2026 Conference Presenters
Get to know the 2026 草莓视频Conference presenters. View their bio's below.
Keynote Speakers
Main Ballroom
Len Pierre
Len Pierre
Len Pierre is Coast Salish from Katzie (kate-zee) First Nation. Len is an award winning entrepreneur, professor, consultant, TEDx Speaker, social activist, change agent, & traditional knowledge sharer. He specializes in the development of educational programs and services with decolonization and reconciliation as its core values. Len holds a Masters degree in Education from Simon Fraser University focusing on Indigenous curriculum and instructional design. His experience includes Indigenous education and program leadership from various organizations across colonial Canada. He comes to us with an open heart and open mind, and hopes to be received in the same way
Monique Gray Smith
Monique Gray Smith
Monique Gray Smith is an award-winning, best-selling author. Her books cover a broad spectrum of ages, topics and emotions. Woven into all of Monique’s writing, speaking engagements and online courses is the teaching that Love is Medicine. Monique’s most recent release, her first adult non-fiction book, Sharing the Light: Stories and Reflections was an instant National Bestseller and continues to appear on National Bestselling Lists. In 2022 she adapted Robin Wall Kimmerer's, New York Times Bestselling book, Braiding Sweetgrass for a younger audience, Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults. Monique’s novel, Tilly and the Crazy Eights was longlisted for Canada Reads 2021.
Monique is trained as a Psychiatric Nurse and has worked in various capacities in community and as a consultant since 1990. Her focus has been weaving history, resilience and trauma informed training for educators, social workers, librarians and early childhood teams. Monique is Cree and Scottish and has been sober and involved in her healing journey for 35 years. She is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity and focus on resilience.
Spotlight Speakers
Main Ballroom
Thursday May 7th 9:00am to 12:00pm
Don Giesbrecht
Don Giesbrecht
Bio coming soon!
Sharon Gregson
Sharon Gregson
Sharon Gregson is the provincial spokesperson for the successful $10aDay Child Care Campaign working with the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC. She was twice elected as a Trustee to the Vancouver Board of Education, and represents British Columbia on the Board of the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada (Child Care Now). Sharon is a feminist with a demonstrated history of working across sectors with stakeholders, including non-traditional allies, in child care public policy. She is skilled in campaign strategy and campaigning, government and stakeholder relations, and in working with traditional and social media. Business in Vancouver (BIV) named Sharon in the Power 50 in Vancouver in 2022 - and one of the top 500 most influential business leaders in British Columbia in 2022 and 2023. She received the King Charles Coronation Medal in 2025.
Eric Swanson
Eric Swanson
Eric Swanson is an urban planning and policy specialist and Principal at Third Space Planning. His work with organizations - including the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC, 草莓视频, and Child Care Now - has focused on educator compensation, operational funding models, flexible and non-standard care, capital expansion, facility design, and environmental health, with hands-on experience supporting child care capital projects through BC’s New Spaces Fund. Eric serves on Child Care Nows national Educators Matter Advisory Committee, is Co-Chair of the Board at Fernwood Neighbourhood House a major $10aDay provider in Victoria and is a parent of two young children in $10aDay care.
Thursday May 7th 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Dr. Laura Doan
Dr. Laura Doan
Dr. Laura K. Doan is a professor of early childhood education at Thompson Rivers University, where she has taught for twenty-five years. Laura holds a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Calgary. She has been an educator for over thirty years. Laura believes in the power of sharing our stories. Laura is a prolific author in the field of early childhood education with over thirty published articles and book chapters. Her most recent book is entitled, She’s Still My Mom: Navigating Your Loved Ones Journey with Alzheimer’s.
Narda Nelson
Narda Nelson
Narda Nelson is a pedagogist with UVic Child Care, who will be joining UVic's School of Child & Youth Care (CYC) as Assistant Professor in July 2026. Drawing on her background in gender studies, early childhood curriculum studies and upbringing in Cree, Beaver (Dane-zaa), Dene, and Metis territory (Treaty 8 country in northern Alberta), she takes an interdisciplinary approach to Early Childhood Education with a particular focus on reimagining ethical futures with plant, animal, & waste flow relations in early childhood.
