Maha Abbas is a RECE with over a decade of experience across the ECE sector, supporting children, families, and educators in diverse learning and community settings. She currently works in a curriculum leadership role, supporting large-scale early learning programs through coaching, reflective practice, and professional learning. Maha is pursuing a Master of Arts in ECE with a focus on anti-racism, culturally responsive pedagogy, and belonging. As an ECC Coach and Presenter with The Early Childhood Coach, Maha brings a deeply relational, justice-centred approach to her work, creating learning spaces where educators feel seen, valued, and empowered to lead with courage and care.
Day 1 • Session C3
Lobna Ajaini is an Ontario ECE college professor and founder of Childhood Empowerment, a platform fostering creativity, leadership, care, and intersectionality in early childhood education. With a Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Professional Education (MPED) in ECE, Honours Bachelor in Early Childhood Leadership (HBECL), and RECE diploma, she combines technical problem-solving with imaginative pedagogy. Passionate about Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB), Lobna designs workshops and curricula that empower educators to co-create inclusive, creative, and meaningful learning experiences for children and families. She has held diverse ECE and adult education roles and earned multiple awards for her contributions.
Day 1 • Session C2
Mikaela Beattie has been working with the Jasper Place organization for the past nine years. She also works as an educator in our preschool-aged classroom. And believes in learning alongside the children during their most meaningful moments of life. She enjoys celebrating their development, learning, and interests. She believes that play is an integral part of their childhood, and that connection plays a huge part in the relationships we form with the children, their families, and our colleagues.
Day 2 • Session E2
Cathy Belgrave is an Early Childhood and Elementary Educator, host of The Intentional ECE podcast, and founder of The Intentional Educator, a business dedicated to empowering educators in their practice. With a background in developmental psychology, a B.Ed., and Wunderled ECE certification, she has worked with children for over 25 years. Cathy weaves experience and inquiry to offer innovative approaches to curriculum, supporting teachers and leaders in revitalizing their practice with fresh perspectives. Her mission is to support leaders, ECE and elementary educators to bring authentic, consistent practices to learning environments that foster growth and thriving for all.
Day 1 • Session A2
Carolyn Bjartveit is coordinating the Bachelor of Child Studies, Early Learning and Child Care Program. Her teaching experience spans from pre-k to post-graduate levels in Early Childhood Education (ECE). Carolyn's teaching and research examines how historical, philosophical, and cultural perspectives shape early years learning and education. Her areas of research include the history and philosophy of ECE, cultural and curriculum studies, inclusive practice, and child-activism through the visual arts (artivism). Through her work, Carolyn explores how creative and inclusive pedagogies can foster equitable and meaningful learning experiences for young children. Carolyn collaborates with educators and community partners to bridge research and practice to the field of Early Childhood Education.
Day 1 • Session B2
Lea Blust, M.Ed., is a Program Chair and Instructor at Bow Valley College in the Early Childhood Education and Development Department. After 12 years of working with young children with various abilities and from backgrounds of risk and trauma, Lea began teaching with Bow Valley College, with particular interests in inclusion and children’s rights. As an instructor, Lea is passionate about ensuring accessible and meaningful education for early childhood educators in order to build a quality ELCC workforce. Lea is also a Board Member for the Canadian Child Care Federation. This advocacy work provides a broad lens on research and system-building in the early learning and child care sector, both for Alberta and across Canada.
Day 1 • Leaders Panel
Michelle Brown is an educator and researcher whose work focuses on teacher burnout and the conditions that support sustainable practice in education. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Education, with research examining burnout through individual and systemic lenses. She has eight years of experience as a school teacher and, since 2023, has taught in early childhood education as a post-secondary instructor. She is actively developing a double accreditation in early childhood education, along with a micro-certificate in early childhood education centre management. Her work bridges research, practice, and professional learning, with a strong emphasis on belonging, leadership, and community care.
Day 1 • Session B3
Cindy Curry loves learning, sharing her passion for play and is energized when she can inspire others along the way. She has dedicated over 37 years to Early Childhood Education and has worked in many types of programs, including group family child care and forest and nature school. Currently, she is an Instructor at University College of the North in The Pas, Manitoba, facilitates workshops, and advocates for children playing outside and connecting with nature.
Day 2 • Session D2
Cheryl Crowther is the Director at Child Development Dayhomes Calgary. With 30 years in the Family Childcare Sector, Cheryl is a passionate advocate and influential mentor in the dayhome community. From her work at the local, provincial and national levels, her mission has always been clear: elevating childcare excellence for every family.
Day 1 • Leaders Panel
Erin Day is an Occupational Therapist with the Providence Inclusive Child Care Team. She partners with early childhood educators to support regulation, connection, and inclusion in early learning environments. Erin brings a practical, compassionate approach to understanding children's behaviour and supporting the adults who care for them, with a strong belief that small shifts can make a meaningful difference in classrooms.
Day 1 • Session B2
Nicki Dublenko is a member of the AECEA policy committee and a past board chair. She has a Master of Education degree in early learning and care, and sits on various committees, including the Council of Early Learning and Care and the “Educators Matter” National Workforce Policy Table. Nicki is the Executive Director of Child Development Dayhomes.
Day 1 • Leaders Panel
Tammy Dewar is the Program Manager of the Peer Mentoring Program with the Early Childhood Educators of BC, who resides on the unceded traditional territory of the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations. An Early Childhood Educator with over 35 years of experience in the early years sector, she has provided extensive coaching, facilitation, and consultation to numerous community programs and provincial initiatives.
Tammy has direct experience with children and families, post-secondary and practicum instruction, and leading early years community development and collaborative groups. Her studies have focused on early childhood education, international coaching, community collaboration, social service, and advocacy. Tammy is known for heart-centred and relational approaches that cultivate conditions for collective growth, shared leadership, and educator well-being. She is deeply inspired by the wisdom, care, and ethical practice of educators.
Day 1 • Session A3
Robin Egilsson has been a part of the Jasper Place organization for five years. She is currently working as an educator in the preschool-aged classroom. She also works as an Alternate Director as well as an IPP Advocate within the organization. Robin has her diploma in early childhood education and has been working with children in some capacity for the majority of her life. She specializes in supporting children with exceptionalities and mentoring her colleagues.
Day 2 • Love Letters to Play
Day 2 • Session E2
Dr. Afra Foroud (she/her/elle) is a developmental neuroscientist and certified dance/movement educator. She serves as superintendent and behavioural specialist at Lethbridge Montessori School and teaches for Beyond Limits Dance Collective, a program for all abilities. Afra is a faculty member at the Institute of Child and Youth Studies and adjunct professor in Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge. Her work bridges research and practice, exploring how brain development, movement, and social environments shape development, learning, and well-being. Afra is passionate about creating inclusive spaces that honour individuality and empower educators and children to thrive as contributors to the community.
Day 2 • Session D3
Dr. Susan Garrow-Oliver has been an educator, leader, and advocate in early learning and child care in Alberta for over 30 years. She works in post-secondary and adult education and is committed to supporting educators to lead with intention, engage in reflective practice, and navigate complex systems with confidence. Her work focuses on ELCC leadership and strengthening the professional identity of early childhood educators. Susan supports both emerging and experienced educators in creating positive change within the field.
Day 1 • Leaders Panel
Emmie Henderson-Dekort is an Assistant Professor in the Bachelor of Child Studies (BCST) degree program. Her research interests and expertise are centred on children and youth rights, participatory action research, and amplifying the voices of children. She is deeply committed to the principles outlined in the UNCRC and incorporates these into her teaching and research activities. Her work emphasizes the importance of educating both practitioners and young individuals about the UNCRC to ensure that children's rights are understood, respected, and implemented in various contexts.
