Time: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Presenter: Dr. Rachel Peay Cornett, Assistant Director at Lipscomb University
Session Description: Join Dr. Rachel Peay Cornett for an engaging session on “Vivacious Vocabulary.” This presentation emphasizes the critical role vocabulary plays in literacy, comprehension, and overall academic success. The session begins with an exploration of vocabulary’s dual nature—receptive and expressive—and its significance in language development. Participants will learn about effective strategies for vocabulary instruction, such as activating prior knowledge, incorporating explicit and implicit teaching methods, and understanding the interconnectedness of vocabulary with reading comprehension. The presenters will share research-backed insights, including models such as Scarborough’s Reading Rope and the Simple View of Reading, to illustrate how vocabulary breadth and depth contribute to proficient reading. Attendees will engage in practical activities like word sort exercises and contextual learning, designed to foster a deeper understanding of vocabulary application in diverse subjects and grade levels. Moreover, the session will address common challenges educators face with vocabulary teaching and provide actionable recommendations for enhancing instruction. Participants will leave with a wealth of resources, including links to slides, instructional materials, and ongoing support to ensure that vocabulary instruction is both engaging and effective. This presentation aims to inspire educators to reflect on their vocabulary practices and implement small changes that yield significant outcomes in their students’ literacy journeys. Embrace the joy of vocabulary and learn how to make it a vibrant part of your classroom experience! Registration link.

With 19 years of early childhood teaching experience, Dr. Rachel Peay Cornett has taught ages PreK through college. Rachel also served on the state’s Early Literacy Council. Her primary area of research interest is in early childhood education with a focus on literacy and prevention of reading difficulties. She has been involved with the state department of education’s literacy trainings over the last 10 years, both developing and delivering statewide professional development. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys the performing arts, cats, and time with her two little boys. She can be contacted at rlcornett@lipscomb.edu

Information on presenter(s) organization/business/program: Lipscomb University

Time: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Presenter: Olga Koldej, Soft Skills Trainer, Business Coach, Consultant
Session Description: Unpack Kolb’s Learning Cycle! This hands-on session empowers educators to use experience-based learning. Discover how Experience, Reflective Observation, Conceptualization, and Active Experimentation boost development both in children and adults. You will explore how to create educational situations—moments where learning naturally occurs rather than being directly taught. Practical strategies to enhance learning, improve engagement, and create dynamic, experience-based lesson plans will be provided. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your teaching! Registration link.

Olga Kołdej is a soft skills trainer, business coach, and consultant specializing in change adaptation, strengths-based collaboration, dynamic governance, and resilience building. She fosters emotional intelligence, empathetic communication, and agility in purpose-driven individuals, teams, and organizations. Her work is defined by self-leadership, meaningful impact, and a focus on values and natural talents. Olga helps brave, purpose-driven organizations, teams, and individuals navigate a rapidly changing world by transforming the way they work on three levels: Personal Growth: Increasing self-awareness, habit transformation, and personal leadership development through coaching and mentoring. Team Development: Effective strengths-based collaboration, conflict resolution, and future skill cultivation through workshops, facilitation, and tools like NVC and action learning. Organizational Evolution: Self-organization, building a value-driven culture, and structural innovation using frameworks such as sociocracy and holacracy. You can connect with her through her website (https://olgakoldej.com/), email (olga@olgakoldej.com), and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-koldej/).

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Presenters: Alexandria Boddie, Behavioral Consultant and Carolyn Bass, Program Director
Session Description: This session will provide participants with a brief overview of the Pyramid Model Framework and an opportunity to reflect on their current practices around building social-emotional skills with children in their care. Participants will also learn to identify key skills to build resiliencies for all children and provide effective strategies to implement the teaching of social-emotional skills throughout the day. Registration link.

Mrs. Alexandria Boddie is an energetic and dedicated educator and organizational leader with extensive experience in teacher-focused training and development, academic operations management, program development and implementation, and curriculum development. Devoted to active involvement in creating change and continuously striving to enhance educational environments and improve student academic achievement results. Received an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a Master’s of Education from Strayer University. She can be contacted at alexandria.boddie@tnvoices.org.