Robyn Peel
Robyn Peel
Bio coming soon!
Workshop Presenters
Friday Morning Presenters (Session A):
Workshop A1: Thriving in Kinship: Understanding Barriers Novice Educators Experience in Practice
Dr. Jodi McBride is an Assistant Professor of Leadership and Interim Program Director of the Master of Arts in Leadership program at Trinity Western University. She focuses on transformative adult education and leadership development, drawing on more than 20 years of experience in early years, K–12, international teaching, and community education. Her research examines the relational, structural, and workplace cultural factors that shape novice early childhood educators’ ability to apply their pre-service learning in practice.
Workshop A2 - Visiting as Togetherness: Rethinking place-based relations in an Infant-Toddler Centre
Narda Nelson is a pedagogist with UVic Child Care, who will be joining UVic's School of Child & Youth Care (CYC) as Assistant Professor in July 2026. Drawing on her background in gender studies, early childhood curriculum studies and upbringing in Cree, Beaver (Dane-zaa), Dene, and Metis territory (Treaty 8 country in northern Alberta), she takes an interdisciplinary approach to Early Childhood Education with a particular focus on reimagining ethical futures with plant, animal, & waste flow relations in early childhood.
Lynai Quatell (ECE, ITE & ICC) is an ECE and Supervisor of the Garry Oak Centre at UVic Child Care. Lynai is Kwakwakawakw from the Ligwilthdakw (Campbell River People) and Musgamakw Dzawadaenukw (Kingcome Inlet People). The words of her Great Grandfather (Thomas P. Dawson) - where would we be without our children - continue to resonate with Lynai and the value she holds for her own child, the children from her community and the children of the University of Victoria Child Care Centre, as she works to honour the children for the life and spirit that they bring to the Centre.
Elaine Beltran - Sellitti is an instructor in the Early Childhood Care and Education Department at Capilano University. She is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University.
Jamie Arnett has been learning alongside children and families in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2008. She joined the team of collaborative and inspiring educators at UVic Child Care as a supervisor in 2022 and now holds the role of Program Manager. Building on curiosities gained during her MA in Interdisciplinary Global Studies, she is committed to seeking out opportunities for reciprocal relations with children, families and the more-than-human world, with the hopes of providing space to imagine the possibilities of building different futures.
Workshop A3 - From Words to Kinship: How Everyday Communication Builds Belonging in Early Childhood
Reena Kukreja is a passionate children’s life coach, former school teacher, ECE and homeschooling parent dedicated to empowering young minds and fostering holistic development. She specializes in teaching emotional intelligence, resilience, and communication skills, helping educators and parents transform the way they connect with children. Reena is an engaging speaker and author of the upcoming book "Speak with Presence: The Power of Words in Shaping Young Minds".
Workshop A4 - Let’s imagine a policing free ECE
Rachel Brophy is a professor in the School of Early Childhood at George Brown Polytechnic where she teaches pre-service ECEs. She works closely with Cegep de Saint-Felicien and Nunavik Childcare in northern Quebec, to support the professional development of Indigenous educators and centre administrators. She also co-facilitates a CARE Collective for ECE Faculty in partnership with the AECEO. Rachel’s work is grounded in critical pedagogy, and draws on her past experience as an early childhood educator, with the goal of co-creating and nurturing liberatory early years spaces, relationships and practice.
Workshop A5: $10aDay Child Care in BC: Where are we now, and how can we inspire ongoing advocacy?
Sharon Gregson is the provincial spokesperson for the successful $10aDay Child Care Campaign working with the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC. She was twice elected as a Trustee to the Vancouver Board of Education, and represents British Columbia on the Board of the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada (Child Care Now). Sharon is a feminist with a demonstrated history of working across sectors with stakeholders, including non-traditional allies, in child care public policy. She is skilled in campaign strategy and campaigning, government and stakeholder relations, and in working with traditional and social media. Business in Vancouver (BIV) named Sharon in the Power 50 in Vancouver in 2022 - and one of the top 500 most influential business leaders in British Columbia in 2022 and 2023. She received the King Charles Coronation Medal in 2025.
