Diane T. Goyette, M.A., CCHC, is a Child Development Specialist with over 30 years of early education experience, teaching children in public school, university laboratories, faith-based preschools and child care programs.  She has taught adults as an adjunct professor and as owner of Early Childhood Specialties, she develops and presents training and provides consulting for early childhood professionals.   She holds a master’s degree in Child Development and a Lifetime Texas Educator Certificate for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Diane presents sessions at national and international conferences and keynotes at local and regional conferences.  She is especially passionate about the important role of relationships, fostering children’s social and emotional development, and helping teachers work with children who exhibit challenging behavior.

Kristin Mathis is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist who focuses on sensory, learning, behavior and attachment issues in children.  Kristin is an experienced weekday teacher and director.  She hold a degree in Family and Child Development from Oklahoma Baptist University and a Master of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University.

Stacy Benge is an early childhood speaker who approaches learning in the early years with practicality and common sense. In addition to holding a Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies, Stacy spent 10 years in the early childhood classroom teaching children ages birth to five. The last 20 years, Stacy has enjoyed sharing her passion for child development with fellow early learning professionals by designing and presenting continuing education courses and seminars. In 2015, Stacy was awarded the Phyllis Jack Moore Professional Development Award that recognizes excellence in professional development in the early education community.  Stacy Benge is a Master Level Trainer #1581 on the Texas Trainer Registry.

Stephanie Chase’s experience with kids began as a weekday classroom teacher in Tyler, Texas. She has been an early childhood center director and trainer and now serves as the Kids Minister at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. Stephanie also is the author of the TBCWEA curriculum School Age Fun. Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and a Masters in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Jennifer Holt coordinates the Sapphire Special Needs Ministry at Forest Hills Baptist Church.  Her passion for this ministry is inspired by her spunky fourteen-year-old son, Sam, who was diagnosed with autism at age three.  Jennifer is also a writer for LifeWay Christian Resources where she has written various articles about this topic, as well as Special Friends Sunday School and VBS Curriculum.  For the past 18 uears, she has been a Gifted Education Teacher at Edmondson Elementary where she was named both EES and Williamson County Tennessee Teacher of the Year for 2016.

Melissa McKenzie is an Early Childhood Professional who is committed to making learning a joyful journey. She is the FCS Childhood Guidance/Human Resource Practicum Teacher and Preschool Director for Cypress Ranch Preschool in Cypress, Texas. Melissa holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Stephen F. Austin University. She also is a member of the Texas Trainer Registry and currently is responsible for writing the faith-based curriculum for Nabor House Centers.

Jenice Dames oversees the Special Education programing for elementary schools in the Northside Independent School District in San Antonio. Prior to her current position, she served as a Pre-School Educational Specialist at the Education Service Center, Region 20. Jenice also has been a professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio where she taught Special Education and Early Childhood courses. She holds a Bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Southwest Texas State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio.