Dream, Lead, Play

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Kristen Day

June 7th – Press Pause

Kristen RB Peterson is the retired founder of a magical place called Butterfly Hill Nature Preschool.  In her quest to create a place full of play, learning, nature, emotions, and yes moments, Kristen discovered that play based learning is a MUST for all early childhood environments and is an advocate for play in early childhood.

In a world that constantly demands more, Kristen Day’s session "Press Pause" is about finding clarity in a fast-paced work environment. Kristen will share how purposeful moments of pause can reinvigorate your purpose, reduce burnout, and improve the quality of care you provide.

This session is perfect for anyone looking to bring more balance and fulfilment to their FDC practice.

Kristi McVee

June 5th and 7th - Child Safety in a Digital World

Kristi McVee, a retired Detective Senior Constable with over a decade of experience in child sexual abuse investigations, brings unparalleled insights into protecting children in both real and digital spaces. With nine years as a Specialist Child Interviewer, Kristi has dedicated her career to supporting vulnerable children and families through the devastating impacts of child sexual abuse and online grooming. Now, she uses her extensive background to educate parents and caregivers on critical safety measures.

In her session, Kristi will shed light on the real-world risks posed by today’s digital environment, including the unsettling ways artificial intelligence is infiltrating online images and how predators are using this technology to exploit children. She’ll speak candidly about her experiences, including stories from the frontlines of her career and what she wishes every parent knew to protect their children.

Since retiring from the police in 2020, Kristi has authored Operation KidSafe: A Detective’s Guide to Child Abuse Prevention and delivered webinars, courses, and keynotes across the country. Her presentations provide practical, effective strategies for detecting and preventing child abuse, equipping educators and caregivers with tools that work. With a deep understanding shaped by her own journey—from joining the police as a young mother to becoming a detective—Kristi’s talk will leave attendees not only more aware of the threats children face but also empowered to take proactive steps in safeguarding them.

Katrina Ashmore 

June 5th and 7th – Professionalism in Family Day Care

Katrina Ashmore is dedicated to supporting FDC educators in building a professional, respected image. Her session will cover key strategies for elevating professionalism, fostering trust, and building a positive reputation within the community. Katrina will also share her recent experiences with audits, offering practical advice on how to approach audits confidently, stay compliant, and maintain quality standards across all aspects of Family Day Care.

Yvonne Godfrey 

June 5th - Remote Leadership
June 7th - Boundaries and the Power of Saying No

Yvonne Godfrey brings invaluable expertise to Family Day Care service staff, focusing on practical leadership strategies for teams that aren’t always in the same room.

On 5th June, Yvonne will cover Remote Leadership—providing guidance on building a cohesive, motivated team even when separated by distance. With insights on clear communication, accountability, and setting expectations, Yvonne’s session will give you the tools to lead effectively, no matter where your team members are based.

On 7th June, Yvonne’s talk shifts to a universal challenge: Boundaries and the Power of Saying No. In the busy world of early childhood education, it’s easy to overextend yourself, but healthy boundaries are essential for both wellbeing and effectiveness. Yvonne will explore why saying “no” can be a crucial act of professionalism, helping you maintain focus on what truly matters. This session is designed to empower all FDC professionals to lead with integrity while protecting their own energy and priorities.

Victoria Edmond

June 5th and 7th – Inspiring Leadership and Community in FDC

Join Victoria as she shares her insights on cultivating a thriving, connected FDC environment, where educators, children, and families all flourish. Victoria’s talk will inspire you to foster community, develop a strong sense of purpose, and lead with compassion in the field of early childhood education.