Eric Swanson is an urban planning and policy specialist and Principal at Third Space Planning. His work with organizations - including the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC, 草莓视频, and Child Care Now - has focused on educator compensation, operational funding models, flexible and non-standard care, capital expansion, facility design, and environmental health, with hands-on experience supporting child care capital projects through BC’s New Spaces Fund. Eric serves on Child Care Nows national Educators Matter Advisory Committee, is Co-Chair of the Board at Fernwood Neighbourhood House a major $10aDay provider in Victoria and is a parent of two young children in $10aDay care.
Workshop A6: Indigenous Storytelling and Songs
Sam Casey is a Duncan, BC based Early Childhood Educator with over 10 years of experience supporting children and families across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. A proud father of three, Sam is passionate about the outdoors and active living. He spent seven years at Eagles’ Nest, where he also taught his traditional language, Hul’q’umi’num. Sam is dedicated to developing programs and resources that strengthen connections between families, educators, and communities. He believes that every day is an opportunity to learn and grow. He deeply values the curiosity and wisdom children bring and recognizes that some of the most powerful lessons come from the unexpected insights they share.
A7 - Thriving in Kinship: Strength-Based, Culturally Safe, Trauma- Informed Practice in the Early Years
Tara Hall, BA CYC, is a Resource Social Worker with MCFD and an experienced SAFE Home Study and KAT Assessment practitioner. She facilitates Strengthening Families, Circle of Courage programming, and early learning supports grounded in trauma-informed, culturally humble, attachment-based practice. With over twenty years of experience, Tara brings warmth, clarity, and deep relational expertise to her work with children, families, and educators.
Friday Afternoon Presenters (Session B):
Workshop B1: Thriving in Kinship through Language: Supporting Children’s Heritage Languages in Early Childhood Education
Julia Magacho Borsari is a bilingual educator and Childcare Manager whose UBC research explored the perspectives of families and educators on children’s home languages, identity, and belonging in early childhood programs. Her thesis centered the voices of multilingual families and highlighted the relational and institutional realities educators navigated in BC childcare settings.
Workshop B2: Attunement, Creativity, Dignity and Critical Thinking: Nurturing Inclusion as the Heart of our work with Children and Families
Anastasia Butcher’s journey in the field of early childhood began many years ago in the same Program where she now teaches. She holds a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care and a Master of Arts in the School of Child and Youth Care (University of Victoria). Her areas of interest include supporting meaningful inclusive practice in the field of early childhood, learning about accessibility in the college environment and in the broader community, and building connections in the field.
Morgan Myers is privileged to be working alongside others interested in the early years of a persons life. Together with Anastasia Butcher, she co-facilitated a Community of Practice for 8 years and participated in the province-wide PeerMentoring Program to help create a sense of belonging for educators in the local community. She strongly believes, as early childhood educators, we are to be in active pursuit of a child care utopia that sees love and justice for all.
Workshop B3 - Exploring Leadership’s Role in Creating Conditions for Responsive 21st Century Early Childhood Education
Kathleen Kummen is an Assistant Professor at Thompson Rivers University, she is also the Co-Director of the Early Childhood Pedagogy Network (ECPN). As a researcher, educator and instructor, Kathleen endeavours to reimagine and revitalize early childhood leadership as an ongoing practice of disruption to make space for alternative narratives of early childhood education.
Sara Sutherland is the Director of the Capilano University Children’s Centre, and the new Fulmer Family Children’s Centre. Sara, in her work as the director, is inspired by the challenges of pedagogical leadership and what this form of leadership might open up in terms of possibilities for the collective life of a childcare centre. She feels privileged to work alongside a pedagogist and an atelierista and is passionate about dismantling the barriers between managerial and pedagogical practices.
