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 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 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 a complimentary onsite premium exhibitor space, logo and link on our event homepage, two (2) complimentary attendee registrations, and full page flyer in event bags.

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

Great session for: Directors

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

Great session for: SLPs, Preschool Teachers

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 

Great session for: Parents

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

Great session for: SLPs, Preschool Teachers

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

Great session for: SLPs

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

Great session for: SLPs, Preschool Teachers

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

Great session for: SLPs, Preschool Teachers, and Directors

The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants understand what it is like to be a typical low-income family trying to survive. The goal is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income families. After the simulation is a reflective discussion portion.

Michelle Romanek & Gregg Oxley, CQI Consultants and Trainers for WVHVP

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

Great session for: Directors

Discover how to use the Backpack Connection Tip Sheets from ChallengingBehavior.org to strengthen parent-teacher partnerships and support children’s social-emotional growth. In this interactive session, preschool teachers will learn practical strategies for introducing tip sheets to families and designing engaging parent nights built around these resources. Participants will leave with ready-to-use examples and the confidence to connect classroom learning with home practices.

Sara Wines, M.Ed., Early Childhood Behavior Support Specialist | WV Behavior Mental Health Technical Assistance Center

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 

Great session for: HV and Parents

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)

Great session for: HV and Parents

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

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 

Great session for: HV

Children with combined vision and hearing loss experience the world in unique ways, and early access is essential for their development. This session will provide an overview of deafblindness in infants and toddlers and explore how it impacts communication, learning, and social-emotional growth. Participants will learn practical strategies to support access across daily routines and promote meaningful engagement. Join us to discover how early intervention teams can partner with families to build strong foundations for children with dual sensory loss.

Debbie Adams, Deafblind Coordinator, WVDE MA Special Education/Visual Impairments

Great session for: SLPs and Preschool Teachers

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

Great session for: Directors

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

In this interactive, hands on session, participants will explore how play supports brain development, social emotional growth, and early academic skills. Through real life examples, play stations, and small group collaborations, participants will discover how to create rich play experiences and align them with learning standards.

Melissa Cuppett, M.Ed., Behavior Consultant, Child Care Resource Center

Sommer Robinson, Early Childhood Specialist, Child Care Resource Center 

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

Great session for: Directors

Professionals working with young children often share advice, strategies, or resources with families—but how those conversations happen makes all the difference in whether families feel supported—or overwhelmed. This interactive session introduces Ask-Offer-Ask, a Motivational Interviewing skill that shifts the focus from “telling” to engaging. Participants will practice inviting families into the conversation, offering ideas respectfully, and checking back in a way that empowers parents as partners in their child’s growth. Whether you are a home visitor, teacher, childcare provider, or early intervention professional, this approach can strengthen relationships, increase family engagement, and make your conversations more collaborative and effective.

Kristy Stout, MSSW, LGSW, Comprehensive System of Personnel Development and Policy Coordinator, WV Birth to Three

Building a School Family guides leaders through self-reflection, exercises and educates on how to build a community of people who create a safe place for staff and children to thrive professionally and personally through compassion, caring and connection. 

Terra Crews, Executive Director of Holy Family Child Care and Development Center/Founder of The Village Crisis Nursery

Great session for: Directors

In this inspiring keynote, Rachelle Hannoush invites early childhood professionals to reconnect with the heart of their work—building meaningful, joyful connections with children, families, and communities. Drawing from her experience as a parent, an educator, a leader, and an advocate Rachelle highlights how culturally responsive practices and collaborative partnerships fuel prevention and early intervention. She challenges attendees to move beyond systems and policies to embrace transformational relationships that nurture equity, resilience, and joy. This keynote empowers educators, advocates, and leaders to reimagine early childhood services with purpose, passion, and collective power.

Rachelle Hannoush - Early Childhood Leader/ Masters in Early Childhood Education/ Rooted Leaders LLC 

Think you are good at your job because you love children? What about the ones that push your buttons? Using these questions as a starting spot, Lisa puts her own spin on Howard Gardner’s classic theory. This session is a far cry from simply listing various personality characteristics, needs and preferences. Instead, by suggesting easy to implement, yet possibly challenging, “comfort zone stretchers,” Lisa encourages teachers to make sure they are celebrating all of the children in the classroom, not just the ones they like.

Lisa Murphy, Ooey Gooey, Inc.

This session introduces an easy-to-remember framework that can help both parents and providers overcome challenging behaviors. This "Four C’s Framework of Emotional Support”, developed by the presenter, is based on brain development research, the advice of experts in several fields, and the presenters’ perspectives resulting from their 35-year mother-daughter journey. It will give you practical strategies for both handling challenging behaviors and preventing future ones.

You will gain new understanding of children's behaviors and tools to handle them both in times of distress and throughout the day. The strategies you take away have the added benefit of building the resilience and self-regulation skills of all your children. There is another bonus: You will be better able to support the emotional intelligence and well-being of adults, too – your children’s families, your co-workers, friends, significant others, and even yourself. The "Four C's" are a win, win, win, win!

