This space will be a 10x10 space in a premium location with electrical access, table and two chairs. 

This space will be a 10x10 space with no electric access. One table and two chairs included.

This space will be a 10x10 space in a premium location with electrical access, table and two chairs. Non profit organizations only.

This space will be a 10x10 space with no electric access. One table and two chairs included.

This space will be a 10x10 space with no electric access. One table and two chairs included.

This is for an additional (double) booth space. It will include one additional table.

Be an Celebrating Connections Event Sponsor! This includes a complimentary onsite premium exhibitor space, Logo and contact info on our event homepage, a Celebrating Connections social media THANK YOU, and tagging within our Keynote session.

Be an Celebrating Connections Event Sponsor! This includes logo and contact info on our event homepage, a Celebrating Connections social media THANK YOU, and tagging within our Keynote session.

Strong communication is the foundation of every successful partnership. In this interactive workshop, Dr. Shannon Smith, M.D., blends neuroscience, real-world stories, and hands-on practice to equip participants with strategies that reduce stress and strengthen trust. Attendees will learn how to clearly communicate needs, negotiate with respect, and hold boundaries without conflict or guilt. Through role-play, reflection, and practical tools, professionals will leave with a personalized communication toolkit they can apply immediately with families, colleagues, and communities — building bridges that support resilience, prevent burnout, and enhance the quality of early childhood services.

Shannon Smith, M.D.

Leadership Strategist & Communication Coach, Own Your Focus

This full-day training introduces educators to dialogic book reading as an evidence-based approach for promoting oral language and narrative skills in young children. Participants will learn the PEER and CROWD frameworks, explore best practices in book selection, and engage in interactive coaching exercises. A key focus of the training is helping educators support and coach families to use dialogic reading at home. The session includes video modeling, guided practice, implementation planning, and ready-to-use family materials that foster home-school language partnerships.

Dr. Megan Israelsen-Augenstein, Assistant Professor, PhD, CCC-SLP Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders West Virginia University

This interactive session invites early childhood professionals to reflect and collaborate in a group. You’ll have time to reflect on what’s worked in your practice, explore unresolved challenges, and participate in activities you can use with children. Together, we’ll engage in mindfulness practices and meaningful dialogue. The highlight of this session is the collective wisdom in the room — because what we can learn from one another is greater than what any one person alone can offer.

Elaine Kay Cruse, PharmD, CDCES, Certified Mindfulness Coach, Founder-Unearthing Your Greatness

The Life Skills Progression™ (LSP™) tool measures a parent’s ability to achieve and maintain a healthy and satisfying life for families. The LSP measures individual parent and infant/toddler outcomes at six-month intervals. Infant/toddler and parent outcomes are measured on 43 items. Parental life skills are those needed to live and parent well. The LSP includes important infant/toddler regulatory and development measures outcomes.

Recommended by Parents as Teachers, the Life Skills Progression™ meets the affiliate requirements for family-centered assessment and goal setting.

Stephanie Vunderink-Steger, WV Department of Health, MIECHV Coordinator 

Discover the remarkable benefits of introducing sign language to hearing children. This presentation will explore how incorporating sign language can significantly enhance children's language development. We will discuss how it can:

-Boost verbal vocabulary acquisition.

-Spark a greater interest in language learning.

-Potentially improve classroom behavior and focus by providing an additional visual communication tool and reducing frustration.

-And offer many other developmental advantages.

Following this overview, we will cover practical, everyday signs that you can immediately begin using with children. Join us to learn how to unlock new pathways of communication!

Janelle St. Martin, EIPA, NAD, S.N.H.S. Dip. Color Therapy, Cert. Clinical Aromatherapist, CEO of WeSign2 LLC, Bridgeport, WV

What is temperament and why should we care? This interactive workshop helps caregivers and teachers unpack how temperament shapes the way children respond to the world, a key factor in children's behavior—not “good” or “bad,” just different. We’ll explore research in a practical, down-to-earth way and share how to use these insights to support growth and build stronger connections. Through a hands-on group activity, you’ll practice applying temperament tools to everyday planning and walk away ready to make your classroom run a little smoother (and maybe even more fun).

Dr. Cheryl Hovey, Owner EzEd2Go, Fisher College Program Director Early Childhood Education

When a child has little or no verbal speech it is often difficult to know how to create a communication system. Do you introduce sign language, a picture board, object symbols, an iPad? How do you know what to use and where do you start? The Communication Matrix and the WVDE Communication Matrix Intervention Modules can make these decisions so much easier. This session will focus on using the WVDE Communication Matrix Intervention Modules to guide communication intervention.  

