Speaking Topics

Speaking sessions are designed to inspire reflection and action across the early childhood field. Each talk blends research, real-world experience, and heartfelt storytelling to help educators, leaders, and families see children — and themselves — with fresh perspective.

Emotional Foundations for Learning

• Co-Regulation in Action: How Adults Shape Emotional Growth
  Explore how children learn to calm, connect, and cope through adult relationships that model emotional balance and safety.

• Serve and Return: The Power of Responsive Relationships
  Discover how everyday moments of connection build the brain’s architecture for attention, communication, and trust.

• What Children Show Us: Seeing Behavior as Communication
  Shift from reacting to behavior toward understanding the messages children send through their actions — and how to respond with empathy and clarity.

Cognitive Readiness and the Learning Brain

• Executive Function Starts in Early Childhood
  Understand how routines, play, and social interactions build the foundation for memory, focus, and flexible thinking.

• Language, Thought, and Regulation
  Explore how intentional adult language helps children organize their thinking, solve problems, and manage emotions.

• The Thinking Classroom: Environments that Invite Curiosity
  Learn how classroom design and routines either open or close the door to children’s natural drive to explore and learn.

Relationships, Behavior, and Belonging

• Preventing Behaviors That Challenge: Building Safety Before Strategy
  Unpack the root causes of behaviors that challenge and learn how predictability, connection, and empathy prevent escalation.

• Teaching Friendship and Problem-Solving Skills
  Practical ways to help children build empathy, cooperation, and independent conflict resolution through stories and guided play.

• Belonging and Identity in Early Learning Spaces
  How inclusive practices help every child feel seen, valued, and capable — and why belonging is the true foundation for learning.

Transforming Adult Practice

• Reflective Teaching, Reflective Leadership
  How adult self-awareness shapes classroom climate, relationships, and children’s capacity for regulation and resilience.

• Coaching for Change: Supporting Educators Through Reflection and Trust
  Lessons from the field on how reflective coaching transforms teaching, culture, and children’s experiences.

• The Power of Pause: Responding Instead of Reacting
  Explore how intentional pauses help adults regulate in the moment — modeling the exact skills we hope to build in children.

Custom Speaking Engagements

Each presentation can be adapted for educators, administrators, or family audiences. Sessions are available as keynotes, breakout workshops, or half/full-day trainings and can be customized to reflect your organization’s goals.

Contact me to schedule a speaking engagement or discuss a tailored presentation for your event.