Early Childhood Conference
- event_available -
- placeAustin (Main Campus)
- grade12 CPE Credits
- local_offer$200
Unlock the Magic of Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood is taking over ESC Region 13! Join us at the Early Childhood Summer Conference 2026, where we will explore the fascinating world of educating our youngest learners. Step into a revitalized learning environment and immerse yourself in engaging, innovative strategies that support your students' growth and development. This is the ultimate opportunity for early childhood educators to come together, connect, and collaborate as we dive into dynamic sessions led by renowned local, state, and national presenters. Don't miss out on the chance to expand your knowledge, skills, and network in an inclusive and developmentally appropriate setting.
2026 Sessions
At ESC Region 13, we understand the importance of collaboration and connection in this field, which is why we've curated a diverse lineup of keynote speakers and featured presenters. With a strong focus on inclusion and developmentally appropriate practices, this workshop is designed to meet the needs of ALL early childhood educators.
Discounts Available for Paraprofessionals and Groups of 10 or more!
- If you are working as a paraprofessional in the field of Early Childhood, you are eligible to attend the conference for only $40! Email marissa.alonso@esc13.txed.net for the discount code.
- Groups of 10 or more can receive a 20% discount. Please email marissa.alonso@esc13.txed.net for registration assistance.
Order your official conference t-shirt now
Celebrate the 2026 Early Childhood Conference in style with our official event t-shirt. Order by June 4 to receive yours in time for the event.
2026 Keynote Speakers
Day 1
Eric Litwin
Eric Litwin is a song singing, guitar strumming, # 1 New York Times best selling, award winning author who brings early literacy, music, and positivity together. He is the original author of the Pete the Cat series as well as the author of The Nuts, Groovy Joe, and The Poop Song. Eric is also the co-author of The Power of Joyful Reading: Help Your Young Readers Soar to Success, a popular professional development book for teachers. Eric's books promote optimism and get the reader engaged. They have sold over 16 million copies, been translated into 17 languages, and won 26 literacy awards including a Theodor Geisel Seuss Honor Award. Eric is a popular presenter giving engaging performances and keynotes across the country on early literacy and positivity. |
Day 2
 Rosemarie Allen, EdDDr. Rosemarie Allen is a nationally respected leader, educator, and advocate whose life's work is dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Dr. Allen’s career spans more than four decades, including leadership roles in government, education, and nonprofit sectors.
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2026 Spotlight
 Amanda Jacobs
Amanda Jacobs is the National Director of Academic Planning and Solutions for Early Learning at Scholastic Education Solutions, where she partners with districts nationwide to design and implement impactful early literacy strategies. With over 17 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator, she specializes in translating research into actionable classroom practices that support all learners. As a parent of three children under the age of three, Amanda knows firsthand how critical early learning is—and how essential educators are in supporting families during these foundational years. She has been a featured speaker at the West Virginia Reading Association Conference, Long Beach Early Education Symposium, National Scholastic Leadership Summit, and the Mississippi Association for School Superintendents. |
Sponsors
ESC Region 13's Early Childhood Team would like to thank the following sponsors for helping support our conference.