Karen Vaughan is the Director of UBC Child Care (UBCCC), Karen’s work is guided by a deep respect for place-based education and a commitment to creating responsive, inclusive early childhood settings. Under Karen’s leadership, UBCCC’s pedagogical commitments engage thoughtfully with social, cultural, and political issues including social justice, eco-justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and human rights.
Kim Ainsworth is the Director of the University of Victoria Child Care, She is grateful to work with an inspiring team of educators whose pedagogy is grounded in Common Worlding and the BC Early Learning Framework (BC Government, 2019). Working alongside children and families, the team explores what it means to live well together with others while responding ethically to inheritances that include settler colonialism, human-induced climate change and environmental precarity.
Workshop B4 - Visual Storytelling with Photovoice
Bio coming soon!
Workshop B5 - Emotional Intelligence in Action: Kinship, Self-care and Thriving Teamwork
Pooja Kalsi has a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from State university of New York. She has 28 years of experience in the Early childhood field as a teacher, facilitator, supervisor, director and instructor. She is very passionate about finding ways to promote children's creativity and expression of discovery and support their social emotional health. She believes in the approach of caring for the educators and building powerful ECE teams through emotional intelligence and resilience. She currently teaches at Langara College in the ECE department. She is a mother of two children and believes that she continues to learn from the world around her.
Workshop B6: Learning Outside Together (LOT): Children Grow Strong on the Land
Klara Schoenfeld is the Manager for the Learning Outside Together program. Having grown up in the Kootenays, Klara spent most of her childhood playing in the forest and streams on her family’s property and believes that all children should be able to experience joy of learning outside. She has many years of experience working with children in a broad range of setting, including forest schools, childcare centres, continuation schools, youth correctional facilities and homes for street youth. Klara is a life learner, who has studied early childhood education, outdoor education, cultural anthropology, international development, yoga and compassionate communication.
Wanda Edgar (Nuxalk name: Kas’ Wa Qla, meaning “Calm Waters”) was raised on the traditional territory of the Nuxalk Nation in Bella Coola, British Columbia. She brings over 25 years of experience in early learning and child care. Wanda spent 16 years with Aboriginal Supported Child Development (ASCD) supporting children with diverse abilities and their families, followed by 9 years as an Early Years Program Manager. She currently serves as a Provincial Aboriginal Child Care Advisor with the Aboriginal Child Care Resource and Referral (ACCRR) Program, supporting Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators through training, advocacy, and relationship building across British Columbia.
Workshop B7: A Bridging of Worlds with a Community Approach
Ana Valle Rivera is a proud mother of three, a practicum instructor, workshop facilitator, consultant, and the founder of Early Years Thriving. Since 2007, Ana has worked in various capacities in the early years field to support children, families, and educators. Ana has a background in ECE, a Bachelor’s Degree in Child & Youth Care, and a Master’s of Professional Education in Early Childhood Education.
Kayla Papalia is an Early Childhood Educator, a College Instructor, the host of the ECE Honestly podcast, and the owner of Blossoming Niños Multi-Age Child Care program. Kayla has been in the field for over a decade, and she uses her voice and platform to advocate for Educators.
Ilam Muralidharan is an Early Childhood Educator, working in the Tri-Cities for nearly 15 years, a workshop facilitator, and has taught ECE and supervised practicums at post-secondary institutions. Ilam holds a bachelor's degree in ECE and is currently pursuing a Master's of Professional Education at Western University. She is passionate about creating and cultivating spaces for educators to engage in dialogue and reflection about the critical work we do with children and families.
Saturday Morning Presenters (Session C):
Workshop C1 - Songs from the Land: Bringing Indigenous Children’s Music into Early Learning
Nadine Gagne has almost 30 years of experience in early childhood education (and one of the 1st recipients of the BC Aboriginal Childcare Award) - Nadine is a proud Metis Early Learning Professional. Over the past 3 decades she has been a passionate advocate, educator, children's musician and leader dedicated to strengthening the profession and enhancing the quality of care for young children and families across British Columbia. As 草莓视频's Ambassador for the Interior Region, Nadine brings a wealth of expertise in program development, Indigenous early years education, and community-driven initiatives that foster inclusivity, cultural safety, and excellence in early childhood education.
