WHSA 2025 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

This interactive keynote will talk about the importance of balancing our leading and learning processes. Through a creative approach toward self-awareness, and autonomy we can begin to teach children to believe in themselves and embrace challenges. Through greater degrees of reinforcement and positive interactions, we can build others up and improve morale in the setting - while making it a mandatory effort. Dr. Kimberly P. Johnson will show how we can elevate our early learners and their families toward academic success in the setting. In addition, we can elevate ourselves to believe that we indeed are creating a space where everyone can thrive!!

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NKGDT6B

Speakers

Dr. Kim Johnson

Author and Educator

Children’s author and educator, Dr. Kimberly P. Johnson grew up in Shelby, NC. She is married to Jeff Johnson who retired from the United States Air Force after 22 years of service and has 7-year-old twin daughters, Jessie and Allie. She is the author of 28 children’s books. Dr... Read More →

If It Had Not Been For Head Start pdf

Monday February 24, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CST
ABC/FGH

Keynote/Special

12:00pm CST

Lunch

Monday February 24, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST

ABC/FGH

Pizza and Salad Buffet. Have a great lunch!

Monday February 24, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
ABC/FGH

Break

1:00pm CST

Advocacy 101: Telling Your Story

Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST

Portia

Personal stories are a powerful advocacy tool. This section will offer a framework for crafting your own story and tips for contacting your elected officials to share your story.

Speakers

Tanya Wooden

Engagement Specialist, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association

Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Portia

Breakout

1:00pm CST

AI as Your Teaching Assistant: Enhancing Early Childhood Curriculum Development

Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST

Suite D

Discover how Artificial Intelligence can help create engaging, developmentally appropriate lesson plans while saving valuable preparation time. This session introduces practical, ethical ways to use AI for curriculum development in early childhood settings. Learn to generate creative activity ideas, adapt lessons for different learning styles, and create culturally sensitive materials - all while maintaining educational quality. Walk away with concrete strategies and guidelines for implementing

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NK9LHPV

Speakers

Stacy Wilkes

Founder, Goddess AI

Stacy Wilkes is a trailblazer in ethical AI implementation, with a unique background in I/O Psychology and child welfare data analytics. As the founder of Goddess.ai (www.empowerherai.com) and an instructor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she's on a mission to democratize AI technology, making it accessible and beneficial to historically marginalized communities. Stacy's trauma-informed approach and commitment to social justice drive her work in empowering or... Read More →

Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Suite D

Breakout

about www.empowerherai.com

1:00pm CST

Cultural/ Racism Awareness in the Workforce

Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST

Banyan

This session would bring about awareness of the cultural norms and the meaning behind many of them in the Native American Culture but also regarding all differing cultures within the any workplace. This would help staff be more culturally sensitive to the varying differences they have with other staff, families, and the children in their classrooms/environments. Reiterating the importance of hands-on activities and using visuals to guide them when learning/teaching.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NLSX3LH

Speakers

Dylan Prescott

Native American Cultural Educator

Dylan Prescott is from the HoChunk and Potowatomi Tribes. He grew up with his mom and siblings in Central Wisconsin. His mother, Bonnie, dedicated her time to educating people about the Native American culture. Dylan would go along with her and learn a lot from her. He ended up following... Read More →

Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Banyan

Breakout

1:00pm CST

Everyday C.O.A.C.H.E.S. - Leading with Excellence

Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST

Suite E

This engaging workshop will encourage teamwork, planning and cohesive interactions. Through stronger human relationships, teams can help convey the message of positive interaction and problem-solving. So often, staff members become bogged down with all of the paperwork that constitutes working with families and children. However, in today’s climate we have to make human relationships a priority too. The more we can connect and become aware of our own strengths and abilities – the more we can truly impact lives. Dr. Kimberly Johnson will share her experiences and encourage you to take the time to get to know your families and your co-workers. This session will present common sense ways to increase leadership, creativity and resiliency among our learners. Participants will leave this motivating and invigorating session ready to increase positive behavior, leadership skills, self-efficacy, and communication. For some of our families YOU are their everyday COACHES who lead!