Mrs. Carolyn Bass holds a BSW and is endorsed in Infant Mental Health Consultation. She has worked with families and children over the past 20 years. Her passion is seeing parents find hope in challenging situations. She is married and has 1 daughter, 2 bonus sons, 1 fur baby, and 2 fur grandbabies. She can be contacted at carolyn.bass@tnvoices.org.

Information on presenter(s) organization/business/program: Ready. Set. Grow. TN Voices Early Childhood Program provides support for educators and caregivers. The program offers training, consultation services, and technical assistance. These services are available at no cost for early childhood centers, preschools, and elementary schools supporting children from birth to 8 years old across the state of Tennessee. Find them at https://tnvoices.org/programs/early-childhood/

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Presenter: Mandy McDermott, Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator
Session Description: Ready. Set. Grow! is here to support you as you navigate challenging behaviors, specifically with children who may have ADHD or Autism (ASD). Did you know that children with Autism are 10 times more likely to be suspended or expelled from school programs than their peers? In children with ADHD, we see that number jump up to 33 times more likely than their peers! This training will discuss how to take a needs-based approach to common behavioral challenges that can occur for children with ADHD or ASD. Our goal is to give educators and early childhood professionals tools to support the children in their care with practical strategies for preventing challenging behaviors, promoting positive ones, and responding to challenges when they occur. Registration link.

Mandy McDermott B.S.Ed, ECMH-E®, spent 18 years as an Educator, teaching ages 3 through 5th graders, and spent a decade teaching Pre-K. She has always found joy in building connections with the students who struggled most in her class. In her role at Ready. Set. Grow, she is passionate about getting to share strategies and resources that help other teachers connect with their students in meaningful ways that promote positive behavior and build student social emotional wellness.” She can be contacted at Mandy.McDermott@tnvoices.org.

Information on presenter(s) organization/business/program: Ready. Set. Grow, TN Voices Early Childhood Program provides support for educators and caregivers. The program offers training, consultation services, and technical assistance. These services are available at no cost for early childhood centers, preschools, and elementary schools supporting children from birth to 8 years old across the state of Tennessee. Find them at https://tnvoices.org/programs/early-childhood/.

Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Presenter: Fiona Hoehn, M.Ed., Mental Health Training Coordinator
Session Description: This presentation will discuss the history and symptoms of workplace burnout, why burnout happens to educators, and how school and educational leadership can create an environment to prioritize well-being and reduce burnout in their employees. Some strategies to reduce employee burnout, such as self-care, coping skills, and organizational-level change, will be highlighted. This presentation will also encourage school leadership to advocate for systemic changes that support work-life balance and mental health for their employees. Registration link.

Fiona Hoehn joined Mental Health America of the MidSouth in November 2021 as the Mental Health Training Coordinator and leader of the Mental Health Awareness Training grant. She is a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor and Question, Persuade, Refer instructor. Fiona received her M.Ed. in Community Development and Action at Vanderbilt University and earned her B.A. in Psychology at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. Fiona has experience in mental health education, training, and curriculum development. A resident of Nashville since 2015, Fiona loves supporting the local community and advocating for change in mental health, public health, and policy. She can be contacted at fhoehn@mhamidsouth.org.

Information on presenter(s) organization/business/program: Mental Health America of the MidSouth is an educational, non-profit organization providing vital resources to Middle and West Tennessee. Our goal is to provide the right help at the right time to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Find them at https://mhamidsouth.org/.

Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Presenters: Karen Bentall, Technical Lead of Literacy and Libraries
Session Description: This session will demonstrate how to build relationships with students through expressive read-alouds and provide examples of books to read for fun, community-building, and social/emotional learning. Registration link.