Day 1 • Session B1
Sue Irwin is the Director of Programs and Operations for the Early Childhood Educators of BC and lives on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish Peoples. She brings 26 years of experience in the BC early years sector, including direct work with children, provincial program coordination, practicum instruction, leadership presentations, and ethics facilitation. Sue is known for empowering leadership, collective wisdom, and relationship-based ethical practice. Her education includes a diploma in ECCE with IT and SN specializations, a Brene Brown Leadership Certificate, and Child and Youth Care studies at UVic. Grounded in small-town roots, she values nature, family, and allyship.
Day 1 • Session A3
Anna Kasprick earned her diploma in Early Learning and Child Care from MacEwan University in 2013 and completed several courses in the Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies program in 2020. Anna has experience working in playrooms with children aged three weeks to four years, mentoring co-educators as a curriculum facilitator, and guiding students through ECDV 0100: Exploring Early Childhood Curriculum as a course facilitator. Throughout her career, she has presented at several province-wide conferences and panels. Anna is passionate about advocating for children as citizens and strives to grow continuously as a professional.
Day 2 • Love Letters to Play
Brahmleen Kaur graduated from NorQuest College in 2022. Following that, she has gained over three years of experience working with young children and families. Brahmleen was featured in Alberta’s Flight Video Tour Series (2023) and is an active researcher with a strong interest in literature, art, and education. She has presented her research in English in India (2019), at an international, cross-professional development forum in 2020, and at the AECEA Conference in 2025. Deeply passionate about equity and inclusion, Brahmleen is committed to supporting children and families from diverse backgrounds.
Day 2 • Love Letters to Play
Noah Kenneally, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Early Learning and Curriculum Studies at MacEwan University.
Day 1 • Keynote A
Madeline Kleinfeld is the Membership and Community Engagement Coordinator at AECEA. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Health and Social Policy, where she specialized in factors that influence children's well-being. Her academic background and direct work with children and families as an Education Assistant and Dance Instructor have contributed to her understanding of strong early foundations as a vital piece in shaping thriving communities. Passionate about supporting and empowering educators, she recognizes their essential contributions to this foundation. Through engagement, knowledge-sharing, and meaningful connections, she is dedicated to amplifying educators’ voices and strengthening the ELCC sector.
Day 1 • Keynote A
Day 2 • Keynote B
Rae Martens is a Knowledge Broker and Research Engagement Strategist with the Azrieli Accelerator at the University of Calgary. She works at the intersection of research, policy, and lived experience, supporting teams to translate evidence into meaningful, inclusive practice. With a background in patient and community engagement, Rae brings a strengths-based, equity-focused lens to systems, including early childhood systems, emphasizing the voices of children, families, and educators. Her work focuses on making research usable, relational, and responsive to real-world contexts.
Day 2 • Session E1
Jody Merrick is the Manager of Early Childhood Services at Terra Centre for Teen Parents, supporting the Child and Family Support Centre. She has worked in the ELCC profession for more than 25 years across diverse contexts, including family day home, centre-based programs, school-based and faith-based preschool settings, as well as in roles as a Pedagogical Partner with ARCQE, Curriculum Facilitator within a nonprofit and Facilitator for the Flight Course through MacEwan for 9 years and is an experienced presenter. She is a graduate of the ELCC Diploma program at MacEwan University and holds a Bachelor of Human Services Administration degree.
Day 2 • Session D2
Lisa Palmer, M.Ed., is an Early Childhood Education Instructor at SAIT and has been an ELCC Instructor for the past decade in Calgary and Central Alberta. She is a SAIT Scholarly Activity Fellow and current Doctoral Candidate at the University of Calgary. She is completing research focusing on ELCC post-secondary curriculum to empower educators to support gender-diverse children and families. She holds a Level 3 Early Childhood Educator certification and has worked as a child care director and educator in Central Alberta prior to teaching at the post-secondary level.