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R7F2NZK

Speakers

Dr. Kim Johnson

Author and Educator

Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Suite E

Breakout

1:00pm CST

Family Partnerships: Using the Youth Wellness Hub to Create an Individualized Resource Guide

Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST

Guava

The Youth Wellness Hub (YWH) is an innovative new tool designed to help you create a customized resource guide to support youth with behavioral and mental health needs. The YWH assists in locating an individualized list of resources across the continuum of social, health, insurance and other community services. We’ll explore how to use the tool, complete a demonstration and discuss ways to use this innovative resource to empower families and staff in achieving family partnership goals.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R7B5T98

Speakers

Elizabeth Olsen

Outreach and Technical Assistance Coordinator, Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation

Elizabeth has worked supporting Head Start, Early Intervention and health and social service programs for over thirty years. She is experienced in training, technical assistance and program development and administration. Elizabeth is dedicated to assisting programs and providers... Read More →

Nadean Kannal

Nadean Kannal is a young dedicated public health professional. Her work experience includes an internship at Data You Can Use and work as a student research technician in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. Nadean is a Resource... Read More →

FINAL YWH Outreach Flier pdf

Well Badger Flier 2024 EngSpan pdf

Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Guava

Breakout

1:00pm CST

Stress and Resilience: Strengthening Well-Being for Early Childhood Professionals

Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST

Tamarind

This course offers early childhood educators’ strategies to recognize stressors and explore ways to build resilience in both their personal and professional lives. Participants will reflect on techniques to enhance emotional well-being and consider practical approaches to finding balance and maintaining a positive outlook in their work. The training aims to support educators in navigating challenges with greater ease and promoting a healthier, more resilient mindset.

Evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/23GPLLN

Speakers

Nicole Cusimano

Social and Emotional Development Content Specialist, YoungStar Connect

Nicole Cusimano is a dedicated Social Emotional Content Specialist with over a decade of experience in Early Childhood Education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education Leadership and has recently earned Endorsement from the Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental... Read More →

Stress and Resilience.docx fillable pdf

YoungStar Connect Stress and Resilience Training 2025 pdf

Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Tamarind

Breakout

1:00pm CST

Supporting Autism in Early Childhood Settings

Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST

Wisteria

"But I'm not a therapist!" This session will equip participants to support children with autism in early childhood settings. Using evidence-based strategies and practical tools, participants will address communication, sensory, and behavioral needs, and learn how to effectively collaborate with care teams. By course end, participants will feel more confident and prepared to work with children with autism.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NLHFSSM

Speakers

Anna Barthen

Inclusion and Exceptionalities Specialist, Youngstar Connect

Anna Barthen is the Inclusion and Exceptionalities content specialist for Shine Early Learning and Young Star Connect. Prior to joining Shine, Anna worked as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher in Wisconsin for three years. Before her work in public education, Anna owned... Read More →

WHSA resources (1) pdf

Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Wisteria

Breakout

1:00pm CST

Supporting Kids with Challenging Pasts (Trauma)

Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST

Cypress

Let’s explore the monumental task of working with kids who have challenging pasts. We’ll balance theory, research and strategies to up the odds that we handle the toughest of situations without breaking a sweat.
You will learn powerful insights into:

How trauma affects the brain.
Why the intense and extremely upsetting behaviors seen in some kids represent attempts to self-protect and survive.
The science behind healthy attachment relationships.
How to apply Love and Logic strategies

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R9L7BW3

Speakers

Chris Peterson

The Parenting Professor

Chris Peterson is a husband, a father, and an educator. Don't ask him what he teaches because his response is always "young people". Chris has had the fortune of graduating twice from the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse; receiving a BS in Health and Physical Education and an MS in... Read More →

Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Cypress

Breakout

2:30pm CST

Break

Monday February 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:00pm CST

ABC/FGH

Visit Exhibitors and Grab a Snack!

Monday February 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:00pm CST
ABC/FGH

Break

3:00pm CST

Advocacy 102: An Overview of Advocating for ECE

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST

Portia

Learn about the history of ECE advocacy, discover who represents you, and demystify the state budget process.

Speakers

Tanya Wooden

Engagement Specialist, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Portia

Breakout

3:00pm CST

Advocacy 104: Partnering with Businesses and Community Leaders in Advocacy

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST

Portia

Learn how to partner with businesses and community leaders to strengthen advocacy for early care and education. Explore ways to align early childhood needs with broader community goals.