Diane Goyette, Child Development Specialist, Trainer, Consultant, Speaker and Founder; and Corinne Goyette author, Illustrator, speaker, and advocate for neurodiverse individuals like herself. 

This session is an in-depth exploration of the nine points outlined in the framework Lisa presents in her book, Lisa Murphy On… Being Child Centered. Via interactive lecture, true-to-life examples, anecdotes and her signature “learning and laughing” style, this workshop debunks the myth that being child centered means kids running around naked all day and instead outlines what it really means to be a child centered program. 

Lisa Murphy, Ooey Gooey, Inc.

This interactive session equips home visitors and early childhood professionals with practical strategies to support dual language learners from birth to five. Grounded in culturally responsive practice, the session explores how to partner with families to honor home languages, promote bilingual development, and create inclusive, language-rich environments. Participants will gain tools to coach families as their child’s first language teacher and learn how early language development supports long-term learning and identity. Insights are drawn from national training work with UnidosUS and community-based initiatives focused on Latino families and multilingual learners.

Amanda Quiroz-Guajardo, Off To A Good Start, LLC, Founder/CEO & Trainer

Great session for: SLPs and HV

Communicating and collaborating with families can be challenging for administrators and teachers, especially with families of children with mental health special needs. In this session, we’ll explore how and why the perspectives of families and early childhood educators differ and how to work together when they conflict. We’ll identify roadblocks to effective communication and practice strategies for having difficult conversations. Participants will leave with tools for enhancing their communication skills and for strengthening their relationships with all families.

Diane Goyette, Child Development Specialist, Trainer, Consultant, Speaker and Founder 

Great session for: Directors

Kinship families represent a growing population in West Virginia, and early education and care providers are increasingly likely to encounter them in their classrooms. This session will explore the unique legal challenges these families may face and highlight the support available through Legal Aid of West Virginia and other community resources.

Angela M. White, Supervising Attorney/Kinship Resource Attorney, Legal Aid of West Virginia

Great session for: Directors

This professional development session is designed to equip early childhood educators with the knowledge and skills to embed cultural humility in their practices, fostering inclusive and responsive learning environments for all children and families. Cultural humility goes beyond traditional cultural competence by emphasizing ongoing reflection, self-awareness, and a commitment to understanding and valuing the diverse backgrounds of students and their families. Participants will learn practical strategies to promote equity, respect, and partnership within their classrooms.

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Rachelle Hannoush, Early Childhood Leader/ Founder/ Masters in Early Childhood Education, Graduate Certificate in Special Needs and Autism Studies, Rooted Leaders, LLC

Strong leadership is essential for creating stable, supportive environments where young children and families can thrive. This session equips leaders in child-serving organizations with practical, trauma-informed strategies to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and strengthen team resilience. Learn how to maintain your own well-being, model healthy boundaries, and embed reflective practices that enhance both staff satisfaction and quality of care. We’ll explore how intentional leadership fosters trust, improves retention, and supports effective partnerships with families from the very start. Leave with an actionable plan to sustain yourself as a leader while ensuring lasting positive outcomes for children and families.

Amanda White, Owner/CEO of ADW Catalyst Strategies LLC; Doctorate in Community Care & Counseling-Traumatology

Great session for: Directors

Take a look at how loose parts can enhance your classroom environment and student creativity and learning. Discover how using ordinary objects and materials can make your classroom environment extraordinary! 

Betsy Wells, Public PreK/Special Needs Teacher, BA Early/Elementary Ed, MA Early Childhood Special Ed, DCELA

This training will first assist attendees in reflecting on their own triggers (hot button behaviors) to determine how to more beneficially respond when those occur. Second, we will learn about the brain's top priority of ensuring safety and how that impacts our reactions to people and events. Third, we will discuss the three parts of the triune brain, their functions and what strategies we can use in the classroom. 

Tracy Cheney, Education Consultant, M.Ed., Three Cheers Consulting with TLC

Home visitors are often one of the first resources families reach out to when they have questions and concerns. This session will introduce you to techniques used to support breastfeeding families and how important support is during the breastfeeding journey. Participants will learn breastfeeding norms and how to find additional support in their communities. 

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

WV Department of Health 

Great session for: HV

This workshop is a discussion, NOT an argument. We will talk about facilitating power playing in any and all of its manifestations, NOT debating whether it is “ok” or not. If you are pro, awesome, let’s take your facilitation of it and your comfort deeper. If you are on the fence, come ready to unpack your hesitation. If you are solid in the anti camp, please think twice about selecting this session unless you and your group are ready to consider both the benefits of power playing and the concerns that are linked to simply banning it.

Lisa Murphy, Ooey Gooey, Inc.

This session emphasizes the importance of maintaining job-specific professional and personal boundaries as a key leadership skill. Participants will explore how modeling appropriate boundaries fosters respect, accountability, and trust within teams. Through practical examples and strategies, leaders will learn how to balance professionalism with approachability while setting a positive standard for others to follow.

Rosa Plaugher, Masters in Psychology: Industrial Organization concentration, Certified in Organizational Development

Anchored Vision

Great session for: Directors

In this presentation I will give an introductory overview of what quality is and should look like and then we will dive deeper into what the requirements are for the state, how to achieve and maintain that, and this will include time for discussion/questions as well as activities to keep them awake.

