the newrequirements.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Jessica Salas was born and raised in the Houston area. She has taught in the early childhood field since 2009. I have worked at the Adventure Preschool since 2014. 

Yasminah Abdullah-McKoy, M.S., CCC-SLP is a
licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist and the founder of Total Speech Therapy, a clinic dedicated to delivering accessible, culturally responsive care to diverse communities in Maryland, and Texas . A proud graduate of Howard University, Yasminah is currently pursuing her
doctoral degree in Leadership, further advancing her commitment to excellence in the field. With two decades of experience, Yasminah is deeply experienced in treating both pediatric and adult clients with a range of speech, language, and swallowing disorders, including those resulting from
stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis . Her innovative approach emphasizes mobile therapy services, bringing personalized care directly to clients in schools, daycare centers, senior communities, and assisted living facilities. totalspeechtherapy.com
Yasminah holds the Certificate of Clinical

Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) . Her dedication to empowering individuals through effective communication has established her as a leader and advocate in the speech-language pathology.

John Sivadon is an Assistant Director of Special Projects at The Adventure Preschool with 20+ 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.

Growing up a s homeschooled preacher’s kid, it seemed unlikely that Andrew Stanley would ever find love, become a comediak, orcontribute to society in a meaningful way. Two out of three is not too bad! Now a husband and fast rising stand up comedian,Andrew has been preforming all over the country since 2016. His unique perspective pairs well with his dry delivery andobservational nature. Andrew can be heard regularly on Sirius XM radio, he was selected a a New Face of Comedy at Montreal’s prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, and he appeared on Nate Bargatze’s The Showcase”on Nateland 2023. Andrew’s parents are still alive so he works clean.

Stella Velasquez is the founder and Director of Stella Parenting with Love. She has a Master's degree in Counseling with Individual Psychology a Master's degree in Education, and hasmore than 15 years of experience in the educational field as an early childhood teacher, and more than 30 years, passionate about personal growth and development. She is a Master Trainer for Daycare teachers, and Facilitator with Positive Discipline in families and educational institutions. She has a Diploma in Children's Mental Health, and is a Life Coach in Health and Wellness from the Neuroscience & Coaching Institute (NCI). Her passion is helping children, adolescents, adults, and couples through psychotherapy sessions. Also, she helps parents, teachers, and nannies through counseling with Individual Psychology and do trainings and conferences on Positive Discipline.

I have held various administrative roles prior to discovering my true passion. Beginning as a
substitute at my church preschool, I found my calling in nurturing young minds. After more than 2 decades of serving as director over a couple of weekday programs, I retired in May 2024. I am passionate about letting children embrace their natural curiosity and wonder. I want every child to realize their full potential in Christ.

Jean Thomason (Miss PattyCake) has more than 35 years of experience as a musical performer, worship leader, song writer,author and conference speaker to women, parents, grandparents, teachers and children’s ministers. AND, she is the living embodiment of the joyful children’s musical character, “Miss PattyCake.” Through this brightly costumed character, Jean plants biblical truths into littlelives, teaching God’s Word through music, stories, and fun activities,while helping equip parents tolay a spiritual foundation. In 2024, she completed a Masters’ Degree from Trevecca Nazarene University in Worship Arts and Leadership. Her published book is, “Sharing God’s BIG LOVE with Little Lives.” She and her husband have 2 grown children, and live in Franklin, TN.

Laura Payne is a former Teacher of the Deaf and sign language expert with a master’s in Education of theDeaf. Since leaving the classroom, she now teaches parents and educators how to effectively use signlanguage with 0-3 year old children, fostering early communication, confidence, and languagedevelopment.

Discover how to turn everyday lessons into exciting, hands-on experiences! This workshop offers practical, play-based strategiesand creative ideas to help preschool teachers create a fun, engaging classroom where young learners can explore, imagine, andgrow. Perfect for educators looking to spark joy and creativity in their teaching! Start your preschool teaching journey with confidence! This workshop provides essential tools and strategies to help new educators thrive in the classroom. From setting up an engaging learning environment to understanding child development and managing daily routines, you’ll walk away with practical tips to create a positive, fun, and effective space for young learners. Perfect for anyone looking to make the most of their first years in early childhood education!

