Julie Kurtz

Founder/CEO at the Center for Optimal Brain Integration.

Julie Kurtz, LMFT, is an author and national speaker who consults and trains on trauma and resilience across the U.S. and internationally. She promotes the concept of optimal brain integration to maximize the human growth potential. Julie is the Founder and CEO for the Center for Optimal Brain Integration®. She is a co-author of several books including: 

• Trauma-Informed Practices for Early Childhood Educators: Relationship-Based Approaches that Support Healing and Build Resilience in Young Children
• Culturally Responsive Self-Care Practices for Early Childhood Educators
• Trauma Informed Practices for Early Childhood Leaders: Creating and Sustaining Healing and Engaged Organizations
• Trauma-Responsive Family Engagement in Early Childhood: Practices for Equity and Resilience
• Understanding My Brain: Becoming Human(E)! (Ages 5-10)
 
Julie is also the creator of the phone/tablet Application (APP) Trigger Stop: Sensory and Emotional Check-in designed specifically for children ages 3-8 years to promote sensory and emotional literacy and to support self-regulation. She has extensive experience as a social worker and/or therapist working with families in foster care, residential treatment facilities, early childhood programs, home visitation services, psychiatric facilities and other community based programs that offer family engagement, resilience building and supportive services.

Julie Nicholson

Professor of Practice in the School of Education at Mills College

Julie Nicholson, Ph.D., is Professor of Practice in the School of Education at Mills College where she has been a faculty member since 2005 and directed several innovative programs including the Leadership Program in Early Childhood, a Joint MBA/MA Educational Leadership Program and the Center for Play Research. Nicholson is also Co-Founder of the Center for Equity in Early Childhood Education a non-profit organization dedicated to improving equity for young children and families and the early childhood workforce dedicated to serving them. She is the author of 12 books and dozens of journal articles on several topics including leadership development, play across the lifespan, trauma-responsive practice, and self-care for early childhood professionals. Dr. Nicholson regularly gives keynotes and leads presentations across the U.S. and internationally. She has many years of experience serving on policy committees and non-profit Boards dedicated to serving young children and families. She was an early childhood teacher for ten years (preschool and kindergarten) and is the proud parent of three daughters.

Jody Shields

Executive Director

Wyoming Nonprofit Network

Jody joined Align in 2007, coming from the healthcare and philanthropic fields whereshe worked in marketing, community outreach and organizational planning. Utilizing hermany years of experience and education, she works with Align clients primarily intheareas of strategic planning, facilitation, and association management.In addition to herrole as Vice President of Align,Jody serves as Executive Director of the WyomingNonprofit Network, the state association for charitable nonprofits. With a thoroughknowledge of the nonprofit sector, she finds it especially rewarding to provide resourcesand support to the nonprofit community.Jody also isa Lecturer at the University ofWyoming, teachinga course in Nonprofit Management.

Rob Condie

Southwest Regional Director

Small Business Development Center

Rob Condie is the Southwest Regional Director for the Small Business Development Center with a degree in Accounting from Dixie State University.  He has experience in commercial banking, Outdoor Retail, Accounting Systems, and speaks Spanish.  As someone who loves seeing small businesses succeed, Rob enjoys the journey a small business takes from start to finish. When he is not on the road or meeting with clients, Rob enjoys spending time with his family or enjoying the outdoors hunting or fishing.

Wendy Fanning

Executive Director

Wyoming Women's Business Center

I am excited to join the Wyoming Women’s Business Center team! Since moving to Wyoming many years ago, I have always been amazed by the strength of Wyoming women. Throughout our history, Wyoming women have led the way, broken through barriers, and played such a critical role in making Wyoming what it is today.

Joining the WWBC has been a dream come true for me as I get to focus on two things, I think are vitally important: helping women achieve their dreams and giving back to my Wyoming community.

Wendy grew up in Nebraska, but her heart is in Wyoming. She received her bachelor’s in fine arts/humanities from the University of Wyoming. She has over 25 years’ experience in the nonprofit world and closely follows the philosophy that “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” [Mahatma Gandhi]. She has a son and a daughter who are her everything! In her spare time, she loves the outdoors, going for hikes with her loyal dog, Sy Scarlet and rock climbing with her boyfriend. 

