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Keynote & Featured Speakers Announced!
Full session list and all presenters announced soon!
Check back for updates!
View Flip-Version Here!
Download PDF Here!
More info coming soon!
Keynote Speakers
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Rachel Giannini
Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 10:45AM-11:45AM
Early Childhood Specialist, Educator, Content Creator, and Advocate
"Your Tuesday, Their Forever!"
Rachel Giannini is a nationally recognized early childhood specialist, speaker, and advocate who brings real talk, heart, and humor to early learning. She understands the transformative power of play, relationships, and joyful learning, and with over a decade in the classroom as a preschool educator and museum teacher, Rachel brings authentic storytelling to every stage she steps on.
Before she became known as the star of the documentary No Small Matter and for her work with Chicago Children’s Museum and Teachstone®, Rachel stood where you stand—witnessing the magic of young minds, building meaningful relationships, and discovering purpose in the everyday moments that matter most.
Rachel is also the creator of the Show & Tell Me More professional development series, host of the hit podcast Teachers, Toddlers & Tissues, and the mind behind the traveling phenomenon Tats & Chats. Through her dynamic, research-backed approach, she empowers educators to rediscover the joy and meaning in their work. When she speaks, audiences laugh, cry, reflect—and leave feeling seen, recharged, and reminded of why they chose this profession.
At the Ohio Early Childhood Conference, Rachel will explore the incredible neurological connections happening in children’s brains every second—and how educators can make the most of every minute. She will help you reconnect with your passion and recognize the profound impact you have on the children and families you serve.
You’ll leave feeling energized, validated, and ready to let joy thrive in your early learning environment!
As seen on


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Joe Dombrowski (Mr. D)
Friday, April 24, 2026 | 10:45AM-11:45AM
Educator, National Speaker, Humorist, and Advocate for Teachers
"Be The Educator You Are: Finding Your Authentic Voice in Early Childhood Education"
Joe Dombrowski is a former classroom teacher who understands, firsthand, the heart, pressure, and emotional weight that come with working in early childhood education. Before he ever stepped on a stage, Joe stood where you stand—managing big feelings, impossible expectations, endless energy, and the deep responsibility of shaping young lives.
While Joe first gained national attention through a viral spelling test prank, his truest connection has always been to education and the educators who show up for children every day—often pouring from a cup that feels way too empty.
Drawing from his own years in the classroom, Joe speaks honestly about burnout, comparison, and the exhausting pursuit of being the “perfect” teacher. Through humor, storytelling, and real-life moments, he instantly recognizes educators and reminds audiences that their presence matters, their personality matters, and who they are is not only enough—it’s powerful.
At the Ohio Early Childhood Conference, Joe will deliver an affirming, energizing message educators need to hear: children don’t need flawless educators. They need real ones.
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Dr. Nefertiti Poyner
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:45AM-11:45AM
Let Joy Be Your Compass: Reclaiming Our Direction ,Purpose, and Well-Being
Dr. Nefertiti B. Poyner, Founder and CEO of Mighty Works Education
Group, invites educators on a reflective journey toward intentional living
and mental well-being. Drawing from her experience as an educator,
coach, and faith-driven leader, Dr. Poyner blends practical tools with
soulful reflection to support mindfulness, emotional resilience, and
sustainable self-care.
This keynote speaks directly to educators navigating constant demands,
offering strategies to protect their peace while remaining rooted in purpose. Participants will leave with renewed clarity, practical resources, and a
deeper sense of alignment between their personal well-being and
professional calling.
At the Ohio Early Childhood Conference, Dr. Poyner will empower
educators to reconnect with themselves, lead with intention, and
create environments where they—and the children they serve—can truly thrive.
National Speaker, Educator, and Champion for Educator Wellness and Leadership
Featured Speakers
Play + Nature-Based Sessions
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Rachel Giannini
Early Childhood Specialist, Educator, Content Creator, and Advocate
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The Play Coaches
(Dani Svantner &
Wendy Turcott)
Nationally Recognized Play Experts
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Kisa Marx
Founder of The Play Lab and Play-Based Learning Specialist
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Sharron Krull
Early Childhood Educator, Author, and Play-Based Learning Specialist
Proudly Made Possible By Discount School Supply
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Mimi Brodsky Chenfeld
Queen of Fun
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Kathleen Bryan
Nature-Based Learning Expert, Professor, University of Cincinnati
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Dr. Laura Kelley
Early Childhood Education and Language Development Specialist, Professor, University of Cincinnati
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Dr. Kathleen Harris
Dean of School of Education and Applied Social Sciences, Professor of Education, Seton Hill University
Music
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Eric Litwin
Song Singing, Guitar Strumming, # 1 New York Times Best Selling, Award Winning Author
(Pete The Cat)
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MISTER G and MISSUS G
(Ben Gundersheimer and
Katherine Jamieson)
Latin Grammy Award Winning Musicians, Authors, & Educators
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Mr. Jeff
(Jeff Klemm)
Award Winning Children's Music Artist and Educator
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Red Grammer
Children’s Music Icon and Educational Entertainer
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David Kisor
Musician, Songwriter, and Early Childhood Music Expert
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Joanie Calem
Musician, Storyteller, and Inclusion Advocate
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Risa Cohen
Musician, Educator, and Literacy Through Music Specialist

Conscious Discipline
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Rozlyn Grant
Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor
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Tonya Byous
Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor
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Tanyelle Hannah
Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor
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Latoria Marcellus
Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor
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Ken & Georgia Frawley
Early Learning Through Music, Movement & ASL Specialists
Music & ASL
Challenging Behavior
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Dr. Nefertiti Poyner
Educational Leader and Mindfulness in Education Specialist
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Patrick McKelvey
Behavior Specialist,
Trainer, Advocate for Children and Educators
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Lance Reed
Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment Specialist
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Pam Perrino
Early Childhood Curriculum Specialist and Educational Consultant
Family Connections
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Gigi Schweikert
Early Childhood Program Leadership and Business Strategist
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Anisha Angella
Early Childhood Specialist, Speaker, and Educator Empowerment Expert
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Dr. Meghan Sales Atwell (NAEYC)
Early Childhood Systems and Professional Practice Leader
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Jerletha McDonald
National Speaker, Trainer & Thought Leader of all Things Family Child Care
Leadership
Teaching Strategies
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Michelle Salcedo
Director of Professional Development at Teaching Strategies
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Amy Fain
Professional Development Manager at Teaching Strategies
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Jennifer Quincey
Professional Development Manager at Teaching Strategies
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Lesley Jennings
Manager of Teaching Strategies' new Early Literacy Certification Program
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