Workshop C2 - Letting go of Stress and anxiety using mindfulness breathing reiki mediation to self regulate for children and adults
Cressida Spicer is an ECE and a certified Bodytalk, Mindup Mindfulness practioner and a expert of letting go of stress and anxiety through self regulation through mindfulness, breathing and reiki meditation she has over 25 years experience working with children as a Education assistant in school boards.
Workshop C3 - Uplifting Student-Educators in Early C3 Childhood Education
Aryanna Chartrand is a sessional Instructor at Capilano University, teaching courses for the Department for Education and Childhood Studies. She earned her MA in International Education Policy Analysis at Stanford University. Her research interests include teacher education, reconciliation in education, Indigenous pedagogies, and early childhood education (ECE) policy. Currently, Aryanna works as a research, planning, and pedagogy consultant with the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society and sits on the board of directors with 草莓视频and the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC (CCCABC).
Workshop C4 - From Awareness to Action: Relational Leadership & Meaningful Truth and Reconciliation in Early Childhood Education
Joyce Leppington (Musqueam, Sts’ailes, Métis) is an Indigenous consultant, educator, and facilitator specializing in cultural safety, relational leadership, and reconciliation-informed practice. She supports individuals, teams, and systems in moving from awareness toward meaningful, actionable change rooted in Indigenous worldviews. Joyce’s workshops are traumainformed, connection-based, and grounded in lived experience, community teachings, and cultural humility.
Workshop C5 - Disrupting Traditional Professional Development: A paradigm shift through unlearning
Sera Oh is a senior supervisor in a non-profit childcare program and an instructor at Capilano University. Her leadership has focused on creating conditions where educators feel a strong sense of belonging, are empowered through inclusive pedagogical approaches, and can engage in meaningful, ethical practice alongside children and families. As both an operator and instructor, Sera is committed to fostering reflective spaces that challenge dominant narratives, elevate educators voices, and ensure that operational decisions honour the collective wisdom and professional integrity of those working directly with children.
Rachel Yu is a faculty member in the School of Education and Childhood Studies at Capilano University. She is committed to the professionalization of the early childhood education field, with a particular focus on reconceptualizing the image of the teacher. Her work involves close analysis of government policies and initiatives at both local and national levels, examining how these policies shape the everyday practices and lived experiences of early childhood educators, children, and their families.
Workshop C6 - Trauma-Informed Practice
Anastasia Gaisenok, MA (she/her) is a first-generation immigrant from Belarus who has spent the last two decades working in the non-profit sector. She has developed, implemented and evaluated educational and other programs for children and youth, women, Indigenous communities, newcomers, immigrants and refugees. An experienced facilitator and trainer, Anastasia is passionate about learning, transformational change, equity and trauma-informed practice
Workshop C7 - Educators in Motion
Zoe Linford is an early childhood educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education who is deeply committed to strengthening the field through connection and community. Grounded in relationship-based practice, Zoe believes that meaningful change begins when educators have space to gather, reflect, and support one another. Her work centres on creating opportunities for educators to slow down, connect, and grow together. Through facilitation, conversation, and community building, Zoe hopes to nurture a more connected and resilient early childhood field—one where educators feel seen, valued, and able to do their work with care and intention.
Carla Pasin is an early childhood educator with over 20 years of unique experiences, with her perspective being shaped by her work in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Her advocacy is grounded in reflection, diverse ways of knowing, and an integrated understanding of neuroscience and psychology as they relate to relationships, regulation, and wellbeing in early learning spaces. Carla is passionate about supporting educators to reimagine their work with children within community.