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Presenters
Eric LitwinEric Litwin is a song singing, guitar strumming, # 1 New York Times bestselling, award winning author who brings early literacy, music, and positivity together. He is the original author of the Pete the Cat series as well as the author of The Nuts, Groovy Joe, and The Poop Song. Eric is also the co-author of The Power of Joyful Reading: Help Your Young Readers Soar to Success, a popular professional development book for teachers. Eric's books promote optimism and get the reader engaged. They have sold over 16 million copies, been translated into 17 languages, and won 26 literacy awards including a Theodor Geisel Seuss Honor Award. Eric is a popular presenter giving engaging performances and keynotes across the country on early literacy and positivity. |
Scarlett TandyScarlett Tandy is an early childhood educator and consultant with over a decade of experience supporting play-based learning environments. She is the founder of Enjoying Early Childhood and shares practical classroom strategies with a large educator community through professional development and educational content on TikTok. |
Courtney BoylesCourtney Boyles serves as the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and Vikings Row Together (VRT) teacher at Lago Vista Elementary School in Lago Vista, Texas, supporting children ages three to five in both special education and a tuition-based pre-kindergarten program for students of all abilities. By integrating these programs within the same classroom, she fosters an inclusive learning environment that emphasizes relationship-building, empathy, and a strong sense of community, and she is especially proud of spearheading the Vikings Row Together Program to advance campus inclusion and collaboration. Boyles holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University. She is certified in Special Education (early childhood–12th grade), General Education (early childhood–6th grade), and English as a Second Language (early childhood–12th grade). She supports the district’s youngest learners with the belief that all children can learn and deserve to feel loved every day, creating a nurturing classroom with high expectations and confidence in each student’s potential for remarkable growth. |
Tera EnglandTera England has dedicated 22 years to serving young learners as a public educator, beginning as a paraprofessional in ECSE and later becoming a teacher of record. With a background in musical theater and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, she blends creativity and science to support children’s growth. She guides students through animated, play-based learning while observing behavior to help them develop into kind, capable individuals. Tera believes strong relationships are the foundation of learning and is committed to honoring all abilities, cultures, and stories in an inclusive environment. She strives to create a safe, playful space where children can take risks, grow through challenges, and become lifelong learners. |
Deb TamezDeb Tamez is a certified Early Childhood and Nature Based Educator based in Mildred, Texas, holding a master’s degree in education with a specialization in Nature-Based Learning and Outdoor Education from Antioch University New England. She is the founder and owner of The Eagle’s Nest Play to Learn Center & Microschool in Mildred, where she and her team serve a rural community. The Eagle’s Nest is a nature-based microschool that focuses on offering a tailored instruction in nature education within a mixed-age class setting that is engaging with hands-on learning experiences. Deb is committed to sharing her knowledge and expertise with early childhood educators across Texas by leading a range of workshops and professional development sessions. |
Roxanne CanamarRoxanne Canamar has over 41 years of experience in education, serving as a classroom teacher for grades EC through 6th, IT, Planning-Curriculum Support, and behavior specialist. She holds a degree in Psychology in Education as well as a master’s degree in Learning Styles, with EC-4 GenEd Certification and Bilingual Education Certification. Additionally, she has experience working with infants, teaching computer skills and working with children with terminal illnesses at the San Antonio Children's Hospital. |
Heather CassityWith more than two decades of experience in the educational landscape, Heather Cassity is a Head Start Education Specialist dedicated to early childhood excellence. Her background includes 14 years in the classroom and eight years as an instructional coach. Heather specializes in building empowering learning environments and supporting teacher effectiveness. She believes in the power of professional collaboration and is honored to join the regional community in advancing early childhood outcomes. |
Susan HelfeldSusan Helfeld is the Head Start Behavior and Disability Specialist for Austin ISD with over 25 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood. She holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a certificate in Infant/Toddler Studies. Susan has extensive experience supporting classroom practices, monitoring childcare program compliance, and leading quality improvement efforts. |