Karen Bentall is the technical lead of literacy and libraries at Room to Read, a leading international education organization that believes World Change Starts with Educated Children®. Karen brings 21 years of experience as a school librarian to Room to Read. Her practice focused on bringing the joy of reading to thousands of children aged 3-18 who were born in more than 60 countries and speak more than 47 languages. As a speaker of a minority language, Welsh, she embraces multilingual practices in education and children’s publishing. She is a passionate advocate of children’s literature and its potential to influence children’s intellectual growth and well-being. She can be contacted at karen.bentall@roomtoread.org.

Information on presenter(s) organization/business/program: Room to Read was founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®. Room to Read develops children’s foundational literacy skills, as well as life skills that promote gender equality. We nurture these essential skills in children by training and coaching educators, creating quality learning materials and spaces, strengthening education systems, and delivering programs directly and with partners – all while honoring the dignity of every child. Committed to accelerating learning outcomes for more children, more quickly, we have benefited more than 50 million children across 28 countries. Room to Read envisions a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality, where all children have room to read, learn, and grow. Visit us at www.roomtoread.org.

Time: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Presenters: Mariechelle Bonifacio, MNPS Early Learning Community Outreach Coordinator and Fanita Cameron, MNPS Pre-K Professional Development Coordinator
Session Description: Learn about the Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) kindergarten registration process and kindergarten readiness family resources that you can share with families you support. Registration link.

Mariechelle Bonifacio is the Community Outreach – Kindergarten Readiness Coordinator for the Early Learning Department in Metro Nashville Public Schools with over 24 years of experience in communications, marketing, and community outreach. For over nine Metro Schools, Mariechelle has been responsible for providing families and community partners with information on MNPS’s early learning programs and kindergarten readiness. In addition, she coordinates the Grow Together with MNPS initiative, whose strategies focus on providing information and resources to support Davidson County families with children 0-6 years of age to ensure a healthy start for Nashville’s youngest learners. Mariechelle believes in the importance of access to quality pre-K programs for all children. Her work is centered on educating internal and external stakeholders on programs, as well as collaborating with organizations to provide information and resources to support Davidson County families. She can be contacted at Mariechelle.Bonifacio@mnps.org.

Fanita Cameron is the Pre-K Professional Development Coordinator for the Early Learning Department in Metro Nashville Public Schools with over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, a reading specialist for the Florida Department of Education and a curriculum developer for CPALMS. She can be contacted at Fanita.Cameron@mnps.org.

Information on presenter(s) organization/business/program: Metro Nashville Public Schools – Early Learning Department, https://www.earlylearning.mnps.org.

Time: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Presenters: Claire Winchester, PhD, BCBA-D
Session Description: Challenging behavior is one of the most difficult parts of teaching young children—but every behavior tells us something. In this practical, supportive session, early childhood educators will learn how to look beneath the surface of problem behavior to understand what a child is trying to communicate. Participants will explore the basic functions of behavior and walk away with simple, classroom-friendly strategies for prevention and response. Grounded in social-emotional learning and behavior analytic principles, this session is designed to build confidence, reduce frustration, and support positive outcomes for all classrooms and all children. Registration link.

Claire Winchester, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, is an early childhood behavior coach, consultant, and researcher. Her specialty is translating research into practical, every-day solutions for the adults who spend the most time with young children – teachers and families. Her business and nonprofit ventures include behavior coaching, research, and community enrichment projects around the world. She has over 15 years’ experience working with children and families and is passionate about using the breadth and depth of her experience to better the lives of children and their caregivers! She can be contacted at claire@growth-ecbc.com.

Information on presenter(s) organization/business/program: Growth Early Childhood Behavior Coaching (www.growth-ecbc.com) is an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between research and reality in early childhood by providing collaborative, research-backed behavior support to families, teachers, service providers, and organizations.

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Presenter: Annie Paraison, Cultural Architect and Wellness Consultant
Session Description: Effective leadership requires more than strategy and vision—it demands sustainability. This session explores the Four Os—overworked, overwhelmed, overburdened, and overextended—and their impact on personal well-being and leadership effectiveness. Through interactive discussions and exercises, participants will reflect on their own experiences, develop awareness of how stress affects decision-making and team dynamics, and brainstorm self-care practices that support long-term leadership success. Together, we will shift from burnout culture to leadership practices rooted in balance, resilience, and holistic wellness. Registration link.