Day 2 • Session E3
Parisa Radmanesh, BA, is the Manager of the Little Red Reading House, a magical place devoted to early literacy and a love of reading. Parisa coordinates family and community visits to the Reading House, leads school field trips, oversees the operation of the Little Red Reading Van, and works directly with children, youth, volunteers, and post-secondary students to move the needle on literacy in Calgary. With a background in the arts, post-secondary, government and corporate sectors, Parisa is a creative and a community builder dedicated to making literacy and the arts accessible to all Calgarians.
Day 1 • Session E1
Shaylene Saxton holds a Master of Arts in Innovative Early Childhood Education. She is excited to share, along with one of her co-authors, Jennifer Sibbald, her collaborative chapter on identity, voice, and the human right to participation in a forthcoming book, Learning with the Pedagogy of Reggio Emilia: Innovative Approaches to Early Childhood and Teacher Education (April 2026).
Day 1 • Session C1
Jennifer Sibbald, MA, is the Manager for Early Learning at MacEwan (ELM). Since 1972, ELM has been a centre of innovation, research and education, providing quality childcare to the university community as well as the broader community. Jennifer recognizes the importance of creating a community of learners by building nurturing relationships with children, families and educators.
Day 1 • Session C1
Erin Thomas is a Program Coach with Providence Inclusive Child Care in Calgary, supporting early learning programs through coaching, professional development, and leadership support. Her work is grounded in practitioner knowledge, lived classroom experience, and relational, trauma-informed approaches to inclusion. Erin specializes in translating research into practical, ethical strategies that strengthen belonging, identity, and participation. Small Moments, Big Impact reflects her commitment to collaborative, reflective learning that educators can use immediately in diverse early childhood settings.
Day 1 • Session B2
Manglevary Visvanathan has over 21 years of experience as an early childhood educator, working with children aged 2 to 6. She is committed to advocating for children’s right to play and to creating inclusive learning environments in which children are respected, valued, and supported in their learning through play-based experiences. Manglesvary is a graduate of Red Deer Polytechnic and is currently enrolled in the Leadership program at the institution.
Day 2 • Love Letters to Play
Jessica-Lynn Walsh, MBBCh BAO MSc, is Manager of Community Partnered Research and Engagement with the Owerko Centre in Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute at the University of Calgary. Dr. Walsh holds a medical degree from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, and an MSc in Medical Sciences from the University of Calgary. She oversees the Little Red Reading House in Calgary and works at the intersection of research, community engagement and program innovation. Dr. Walsh also collaborates with local and provincial non-profits, such as the Kids Literacy Collective, to mobilize research to promote evidence-based programming and supports for children, youth, families and communities.
Day 2 • Session E1
Cody Topp is the CEO of TOPP Kids Out of School Clubs and Chair of the TOPP KIDS Foundation. He is also the Chair of SACDA and an active leader with the Alberta Leaders Caucus, where he advocates for high-quality, accessible school-age care across Alberta. A dedicated husband and father of two, Cody’s work is rooted in family, community, leadership, and care. He is passionate about creating a higher standard of care by building strong school communities, supporting families, developing educators, and creating programs where children feel safe, connected, and inspired to play, grow, laugh, and learn while developing confidence, creativity, and life skills.
Day 1 • Leaders Panel
Dr. Therese Wiart Jenkinson is an associate professor at Mount Royal University. She has 30+ years of teaching kindergarten, being an early childhood educator and director, pedagogical partner and leader, post-secondary instructor, and learner of early childhood practice. She recently completed her doctorate in curriculum studies with toddlers at the University of Toronto.
Day 1 • Session A1
Katelyn Wombold graduated from the ELCC Diploma program at MacEwan in 2013. She has experience as a Facilitator for the MacEwan Flight Course and brings a rich perspective of co-creating infant and toddler environments, pedagogical documentation, inclusive practice alongside children and families with diverse needs and abilities, as well as working with vulnerable families in the community. Katelyn's passion is to empower children and families through a practice of relationships!
Day 2 • Session D2