Karen B. Haines, Speech-Language Pathologist, Teaching Associate Professor Emerita, West Virginia University

How can sign language transform the way hearing children learn to read? What's the secret to boosting literacy through visual communication? This dynamic workshop explores the fascinating connection between sign language and reading acquisition in hearing children. Prepare to be amazed by the power of sign to enhance phonological awareness, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension. Join us and discover how to make reading an exciting, multi-sensory adventure!

Janelle St. Martin, EIPA, NAD, S.N.H.S. Dip. Color Therapy, Cert. Clinical Aromatherapist, CEO of WeSign2 LLC, Bridgeport, WV

Early childhood educators often serve as the first professionals to notice a child’s developmental differences, behavioral challenges, or social-emotional struggles. While these observations are vital to a child’s growth, sharing them with families can feel daunting. Educators may worry about damaging trust, facing conflict, or saying “the wrong thing.” Yet, when approached with care, honesty, and respect, these conversations can strengthen family partnerships and create opportunities for meaningful collaboration.

This interactive workshop will equip early childhood educators with tools and strategies to navigate difficult conversations with families while maintaining compassion and professionalism. Participants will learn how to prepare for hard discussions, frame messages in family-centered and strengths-based ways, and respond to emotions with empathy. Using real-world examples, role-play, and reflective discussion, attendees will practice strategies that honor families as partners in supporting children’s development.

Jenna Wallace, PsyD

Child Psychologist, Co-Owner of Unlocked Potential

Challenging behaviors are a natural part of early childhood, but understanding their root causes can transform how educators respond. This session explores brain development and the three brain states—Survival, Emotional, and Executive—to help educators decode the “why” behind behaviors. Participants will learn practical, positive guidance strategies that promote connection, emotional safety, and regulation. By shifting from reaction to responsiveness, educators can create supportive environments that reduce stress and prevent escalation. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to foster stronger relationships, support children’s development, and improve classroom harmony.

Prerna Richards, CEO & Founder of Together We Grow| MBA| 40 years in the field of ECE| National Keynote speaker| Early childhood education consultant

Join award-winning children's musician Patty Shukla for an interactive session on music, movement, and media! Discover new curriculum-based music suitable for daily classroom use. This session emphasizes three crucial areas of early childhood development: gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and literacy skills through music and movement. Get ready to groove as Patty gets everyone up and moving, dancing, and learning. Learn how to seamlessly integrate music and movement into your lesson plans and explore energetic songs and tech-savy applications designed for today's classrooms. Gain cutting-edge insights to support learning across all domains of early childhood development.

Patty Shukla, Patty's Primary Songs LLC/Owner/BA Degree

Join award-winning children's musician Patty Shukla for an interactive session on music, movement, and media! Discover new curriculum-based music suitable for daily classroom use. This session emphasizes three crucial areas of early childhood development: gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and literacy skills through music and movement. Get ready to groove as Patty gets everyone up and moving, dancing, and learning. Learn how to seamlessly integrate music and movement into your lesson plans and explore energetic songs and tech-savvy applications designed for today's classrooms. Gain cutting-edge insights to support learning across all domains of early childhood development.

Patty Shukla, Patty's Primary Songs LLC/Owner/BA Degree

Fathers play a vital role in their children’s development, yet are often left out of early childhood spaces. This session reimagines father engagement from day one—unpacking the cultural, structural, and interpersonal barriers that get in the way. Participants will explore real-life scenarios, reflect on their own beliefs, and walk away with actionable strategies for inviting dads into caregiving, learning, and partnership. Whether working with infants, toddlers, or preschoolers, attendees will gain tools to build inclusive, father-friendly environments that honor the strengths of all families.

Amanda Quiroz-Guajardo, CEO/Founder & National Trainer

Off To A Good Start (OTAGS), LLC

In a world overflowing with information, data alone isn’t enough. To inspire action, drive decisions, and spark understanding, we must transform raw numbers into compelling stories. This presentation explores the art and science of storytelling with data—a powerful approach that blends analytical thinking with narrative techniques to make data meaningful, memorable, and actionable.

Brooke Smith, HV Epidemiology, MPH

OMCFH

Bayley Fields

This presentation highlights how Help Me Grow (HMG) helps families connect to the resources they need to support their child’s healthy development. By using a system of data collection and shared metrics, HMG identifies gaps in services, strengthens community partnerships, and ensures no family falls through the cracks. Participants will learn how HMG supports outreach to families, providers, and communities, and how centralized access points streamline referrals. With a focus on collaboration, HMG empowers professionals—like home visitors, teachers, and child development specialists—to better support families and drive positive outcomes for children during their most critical early years.

