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Keynote & Featured Speakers Announced!

Full session list and all presenters announced soon!

Check back for updates!
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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!

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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

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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

 

Full list of all presenters, 150+ sessions, as well as full track listing coming soon!
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