Hi my name is Annette Collins.
I am executive director of a faith based 501 (c)3 non profit child care in Decker Prairie Tx. I
have been in the field of early childhood
education for more than 25 years. I have served as a classroom teacher, program director and now executive director of God's Grace Learning Center. I am passionate about teaching and mentoring staff and sharing the knowledge I have obtained from all my roles of teaching, directing and forming a non-profit childcare center. Each area has been a journey that led to the next step to educate, equip and motivate staff to become the best at each level they are in.

Vickie Maertz, the owner of PALS- Physical &
Academic Learning Services in Columbus, Texas, holds both a Masters and Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. With a background that includes working for multiple school districts, Early Childhood Intervention, pediatric home health, and private practice, Vickie is a lifelong believer that what you do for kids matters. She is SIPT certified, an Interactive Metronome provider, and trained in both Berard AIT and Therapeutic Listening, and has
lectured nationally on the topic of Autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorders. Currently, Vickie trains early childhood educators in the current, proven strategies and methods for learning. Vickie co-authored a book entitled “Classroom
Strategies For Children with ADHD, Autism &
Sensory Processing Disorders: Solutions for
Behavior, Attention and Emotional Regulation” with Karen Hyche.​

After serving as a children's pastor for over 10 years, Josh transitioned all his vocational energies toward KidMin Science. Josh is a seasoned educator with BA in Chemistry Education, a MA in Effective Instruction, and earned National Board Certification in Young Adult and Adolescent Science. As a former High School chemistry teacher, Josh melded his love for Science and Christ, creating “The Amazing Chemistry Show”, a traveling gospel-centered stage show with fire, explosions and foam. Carrying this Ministry of Chemistry even further, Josh created three“Science VBS”curricula.

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.

Amanda Hawkins has a degree in Physical & Occupational Therapy. She grew up loving God and loves serving Him today by teaching children at her church for the past 7 years. She loved it so much that she continues teach. One of her goals is to leave an important mark on each of these little ones and takes advantage of using all her knowledge sine the spend hours with her and are in full physical, mental, and spiritual development. She has been happily married for 15 years and has two beautiful children with whom she works with daily also.​

Carolina Montoya is a passionate educator with a background in Kinesiology and over 8 years of teaching experience. She specializes in working with preschool-aged children and currently teaching 3 year olds. She love creating a fun, nurturing environment where young learners can grow physically, emotionally, academically and spiritually.
Her background in kinesiology helds her support children’s motor development and encourages active, healthy learning every day.
Lakeshia Nnamani, M. Ed., 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.

How can you see more Fruit of the Spirit in your classroom or home? Join us as we discuss various strategies for children to
in kindness, peace, faithfulness and all of the other fruit discussed in Galatians 5. Using these strategies can change the whole culture of your classroom! What Can I Do to Anchor the Children in Scripture? The most important thing that we do in our classrooms or homes is to anchor our children in God's Word. How can we teach where they will remember? How can we use different strategies to capture their attention? We want them to be rooted firmly in God's foundation so that they can flourish as they grow!

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.

Join us for a fun-filled adventure in learning
Spanish! This interactive class introduces
preschoolers to the Spanish language
through engaging stories, catchy songs, and
exciting games. With a focus on building
vocabulary and basic phrases, children will
enjoy exploring a new language in a playful,
hands-on way. Teachers will also learn
effective strategies to implement these
techniques in their own classrooms, helping
students connect with the language through
creative, immersive activities. Perfect for
educators and young learners who love to
sing, play, and discover!

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 five decades of experience, she uses her expertise—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. Former participants add:
“She is a constant source of inspiration by her upbeat attitude and obvious love of children.”
Also: “Her enthusiasm and passion are contagious, and her hands-on projects are easily implemented into the classroom.”

So… Be prepared to have some fun, “catch the wonder,” and rediscover your joy of teaching with Chris!