Speakers

Tanya Wooden

Engagement Specialist, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Portia

Breakout

3:00pm CST

Connecting and Communicating with Compassion

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST

Suite E

Discover innovative, responsive resources to strengthen the connections with the families in your care. Gain an understanding of learning media and corresponding bilingual, printable materials for working in partnership with families around children’s learning and development. Explore practical strategies for integrating these resources into your daily routines to support whole-child learning and foster meaningful family engagement.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R92TFMW

Speakers

Jami Hoekstra Collins

Early Learning Engagement Specialist, PBS Wisconsin Education

Jami Hoekstra Collins is an Early Learning Engagement Specialist with PBS Wisconsin Education and a Tier 3 Registry Trainer. Jami is committed to promoting developmentally appropriate play-based learning where every child and family experience wonder and joy while learning together... Read More →

Erik Perez

Family Services Manager, RWCFS Head Start

Public 2025 02 20 WHSA Connecting and Communicating with Compassion pdf

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Suite E

Breakout

3:00pm CST

Culturally Responsive Teaching

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST

Wisteria

Culturally Responsive Teaching: Creating a sense of belonging in the early childhood environment for each and every child is critical for their success. Teachers/caregivers can ensure a sense of belonging by being intentional in their relationships with each child. Being culturally responsive can help children feel seen and valued. In this session, we will discuss the importance of building relationships by gaining an understanding of what culturally responsive teaching is and is not.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NVD3LDF

Speakers

Jeremy Walton

Instructional Coach, Nextdoor Foundation Milwaukee

Jeremy Walton has spent the majority of his career supporting the social-emotional literacy of young African-American boys and advocating the recruitment of black and brown men to work in early childhood education.Jeremy has a vast history spanning over two decades in the Early Childhood... Read More →

CRT Principles docx

CRT Sentence Strips pdf

Culturally Responsive Teachingpptx 2 pptx

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Wisteria

Breakout

3:00pm CST

Empowering Human Services through Artificial Intelligence

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST

Suite D

This presentation seeks to explore the relationship between artificial intelligence and human services, emphasizing how human service professionals can leverage AI tools to enhance service delivery, decision-making, and client outcomes. Through a balanced discourse on ethical considerations, practical applications, and case studies, we can demystify AI's role in human services. Attendees will gain insights into integrating AI into practice, enhancing both empathy and effectiveness.

Learning Objectives:
1: Understand AI's Potential: Learn about AI's capabilities and potential applications in human services, including predictive modeling and automation.
2: Ethical Considerations: Explore the ethical implications of integrating AI into human services, ensuring technology enhances rather than detracts from client-centered care.
3: Practical Integration: Gain practical insights into how AI tools can be implemented in current practices to improve efficiency, decision-making, and outcomes.
4: Innovation and Adaptability: Encourage innovation and adaptability among human services professionals by showcasing cutting-edge AI tools and strategies.
5: Fostering Inclusivity: Understand how AI can be used to address and reduce biases, thereby fostering a more inclusive and equitable service delivery.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NVCG8M7

Speakers

Jason Witt

Outreach Specialist, WCWPDS-MKE

Jason has over 25 years of experience as both a human services provider and educator. For 15 years he worked as a therapist for children, adolescents, and families, primarily working as an intensive in-home psychotherapist. He has worked for nearly a decade as a human services instructor... Read More →

Empowering Human Services through Artificial Intelligence pptx

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Suite D

Breakout

3:00pm CST

Feel Confident: Be First Aid Ready

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST

Ironwood

Are you prepared to provide first aid when a child in your program needs it? The Early Childhood Health Consultation team is here to help! In this session, participants will learn about the basics of bleeding injuries, such as cuts, scrapes and nosebleeds. In addition, participants will learn how to respond when a child experiences a seizure or a severe allergic reaction.

Learning Objectives:
Administer first aid to children who have experienced basic bleeding injuries, including cuts, scrapes, and nosebleeds.
Describe signs of a severe allergic reaction and when to administer an epinephrine auto-injector.
Explain how to respond to a child experiencing a seizure in a way that keeps the child as safe as possible.
Identify Early Childhood Health Consultation as a resource for Wisconsin early childhood care and education providers on health and safety questions.