LeeAnn Blankenship, Help Me Grow Coordinator

West Virginia Department of Health 

This session explores practical strategies for embedding global curriculum into early childhood education to cultivate empathy, curiosity, and cultural awareness in young learners. Drawing on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and trauma-informed practices, participants will discover how to integrate global stories, classroom routines, and hands-on activities that foster inclusive and equitable learning environments. Educators will leave with adaptable frameworks and ready-to-use ideas that strengthen community partnerships, enhance quality care, and prepare children to become compassionate world citizens. Join us to reimagine early childhood classrooms as spaces of connection, belonging, and global understanding.

Lauren Moore, Doctoral Student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania 

The West Virginia Right From The Start (RFTS) program is a statewide initiative that provides free, home-based services to pregnant women and infants to promote healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. This training offers an overview of the comprehensive support RFTS provides to families, ensuring access to quality healthcare and vital community resources.

Participants will learn about the role of Designated Care Coordinators (DCCs)—licensed social workers or registered nurses—who conduct home visits to assist families. These visits focus on providing guidance, linking families to transportation for medical appointments, housing support, and other community services. The training will also highlight strategies for building trust with families and promoting positive health outcomes from the very beginning.

Engagement activities throughout the training will include real-life home visiting scenarios, case discussions, and hands-on examples to help participants build practical skills and strengthen family-centered approaches.

Trella Coppola, Right From The Start Program Coordinator

WV Department of Health (OMCFH)

Participants will learn about the CDCSP Program in WV; understand the medical and financial eligibility; understand qualifications; learn about the application process and target applicants.

Crystal Dotson, MSW, Licensed Social Worker, Project Coordinator at Psychological Consultation & Assessment, Inc.

Kerri Linton, MA, Licensed Psychologist, Project Director

This interactive presentation empowers early childhood professionals to explore career pathways, credentials, and continuing education. Participants will reflect on their personal goals, identify opportunities for growth, and build a roadmap to advance their careers. With practical tips, real-world examples, and supportive resources, Rise & Shine with STARS helps educators connect their passion for children with meaningful professional development. Whether just starting out or ready to take the next step, attendees will leave inspired, informed, and equipped to rise and shine!

EmmaLee Griffith, Project Manager, WV STARS

River Valley Child Development Services

How can home visitors address community health needs? Join our session to learn about how home visitors work to improve maternal and child health outcomes, how home visitors can help families improve their own health, and how family health impacts community health. 

Stephanie Vunderink-Steger, MIECHV Coordinator, WV Home Visitation Program

WV Department of Health 

Jackie Newson, Director of the Infant, Child, and Young Adult Health Division 

This inspiring Spotlight session invites early childhood professionals to reimagine family partnerships through the lens of cultural humility, equity, and lived experience. Using powerful storytelling, real-world examples, and community voice, this session offers a bold call to believe in every family’s potential—especially those navigating poverty, trauma, language barriers, or cultural stigma. Participants will explore how culturally rooted relationships, inclusive practices, and reflective leadership can drive transformative change in early childhood systems. Walk away re-energized with fresh insight and practical strategies to lead with compassion, courage, and connection.

Amanda Quiroz-Guajardo, CEO/Founder & National Trainer

Off To A Good Start (OTAGS), LLC

If you are looking for activities to use in your classroom and outside that expose children to water and nature, then this session is for you! This hands-on workshop will highlight activities from the Project Water Education Today (WET) Curriculum & Activity Guide, Getting Little Feet Wet Guide. Attendees will receive the curriculum guide, complete with 11 activities and a chance to explore the different aspects of water and nature, just as their students. All activities are correlated to educational standards and were developed specifically for teachers working with young children (ages 3-6) but can also be adapted for older students.

Tomi Bergstrom, Environmental Resource Specialist Supervisor Co-Coordinator of Stream Partners Program & Project WET Coordinator, WVDEP-Watershed Improvement Branch's Project WET Program

This session explores the power of believing in individuals and families from the very beginning by helping them build supportive communities to “do life with.” Drawing from over 30 years of experience, Happy Plaugher shares practical strategies for creating circles of encouragement, accountability, and stability—anchors that help families pursue their goals with confidence. Participants will learn how to meet people where they are, walk alongside them through transitions, and believe in them until they can believe in themselves, empowering them to thrive in both life and relationships.

Happy Plaugher, Founder of Intentional Life Coaching, Co-Founder of Anchored Vision, BS Psychology, NCLC, Mental Health Specialist, PERC Coordinator (Parent Educator Resource Coordinator)

Rosa Plaugher M.S. Psychology; Certified in Industrial Organization; Co-Founder of Anchored Vision