My name is Annie Paraison, a proud naturalized US citizen, native of Haiti, now calling Nashville, TN, home. I am a daughter, sister, aunt, fiancée, and loyal friend. My journey began in 2000 when I moved to New York City before seizing an opportunity at Vanderbilt University—a pivotal experience that ignited my passion for helping others harness their inherent power and connect with the resources needed to shape the lives they envision. I can be contacted at annie@lovebeforeall.com.

Information on presenter(s) organization/business/program: Love Before ALL

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Presenters: Flor Abarca, Responsive Environment Coordinator, B.A., IECMH-E, and Sarah Judkins, Child Welfare Sector Coordinator, MSW
Session Description: Join us for practical guidance in implementing a strengths-based approach that identifies, celebrates, and promotes access to key Positive Childhood Experiences critical to the health and thriving of all children. We will review the research behind Positive Childhood Experiences, how that research led to the development of the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) Framework, and what individuals can do to create a village that prioritizes equitable access to the Four Building Blocks of HOPE to promote resilience for all children. Whether you’re a direct service provider, prevention partner, educator, or community organizer, come learn about how you can use the HOPE framework in the work you do to support the children and families in your community. Registration link.

Flor Abarca, BA, IMH-E®, serves as the Responsive Environment Coordinator at the Association of Infant Mental Health in Tennessee. As a young child from Mexico, Flor faced challenges navigating a new environment while trying to understand her own identity and traditions, which complicated her learning experience. Ms. Abarca earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus on Early Childhood Development from Southern Illinois University, aiming to equip children with essential life skills. In her position at AIMHiTN, she provides training and resources, fostering responsive environments that support learning for our children, families, and professionals of various backgrounds. She can be contacted at FlorA@aimhitn.org and through LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/flor-abarca-2b1540131.

Hello, I’m Sarah Manley Judkins, the Child Welfare Sector Coordinator at AIMHiTN. I graduated from Belmont University with my Bachelor’s of Social Work, and Tennessee State University with my Master’s of Social Work. I worked in the child welfare world, in various shapes and forms, for about a decade. The bulk of my work was in the severe child abuse unit with child protective services investigations. After that, I worked in inpatient mental health treatment. I am passionate about the importance of early childhood years. I have two young children, so this work is very personal to me. I can be contacted at SarahJ@aimhitn.org.

Information on presenter(s) organization/business/program: Association of Infant Mental Health (AIMHiTN) is dedicated to providing resources and education to professionals who work with children, prenatal to age 6. Our goal is to help support healthy relationships between children and their caregivers, promote positive interactions, and provide information about early childhood development that will help children thrive. Visit them at www.aimhitn.org/.

Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Presenter: Mychal Mills, Konscious Youth Development and Service Co-Founder
Session Description: This session explores how the principles of restorative practices can deepen connection, healing, and communication within families. Grounded in love, accountability, and empathy, we’ll reflect on the impact of trauma and disconnection—and uncover ways to restore trust, build emotional safety, and nurture intergenerational healing. Whether you’re an educator, caregiver, or community worker, this conversation invites us to reimagine family as a sacred space for transformation. Registration link.

Mychal Mills, MBA, is a courageous and visionary leader from New Jersey, driven by a lifelong commitment to building beloved community and creating spaces of healing, transformation, and connection. Since childhood, Mychal has been passionate about service and fostering meaningful relationships rooted in compassion. In 2014, he co-founded Konscious Youth Development & Service (KYDS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming youth, schools, and communities through holistic practices. KYDS integrates mindfulness, social-emotional learning, trauma healing, restorative practices, and resilience-building to cultivate inner and collective growth. The organization has partnered with over 200 schools across New Jersey, impacting more than 35,000 youth, 10,000 educators, and thousands of community members. Beyond the numbers, KYDS has sparked generational healing and empowered communities through love and awareness. In addition to his professional work, Mychal is a sound healing facilitator, spoken word poet, and author. His soul’s purpose is to embody and awaken love within humanity. He can be contacted at mychal@konscious.org and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/mychalmills/.

Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Presenter: Michelle Wyatt, Ed.D., Site Director at The Acorn School, NSCC Adjunct Instructor
Session Description: This presentation explores the application of the Honeycomb Hypothesis to create a more integrated, engaging, and effective learning environment for young children through nature play. Registration link.

Michelle Wyatt, Ed.D., has dedicated over 25 years to the field of Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education. Her career began as a classroom teacher for 18-month to 3-year-old children at the Susan Gray School of Peabody College and Vanderbilt University. During her tenure at the Susan Gray School, Michelle also served as a Community Outreach Teacher, supporting families with young children from birth to 5 years who were eligible for services through Tennessee Early Intervention Systems. She later became the coordinator of these programs before advancing to the role of Associate Director. She can be contacted at michelle.wyatt@vanderbilt.edu and through LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/michelle-wyatt7391.

Information on presenter(s) organization/business/program: The Acorn School provides early childhood care and education to children ages six weeks to six years old. Open to children of Vanderbilt faculty, staff, and students, the Acorn School is operated by Vanderbilt University’s Child and Family Center and is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Education. https://www.vanderbilt.edu/acorn/.

Registration
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location: UWGN Lobby

Session
Time: 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Location: UWGN Rooms 101/102/103

Presenter: Camille Catlett
Session Description: The responsibilities of faculty and PD providers seem to expand daily as expectations to address inclusion, culturally responsive practices, and individualizing for each child and family in their sessions mount. This presentation will highlight new and effective tools and strategies for integrating multiple new and evidence-based practices into existing courses and PD sessions. Participants will discover how to use personas to address both context and individual differences, along with resources that support multiple components, ranging from family engagement and inclusion to literacy and STEM. Registration link.

Camille Catlett, MA, is a senior technical assistance specialist at the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (FPG). In her years in the early childhood field, she held positions in public school, professional association, federal government, and higher education settings, that ranged from direct service as a speech-language pathologist to director of multiple US Department of Education personnel preparation grants. As part of the 20+ year sequence of system change projects at FPG, Catlett led efforts in over 30 states to incorporate explicit emphasis on children and families of diverse cultures, languages, abilities, and life circumstances in preservice and ongoing professional development efforts. That model was successfully replicated in community colleges in five states and summarized in the “Blueprint” document.

Since 2000, Catlett’s work has focused on developing intentional strategies that grow the capacity of early childhood and early intervention professionals to be comfortable, confident, and capable to support young children who are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse and their families. From 2004-2008 she worked with Susan Maude, Eva Thorp, Susan Moore, and Sylvia Sánchez to develop Crosswalks, an evidence-based model for increasing diversity in preservice programs (coursework, field experiences, and program practices). She has supported the replication of the Crosswalks model at 28 colleges and universities in twelve states.Catlett is a frequent presenter at state, national, and international conferences. She coordinates four national listservs (BabyTalk, Faculty Finds, Natural Resources, Resources within Reason), authors a regular column on implementing evidence-based practices (From Article to Action) in Young Exceptional Children, and co-edited the 2008 publication Practical Approaches to Early Childhood Professional Development.

In 2006, Catlett received the Mary McEvoy Award for Service to the Field from the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children. She can be contacted at camille.catlett@unc.edu.

Information on presenter(s) organization/business/program: The UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (FPG) was founded in 1966 by a small group of scientists who had a vision—to conduct research that would make a difference in children’s lives, support families, and inform public policy. Since its inception, FPG has recognized that every child deserves a safe, healthy, and stimulating childhood. And for more than half a century, our work has been dedicated to making this experience a reality for all children. We continue that work today with the below strategy statements shaping and guiding us along the way.