Saturday Afternoon Presenters (Session D):
Workshop D1: Cultural Roots in Education
Rahima Rajabali brings expertise from both Communications and Early Childhood Education. With over 20 years as a Senior Creative Producer, she has collaborated on National and International advertising campaigns that connect across cultures. Inspired by a sabbatical in Kenya, she pursued certifications in Early Childhood Education and International Development. She has since taught on the North Shore and served on the 草莓视频Board. Today her focus is on fostering a pluralistic approach to early learning and building meaningful bridges within the ECE community
Workshop D2: Nurturing Relational Storyways with Indigenous Story(books) in Early Childhood
Manuela Salinas. A member of the shíshálh Nation, Manuela is an artist, educator and mother. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Care and Education. She is currently pursuing a Master's in ECE Leadership at Western University. A former manager of mem7iman Child Development Centre, Manuela now works as a consultant for Supported Child Development on the Sunshine Coast.
Elaine Beltran - Sellitti is an instructor in the Early Childhood Care and Education Department at Capilano University. She is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University
Workshop D3 - Embodied Time: Reimagining the Rhythm of the Day
Carla Pasin is an early childhood educator with over 20 years of unique experiences, with her perspective being shaped by her work in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Her advocacy is grounded in reflection, diverse ways of knowing, and an integrated understanding of neuroscience and psychology as they relate to relationships, regulation, and wellbeing in early learning spaces. Carla is passionate about supporting educators to reimagine their work with children within community.
Workshop D4 - Building a Culture of Safety: Governance, Leadership & Liability
Lisa Vercillo is a licensed insurance professional with Magenta Insurance Professionals by McFarlan Rowlands Insurance Brokers who has specialized in the insurance needs of the Early Childhood Education sector since 1999. She works with childcare operators across Canada, helping them navigate the complex intersection of risk, liability, regulatory requirements, and insurance protection. Her role is to help early childhood organizations build insurance programs that respond when they are truly needed and to guide leaders calmly and strategically through critical decisions before problems occur.
Workshop D5 - Traces in motion: Experimenting with dis-D5 finished pedagogy
Kelly Pickford is a mother, early childhood educator, and manager at the Fulmer Family Children’s Centre at Capilano University. She is keenly interested in social justice, pedagogical practice, and sustainable life-worlds. As a manager and educator she is committed to disrupting hegemonic practices and universal understandings that marginalize children, families, students, and communities.
Adrienne Argent is a PhD student in Curriculum and Pedagogy at the University of British Columbia. She also teaches in Early Childhood Care and Education at Capilano University and works as a faculty pedagogist at The Children’s Centre and the Fulmer Family Centre, both serving as lab schools. Her research is shaped by post-qualitative methodologies that emphasize experimental, process-oriented, and relational inquiry, opening possibilities for engaging with complexity in early childhood education. Grounded in collaborative inquiry, her work explores early learning spaces as sites of collective lifemaking and pedagogical experimentation.
Nancy van Groll is an instructor in the School of Education and Childhood Studies at Capilano University, where she works alongside educators, students, and colleagues to explore how early learning contexts can nurture collective inquiry, democratic imagination, and grounded action in response to the complexities of our time. Her work affirms early learning contexts as spaces of collective world-making amid ecological crisis and authoritarian resurgence.
Workshop D6 - Return to Centre
Sheila Gelinas is an early childhood educator and advocate for the well-being of all working individuals, she works to strengthen workplace culture, streamline collaboration, and elevate the voices of educators. Championing practices that foster balance, respect, and sustainability so every educator can thrive personally and professionally are the chore of her belief and practice.
Workshop D7 - Teaching Emotional Regulation through Storytelling
Barbara Schneider is an early childhood educator and creative facilitator with a passion for helping children express and understand their emotions. She specializes in using storytelling, art, and hands-on experiences to support learning. Barbara brings a calm and caring approach to her work, rooted in strong relationships with children and families.
Taryn Graham is an ECEA. She works with Qualicum First Nation and their Aboriginal Head Start Programs as a family
networker and Creates unique Culturally based learning opportunities for the children and families.