Davina ToddDavina Todd is a Pre-K educator at LCC Day School in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she teaches four-year-olds through a play-based, relationship-centered approach. With more than 30 years in early childhood education, she has worked in independent schools, Head Start, and public-school settings. As former professional dancer, Davina brings storytelling, movement, and imagination into her classroom. She enjoys sharing practical strategies with educators for using purposeful play to build strong academic and social foundations for young children. |
Michelle PafkMichelle Pafk taught in Early Childhood for 25 years and has spent the past year serving as an Early Childhood Program Specialist in RRISD. During her time in the classroom, she worked alongside Corinne teaching Prekindergarten for four-year-olds. Corinne also spent 13 years teaching in an Early Childhood classroom and now serves as a Prekindergarten instructional coach for RRISD. Together, Michelle and Corinne bring extensive classroom experience and share a strong passion for supporting high-quality Early Childhood education. |
Corinne WiseMichelle Pafk taught in Early Childhood for 25 years and has spent the past year serving as an Early Childhood Program Specialist in RRISD. During her time in the classroom, she worked alongside Corinne teaching Prekindergarten for four-year-olds. Corinne also spent 13 years teaching in an Early Childhood classroom and now serves as a Prekindergarten instructional coach for RRISD. Together, Michelle and Corinne bring extensive classroom experience and share a strong passion for supporting high-quality Early Childhood education. |
Sharelle GboroSharelle Gboro, M.Ed., is an early childhood advocate, Louisiana Pathways Independent Trainer, and STEM educator dedicated to strengthening language, literacy, and early math foundations in young learners. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with a concentration in Psychology, a Master of Education in STEM Education, and a National Certificate for STEM Teaching, equipping her to integrate child development, language acquisition, and early STEM learning into meaningful classroom practices. As the founder of The Gboro Sunflower Hub, she aims to design engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences while emphasizing the importance of parent, family, and community engagement. As a parent of a child with a developmental speech delay, she brings a personal understanding of early intervention and language-rich support. |
Megan PevetoMegan Peveto, MS, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist, Texas Approved Trainer, and the founder of The SLP Next Door. She has experience supporting young children and families across early childhood settings, including work with toddlers, school-based services, and home health. Megan is passionate about helping educators and clinicians better understand communication development and its connection to behavior, engagement, and participation. Her work focuses on practical, relationship-centered strategies that can be immediately applied in real-life classroom and therapy settings. |
Jasmine HashemiJasmine Hashemi is an early childhood educator with 7 years of experience creating engaging, research-based learning environments for both young children and preservice teachers. She is skilled in using diverse instructional approaches to support literacy development, early writing, number sense, and social-emotional growth. Passionate about teaching writing to young learners, Jasmine fosters creativity and confidence as children develop their voices on the page. She is equally dedicated to mentoring future educators, guiding them as they build their teaching practices and professional identities within inclusive, supportive classroom communities. |
Lois Kam HeymannLois Kam Heymann, M.A. CCC-SLP, is a Speech and Language Pathologist with over 30 years’ experience working with children with listening, hearing and learning challenges and their parents. She is the leading authority of Auditory Processing Disorder. As a sought-after speaker, she has presented hundreds of in-service workshops, seminars and conferences, sharing her knowledge and techniques with parent groups, school systems and speech therapists. Lois is the author of the book, The Sound of Hope, Recognizing, Coping with, and Treating Your Child's Auditory Processing Disorder. Lois is a lifetime member of ASHA and holds state certifications in New York and California. |
Dystanie Douglas-BurgerDystanie Douglas-Burger, MSSC is a lifelong educator driven by a profound commitment to serving and advocating for students of color and those from underprivileged backgrounds. A proud product of the Fort Worth public school system and a first-generation college graduate, Dystanie holds undergraduate degrees in Mass Communications Multimedia Technology and Education from Abilene Christian University and a master’s degree in professional school counseling from Texas Wesleyan University. Currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Psychology from Capella University, she brings years of valuable experience in public education, having served as a teacher, behavioral interventionist, student support specialist, and in educational nonprofit. Through these roles, Dystanie has developed a deep understanding of student needs and effective strategies for closing achievement gaps. As a passionate social justice advocate and leader for people of color in education, she eagerly anticipates contributing her research-based knowledge, personal experiences, as well as wealth of resources to impact her community. |