Jessie Lambert, B.A Child Care Coaching Specialist MountainHeart Community Services

Great session for: Directors

This course is an overview of Medical Action Plans/Individualized Health Care Plans, what information is required, and how they benefit child care providers.

Lisa Galford, WVECTCR

Great session for: Directors

Join me as we explore evidence-based, developmentally appropriate practices for teaching the alphabet to young children. Participants will discover why traditional “letter of the week” method may not be the most effective approach in early childhood education. Instead, we’ll dive into strategies that foster alphabetic awareness and build strong early literacy skills in meaningful ways. You’ll learn hands-on ways to teach the alphabet through read-alouds, purposeful play, interactive writing, and family partnerships. Leave with practical tools and fresh ideas to make alphabet instruction both fun and impactful for your little learners at school and at home. 

Sara Wolfe, M.Ed, NBCT , Assistant Director of Pre-K , Berkeley County Schools

I will show educators how to do a unit on the United Kingdom. The unit will end with an English tea for the families. It will showcase the lessons learned by the children to the parents in a dramatic way. The unit will include stained glass making and study, architecture, history, and geography.  

Kelly Gray, kindergarten teacher, Berkeley County Schools and Hagerstown Community College

Home visitors often bring toys and materials to visits - but families may not be able to continue those activities afterward. Using items already in the home supports the coaching model, empowers parents as their child’s first teacher, and supports continued learning between visits. This interactive session gives participants hands-on practice using everyday household items - like kitchen tools, laundry baskets, or cardboard boxes - to support infant and toddler development. Through small group activities, attendees will explore creative ways to coach families and leave with practical ideas they can immediately apply to build confidence and strengthen parent-child interactions.

Kristy Stout, MSSW, LGSW, Comprehensive System of Personnel Development and Policy Coordinator, WV Birth to Three

Great session for: HV

Fun and interactive session on how to introduce early learning skills during a home visit. 

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

WV Department of Health

Great session for: HV

This is an audience sing-along session! Come ready to sing and clap along while we talk about the importance of having tools to assist in transition times!

Lisa Murphy, Ooey Gooey, Inc.

Being new to the home visiting program or a seasoned veteran, home visiting can be challenging when working with a diverse population. The "Building Positive Relationships as a Home Visitor" session is to promote positive relationships when working with families (biological or foster families) as a home visitor. The training will provide insight and strategies that can be implemented on a day-to-day basis with the goal of building family resiliency. 

Sarah Feick, Regional Technical Assistance Specialist with WV Birth to Three 

WV Department of Health; Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health; WV Birth to Three

Great session for: HV

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

This class discusses the services that Child Care Nurse Health Consultants and Child Care Health Educators can provide to child care centers. The nurses and health educators work to stay up to date on current child care trends as they pertain to the health and safety of children and they educate and provide resources for providers who may have questions when meeting the health needs of their students. They are a free resource available to child care providers in the state.

Harmony Vance-Tissenbaum, West Virginia Child Care Health Educator

Candy Morgan, West Virginia Child Care Nurse Health Consultant

WVECTCR

Rural West Virginia communities experience disproportionate challenges with substance use, stigma, and limited support resources. IMPACT WV based at the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities, developed a free online training portal offering evidence-based, self-paced courses for families, caregivers, and professionals. Portal topics address substance use, stigma, child development, and social services. Previous portal analysis showed strong topic interest, varied completion rates, and significant knowledge gains, indicating the portal’s effectiveness as an accessible training tool for families, caregivers and providers. Current data analysis examines portal engagement by module, further exploring community needs in rural West Virginia.  

Sue Workman BS, CCRP; Lesley Cottrell, PhD; Vicki Johnson, MSOL; Melina Danko, MS; Olivia Villeneuve, MA; Cody Smith, MD

This session will explore practical ways to use assistive technology to support young children in preschool and daycare settings. We will look at tools for sensory needs, strategies to build early literacy skills, etc. and real-life case studies to troubleshoot common challenges. Participants will leave with ideas and resources to make learning more accessible and engaging for every child.

Tori Gilbert- SLPD, CCC-SLP, WV Assistive Technology System

Great session for: SLPs and Preschool Teachers

I will show you how to design lessons, units, and activities, to include parents in a global learning experience. Each lesson will involve a cultural lesson that will end with a performance for parents and activities to engage them. These units will also empower children to be stewards of their worlds. It will help them be able to have tolerance and acceptance for others.  

Kelly Gray, Kindergarten teacher, Berkeley County Schools

Gregg Oxley, WV Home Visitation

Village Crisis Nursery (VCN) is the first of its kind in West Virginia, offering 24/7 emergency care for children when their families are in crisis. A project of Holy Family Child Care & Development Center, Village Crisis Nursery fills a critical gap in the continuum of care by providing free, short-term shelter for up to 72 hours, per licensing, for children ages infant and up to 12 during family emergencies such as medical crises, mental health episodes, domestic violence, homelessness, or substance use recovery.

Terra Crews, Executive Director/Founder, The Village Crisis Nursery

Holy Family Child Care and Development Center