Darlene Abbott has written children’s music and curriculum for 25 years. She currently writes preschool for Semsen Music. She created Preschool Praisentations with Kathie Hill and has contributed to many products by LifeWay including both the Children’s Music Series and the Children’s Worship Series. Darlene is the creator of the Music MomProducts which include music teaching games and activities. She travels as an instructor and clinician for music educators, community and church choir leaders, and preschool teachers. She served as the Director of the Kidlife Worship Choir at the Church at Station Hill until 2023. In 2023, Darlene and her husband moved to Columbia, TN to begin The Church at West End.Darlene has a B.S. in Music from the University of North Alabama.

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).

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.

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.

Rev. John Authenreith has served in various roles of church ministry for almost 25 years. He
currently serves as the Senior Pastor at Cochranton Community Church in NW Pennsylvania,
where he lives with his wife of 31 years, Donna. Previously, he served other churches as both a
technical director and a worship pastor. He holds a BA in CommunicaGons from the University of
Akron, and an MA in Biblical Studies from Liberty University’s School of Divinity. John has been
blessed to be a part of the PTAC leadership team since 2005.

Rev. John Authenreith has served in various roles of church ministry for almost 25 years. He
currently serves as the Senior Pastor at Cochranton Community Church in NW Pennsylvania,
where he lives with his wife of 31 years, Donna. Previously, he served other churches as both a
technical director and a worship pastor. He holds a BA in CommunicaGons from the University of
Akron, and an MA in Biblical Studies from Liberty University’s School of Divinity. John has been
blessed to be a part of the PTAC leadership team since 2005.

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.

Barbara Lynn earned her Master’s degree in Child Development and Family Relationships from the University of Texas at Austin and Principal Certification from University of St. Thomas, Houston.

In addition to being an educator of children for 16 years (Pre-K, K, and Special Education), she taught in the Department of Education and Early Childhood at Wharton County Junior College for 18 years. Now retired, she serves as an adjunct instructor and presenter at state and local Early Childhood Conferences.

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. 

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. 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, 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. In addition to being the owner of Gibbs Consulting, Inc., Dr. Gibbs is also a contributing author to the Frog Street Press Pre-K curriculum and Benson Handwriting programs. As an entrepreneurial educator since 2004, Dr. Gibbs supports the appropriate development of young children by providing once in a lifetime workshops - every time!

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!

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.

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.
As a Master Registered Trainer in Early Childhood Education with over 28 years of experience, I am dedicated to inspiring educators to nurture young minds. My educational journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Studies.
Currently, I am studying to obtain my Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology (May 2024). My
passion lies in comprehending brain development in children from infancy through five years old, optimizing learning opportunities during these critical windows. I am committed to laying a
strong foundation of learning in each child and encouraging educators to take pride in their role as the architects of a young child’s educational and spiritual development. My experiences as a reviewer to the NAEYC in 2023 have further enriched my understanding of early childhood education.

Robin Rettie, M.Ed., Special Education combines components of evidenced-based behavior strategies, cognitive development, and neuroscience into The Anchor Teaching Framework, laying the foundation for self-regulation through measures supporting sensory processing and social-emotional learning for all settings and ages; Early Childhood through Adults, including the workplace setting. Robin has a life-time of experience; sibling to Laurie Lorraine Rettie (LLR) born with Microcephaly and 34 years directly in the field working to support individuals with neurological and genetic differences. Robin is the founder of Lighthouse Learning Resources (LLR – named in honor of her sister), an online specialty store, educational consulting, and educator and parent training company.
Robin’s professional training includes a BA in General Education EC – 8 and Master’s in Special Education, extensive training in autism, curriculum, sensory processing, behavior, All Kinds of Minds - 8 neurological constructs of learning, Mediation and Negotiation Training, and Special Education Law. Additionally, Robin is the former Life Academy and Employability Director of The Monarch School and Institute in Houston, TX. Areas of concentration include educational consulting with families navigating public education, employment training, job coaching and company disability training, educators and parent training utilizing evidence-based strategies to redirect behavior rooted in sensory and social-emotional challenges. Everyone is supported with an end goal of increasing access to all aspects of life; school, community, and employment.
Robin actively serves on the PAC Advisory Board for Attention Deficit Disorder Association, Former USA Board Member of World Autism Organisation, PAWS Abilities, and Advisory The Greater Houston Disability Chamber of Commerce.

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.