Rebecca GandaraRebecca Gandara is a STEAM Educator specializing in K–5 teacher professional development and bilingual curriculum design. Over the past four years, she has worked at Thinkery to partner with Central Texas school districts, including Austin, Del Valle, and Taylor ISDs, to connect STEAM theory with classroom practice. She frequently facilitates high-impact STEAM activations and is dedicated to supporting educators in creating culturally responsive, engaging learning environments aligned with TEKS standards. |
Seth FolkenrothSeth Folkenroth is a Learning Experience Coordinator at Meteor Education. Seth’s passion for education lies at the intersection of trauma-informed mental health, and high-quality instructional practices. As a Learning Experience Coordinator, Seth partners with clients to ensure every student in every school has equitable access to ProSocial Learning Experiences. He is a certified principal in the state of Texas, earned his master’s degree from Southern Methodist University, and holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. |
Gabriella Ortuño-HaywoodGabriella Ortuño-Haywood is an Education Specialist for the Blind, Visually Impaired, and Deafblind at Region 13, with 14 years of experience supporting young children with complex access needs in specialized settings. Her work focuses on adapting early literacy materials to support access to print, braille, and meaningful communication through tactile supports. She collaborates closely with teachers and related service providers to create positive, accessible reading experiences for all learners. |
Ashley Wiseman-NormentAshley Wiseman-Norment is an ECSE and Elementary LID Special Education Coordinator in Hutto ISD with 20+ years of experience in education and social services. A proud University of Texas graduate, she has also served as a Behavior Specialist and Special Education Teacher, supporting students with diverse needs, including mental health, medical complexities, and behavioral challenges. Ashley is also a SAMA Master Facilitator and active on county and state advocacy initiatives, championing disability rights and youth mental health. |
Lacey ZvadaWith 12 years in the field of Special Education, Lacey Zvada knows that a student’s journey doesn't end at the schoolhouse door. As a Special Education Coordinator, she specializes in creating holistic educational paths where transition planning is integrated for all students, regardless of the complexity of their needs. Lacey believes that the key to student success is a proactive partnership between school and community. She is passionate about helping students identify their strengths today so they can build a meaningful, independent tomorrow. When she steps away from her coordinator role, you can find her in the kitchen baking fresh bread or out on a mission to discover the best ramen and taco spots. |
Angelica LopezAngelica Lopez is the Early Childhood Specialist at Education Service Center Region 13, bringing over 20 years of professional experience supporting the growth and development of children from birth to age five. A proud third-generation Austinite, she began her professional career in early childhood over 20 years ago, serving in multiple capacities including teacher, mentor, coach, and administrative program support. As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, she holds a Master of Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy degree, a Texas Childcare Administrator certification and dual certification in general and Special Education. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to high-quality early learning experiences and honoring the lived experiences of all children. |
Denisse BaldwinWith 19 years in education, Denisse Baldwin is deeply committed to early childhood and brain development. Her background includes leadership roles as a campus principal and district administrator, and she currently leads early childhood programmatic work for United Way for Greater Austin, supporting the caregivers and systems that shape young learners’ earliest experiences. |
Kaitlyn VieraKaitlyn Viera is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Baylor University who completed her doctorate in Educational Studies, Special Education at The Ohio State University, as well as a Master of Education in Special Education Moderate/Intensive and Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Special Education from Xavier University. Before obtaining her doctorate, she taught in preschool special education and elementary special education. In her current role at Baylor, she conducts research in early childhood special education with primarily preschool aged children, utilizing video-based interventions. |
Sharon JacksonSharon Jackson, PhD is a life-long early childhood advocate and a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in the field. She began her work in early childhood as a teacher in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and second grade classrooms. Retired from a career directing a school district Head Start/Pre-K Program, as well as an administrator in military, faith-based and for-profit settings, she now consults and trains across the country to support and engage people who work with young children. |