Statement of Benefit for Attendees:

Participants will learn how to respond and provide first aid for basic bleeding injuries, severe allergic reactions, and seizures.

Please note that this presentation does not result in a formal first aid certification.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NVQN32P

Speakers

Kristin Gabriel, MSN, RN

Nurse Health Consultant, Early Childhood Health Consultation

Kristin Gabriel has been a Registered Nurse (RN) since 2009 and has experience caring for individuals ranging in age from infant to older adult. She also holds a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a focus on nursing education. Joining the Early Childhood Health Consultation in... Read More →

Erin Aagesen, MPH

Outreach Specialist, Early Childhood Health Consultation

Erin Aagesen has worked in health communications for more than 20 years, honing skills in community outreach, communication campaigns, and plain language principles. She holds a master’s degree in Life Science Communications and a Master of Public Health from the University of... Read More →

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Ironwood

Breakout

3:00pm CST

Internal Tornadoes and Trauma: How to Help Calm The Storm

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST

Guava

Trauma creates an internal storm of emotions and chaos, typically resulting in significant behavioral dysfunction. This presentation will walk you through a story of experienced childhood trauma, the negative impacts on learning, interpersonal relationships and behaviors, during early childhood development years. Listeners will gain an understanding of how to help calm the storms of those struggling.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R9RBVSG

Speakers

Tracey Atkinson

Licensed Professional Counselor and Owner, Tracey Atkinson Coaching, LLC.

Tracey Atkinson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Owner of Tracey Atkinson Coaching, LLC. She has been working in the mental health field for over 20 years in settings such as community outpatient mental health, inpatient psychiatric mental health and private practice settings... Read More →

DeAnne Mackiewicz

Internal Tornadoes and Trauma pptx

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Guava

Breakout

3:00pm CST

Nature Play for Every Child: Explore PLT’s “Trees & Me”

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST

Tamarind

Nature play doesn’t have to be limited to special outdoor schools. Every child deserves to have outdoor exploration in their day! We will get hands-on with Project Learning Tree’s “Trees & Me” curriculum, looking at fun and meaningful ways to bring little learners outside regardless of their location. We will also explore using natural materials for indoor learning. Participants (limit 25) will receive “Trees & Me” and will leave feeling prepared to add more nature play into their curriculum.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NVM2QZY

Speakers

Nicole Filizetti

LEAF Outreach Educator, Project Learning Tree

Nicole has a B.S. in Biology/Ecology, a secondary science teaching certificate, and an M.S. in Science Education from Northern Michigan University. She has been with the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education since 2013, assisting with professional development for the LEAF... Read More →

Steve Schmidt

My title is Forestry Education Outreach Specialist, UW Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Tamarind

Breakout

3:00pm CST

Planning & Communication: The Connection to Professional Development

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST

Banyan

How can you remain compliant with Head Start Performance Standards and achieve quality outcomes at the same time? Come experience the transformation of our professional development approach! Learn how we refined our PD scope & sequence by implementing real-time, responsive planning & intentional communication systems. Discover how we consistently achieve compliance and quality from these changes!

The primary focus of this session is on health compliance & child health/well-being.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NVNDLN5

Speakers

Julia Drought

Director of Health and Nutrition, Acelero Learning Head Start Wisconsin

Dynamic health professional and program leader with expertise in data informed learning practices and strategic planning. Skilled in building collaborative and trusting relationships with colleagues, families, and community partners, in a diverse environment. Demonstrated mastery... Read More →

WHSA 2025 Region V Presentation Julia Drought pdf

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Banyan

Breakout

3:00pm CST

Taking the Stress Out of Parent Conferences...Even the Contentious Ones

Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST

Cypress

Have you ever dreaded a phone call or conference because you just weren’t sure how it would turn out? Today, we’ll build the skills and framework to handle the toughest of situations without breaking a sweat and building better relationships at the same time.

Explore some ideas and principles that can limit stressful interactions with parents.
Develop an understanding of why a parent might be upset.
Discover a 5 step generic plan that you can utilize with upset parents

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R93D9YV

Speakers