Dr. Cyndy KarrasDr. Cyndy Karras serves as the Child Care Partnership Specialist at Austin PBS. She is a bilingual early childhood professional with experience as a preschool teacher, director, higher education faculty member, and consultant. Her work focuses on supporting early childhood educators through professional development, collaborative partnerships, and resources that promote high-quality learning experiences for young children. Dr. Karras holds an MA in Educational Psychology from New York University and a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Sciences from The University of Texas at Austin. |
Amanda JacobsAmanda Jacobs is the National Director of Academic Planning and Solutions for Early Learning at Scholastic Education Solutions, where she partners with districts nationwide to design and implement impactful early literacy strategies. With over 17 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator, she specializes in translating research into actionable classroom practices that support all learners. As a parent of three children under the age of three, Amanda knows firsthand how critical early learning is—and how essential educators are in supporting families during these foundational years. She has been a featured speaker at the West Virginia Reading Association Conference, Long Beach Early Education Symposium, National Scholastic Leadership Summit, and the Mississippi Association for School Superintendents. |
Dr. Danielle RiddickOver the past 16 years, Dr. Danielle Riddick has served as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, principal and adjunct professor. She also holds a doctorate in education policy & leadership from Southern Methodist University. Currently, as the Director of Elementary Education in Bastrop ISD, she maintains oversight of teaching & learning for nine elementary schools hosting over 6,000 students. Furthermore, while principal of Vernal Lister Elementary in Garland ISD, the school increased 22 accountability points and earned five academic distinctions. Dr. Riddick strongly believes that every child deserves an educational system creating spaces in which they can truly blossom. |
Samuel BroadenSamuel Broaden has worked in the early education field for 20 years. In that time, he has been a teacher for ages infant-school age, school director, quality coach, author, and speaker. He has published three teacher resource books, Gender Expression and Inclusivity in Early Childhood, Weapon Play in Early Childhood, and From Control to Collaboration in Early Childhood and has given talks on all of these topics plus more! |
Karen KeswickKaren Keswick has been a center director for 22 years and holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Texas and an masters of art in Developmental and Adult Education from Texas State University. |
Heather YorkHeather received her undergraduate education from The University of Texas at Austin and completed her Occupational Therapy education from Mount St Mary's College in Los Angeles, becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in 2000. Since then, she has had the privilege of working with a multitude of populations, including pediatrics through geriatrics with orthopedic and neurological deficits, in hospital, outpatient, and school settings. She is a guest lecturer for Lonestar College in Houston, Texas for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, as well as for Dysgraphia Life. In 2010, Heather became a Certified Handwriting Specialist with Handwriting Without Tears, and focused her practice on tutoring, teaching, and remediating handwriting dysfunctions with her young clients. She continues to tutor children on their handwriting with her private practice, Scribble-Write Handwriting, and happily lives in Spring, Texas with her husband and 2 college-aged children. In her spare time, Heather loves traveling, cooking, and being an empty nester. |
Cattie HallCattie Hall is an RLA instructional specialist with Region 13 who supports teachers in strengthening literacy instruction in elementary classrooms. She is passionate about helping educators build strong readers and writers through meaningful talk, engaging read-alouds, and authentic writing experiences. |
Brian MowryDr. Mowry has authored early childhood mathematics and STEM curriculum as well as other scholarly articles and texts. He is currently a content and professional development consultant for Frog Street Press—a position he has held for 10 years. Before Frog Street, Dr. Mowry served 25 years in the Austin Independent School District as a bilingual preschool and kindergarten teacher as well as a district-level mathematics, early childhood specialist. |
Adriana Valerio-RodriguezAdriana Valerio-Rodriguez is a visionary leader in early childhood education with over 26 years of experience transforming learning environments worldwide. She holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Colegio La Florida in Mexico City and a master’s degree in educational development from Universidad Pedagógica Nacional. Her professional growth includes prestigious programs such as Harvard University’s Project Zero, Harvard Graduate School of Education leadership certification, Stanford Business certification, and early childhood leadership training with Together for Children. Deeply influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach, she has studied in Italy for ten consecutive years and collaborated with leading educators like Carla Rinaldi and Claudia Giudici. Adriana works globally supporting schools in child-centered practices and is dedicated to fostering creativity, curiosity, and honoring the diverse ways children learn and express themselves. |
Jasmine RodriguezJasmine Rodriguez is an early childhood educator and director at Fiorella Reggio Emilia School. With experience both in the classroom and in leadership, she is passionate about creating nurturing, engaging environments that support children’s growth and development. Jasmine is dedicated to building strong relationships with families and fostering a positive learning community. |
Jasmine CareyJasmine Carey is currently a DrPH Student in the School of Public Health at Texas A&M University. She received her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from San Diego State University in 2018 and her MPH in Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences in 2020. Jasmine has worked as an in-home caregiver, COVID-19 case investigator, and Extension Agent in Harris County. She is passionate about helping the community reach its optimal health through public health intervention programs. |
Yisbeth PuckettYisbeth Puckett came to the United States as an international student, where her first year was shaped by the challenges of learning a new language and adapting to a new culture. Her ESL teachers played a pivotal role in her personal and academic growth as an English language learner. Today, she is a proud and passionate educator who is deeply committed to impacting students’ lives. With 19 years of experience in education, she has served as a Dual Language Teacher, Dual Language Reading Specialist, Science Curriculum Specialist, and currently as a Biliteracy Specialist at Region 13. She is passionate about real‑life learning applications and is dedicated to ongoing professional growth in order to make a meaningful difference for educators and students alike. |
Deanna EvansAs an innovative Multilingual Instruction & Learning Support Specialist for ESC Region 13, Deanna Puckett is deeply dedicated to empowering Emergent Bilingual (EB) students. With years of experience working with diverse populations, she brings a deep understanding of the unique needs of these learners. She is driven by the belief that all students can achieve success at high levels by focusing on creating engaging and culturally responsive learning experiences that foster English language proficiency. She strives to cultivate an environment where EB students feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full academic potential |
Angela IsenbergAngela Isenberg has spent 28 years in education, with the last 20 of those at Education Service Center, Region 13. Throughout her work, her focus has always been on supporting campuses and districts in creating systems that truly work for students and adults. At Region 13, Angela supports behavior, McKinney-Vento, foster care, student leadership, and expanded learning opportunities, with a significant part of her role centered on behavior management at both the classroom and schoolwide levels. She loves coaching educators as they strengthen their practices and build systems that truly support students. What she enjoys most about her work at Region 13 are the relationships that she builds with both internal and external clients, listening to their challenges, and helping them design solutions that align with who they are and the campus/classroom they envision. |
Angela MeadAngela Mead has spent 25 years in education ranging from paraprofessional to district administrator, and now a regional behavior specialist, approaching and addressing challenging behaviors has been a passion of hers; teaching others how to approach and address these behaviors is her ambition. |
Amber ReineckeAmber Reinecke is the Cross-Curricular Systems Program Manager and Gifted and Talented (GT) Specialist at ESC Region 13. She has experience as an early childhood and elementary classroom teacher. In her current role, she serves upwards of 60 school districts and charter schools. She has a passion for working with the gifted community in order to advocate for student needs. |
Adrienne ArroyoAdrienne is the STEM Specialist at Region 13. In this role she acts as the region’s liaison with the TEA Statewide STEM Coordinator and the Texas EcosySTEM based at TEA. She joined Region 13 early in 2022 after 17 years with Austin ISD as a secondary science teacher and district-level specialist, where she focused on writing TEKS-aligned curriculum and assessments, designing and facilitating engaging teacher professional learning, and advocating for students and the amazing teachers who support them. Adrienne loves meeting educators from across the region and holds a deep respect for the magic that early childhood educators work in their classrooms every single day. She cherishes every opportunity to hear more about your STEM learning questions, projects, ideas, hopes, challenges and needs so she can be her best STEM specialist self. |
Colleen HaddadComing Soon |
Jay DudleyJay Dudley is an accomplished sales executive with more than 18 years of experience in the education sector. As Regional Partnership Director at LENA, he oversees growth initiatives throughout the central United States, managing strategic partnerships with school districts, Head Start programs, departments of education, CCR&Rs, and more. A former classroom teacher with an MEd in Educational Administration, Jay is devoted to fulfilling LENA’s mission of transforming children’s futures through early talk. |
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Contact a member of our team for more information.
Maryteresa Tracy, 512-919-5181