*Jody Shields and Wendy Fanning were unable to attend the conference

Char Norris

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Char Norris is a Wyoming Facilitator for the Southwest Region of Wyoming, as part of the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative, which serves Uinta, Lincoln, and Sweetwater Counties. Char graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor's in Elementary Education. After teaching third grade for two years, Char found her true passion for teaching while teaching preschool. Nothing awakens the excitement for learning like working with three-year-olds! Char then became an Education Coordinator for an Early Head Start--Child Care Partnership in Uinta County, Wyoming for three years. During that time, she discovered the excitement of working with the educators and caregivers of young children. Adults are pretty amazing too! Working with young children and the professionals and families that influence and care for them is an incredible learning opportunity that Char feels privileged to be a part of. In her free time, Char loves going on adventures with her husband and four children.

Kelce Eckhardt

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Kelce Eckhardt is the West Central Regional Facilitator for the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative, which covers Fremont, Sublette, and Teton counties. Previously, Kelce has worked with a range of ages, from infants to college-aged students and everything in between. She received her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction in Education with a focus on Teaching American Indian Children through the University of Wyoming. Her bachelor’s degree was, also from the University of Wyoming, in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish, as well as an endorsement in Early Childhood Education and an endorsement in coaching. She was born and raised in Lander and still resides there with her husband and son. They enjoy doing activities outdoors as a family. She loves being in the mountains, gardening, coaching swimming, reading, and spending time with her family

Heather Kibler

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Heather Kibler is the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative Southeast Region Facilitator. Heather provides relevant training and mentoring opportunities for leaders, providers, and educators within the early childhood education community with the goal of fostering collaboration and a sense of connectedness. She also recognizes the significant impact that families play in a young learners development. Prior to working with WYECPLC, Heather worked with a nonprofit organization that provided parent-education and encouraged families to take an active role in their young child.

Liz Goddard

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Liz Goddard is the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative’s East Regional Facilitator, working with Platte, Goshen, Converse, Niobrara, Crook, and Weston counties. Liz comes to this role with a passion for supporting Wyoming early childhood programs, connecting programs and their communities, and collaborating among early professionals. Along with a B.S. in Professional Child Development from the University of Wyoming, Liz brings many years’ experience working with early intervention and publicly funded early childhood programs throughout the state. In her free time, Liz, her husband Justin, and their three children enjoy exploring the Wyoming wilderness and rooting for the Colorado Rockies.

Tyler Gonzalez

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Tyler Gonzalez is the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative Northwest Regional Facilitator working with Big Horn, Park, Hot Springs, and Washakie counties. Tyler enjoys partnering with educators and seeing them create spaces that benefit themselves and the children and families that they care for and teach. Tyler completed her B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Early Childhood Education in 2014. Tyler has worked with a variety of age groups as well as teaching developmental preschool for five years. In her free time Tyler enjoys spending her free time with her husband, and two boys playing outdoors, getting messy, and finding adventures.

Tyler Gonzalez

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Tyler Gonzalez is the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative Northwest Regional Facilitator working with Big Horn, Park, Hot Springs, and Washakie counties. Tyler enjoys partnering with educators and seeing them create spaces that benefit themselves and the children and families that they care for and teach. Tyler completed her B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Early Childhood Education in 2014. Tyler has worked with a variety of age groups as well as teaching developmental preschool for five years. In her free time Tyler enjoys spending her free time with her husband, and two boys playing outdoors, getting messy, and finding adventures.

Hanna Stanek

Owner, Director

Hanna's House

Hanna Stanek is the owner and operator of Hanna's House In-Home Daycare in Worland, Wyoming. Hanna’s passion for caring for children started young. Her own mother was a preschool teacher and Hanna could often be found helping in her classroom. This experience sparked her interest in early childhood. As a young mother she began volunteering in her son’s preschool classroom. The preschool soon pursued her to apply for a paid position, a perfect fit for her at the time. Later, Hanna began working for the local school district in the kindergarten classroom. Hanna noticed that there was a need for childcare amongst her fellow employees at the school district and decided to take the leap and start her own business. Hanna is passionate about offering quality care and materials in her home and thoughtfully guides children’s learning through a variety of experiences. Hanna is the mother of two, a son and daughter. When she’s not caring for children in her home, she can most likely be found at the pool, coaching or watching her own children compete. 

Susan Peck

Instructional Aide

Rocky Mountain Elementary School

For almost 20 years Susan has been an Instructional Aide at the Rocky Mountain Elementary in Cowley. She has also been a director of after school programming for the elementary school. Susan and David (her husband) own three weekly newspapers in Big Horn County. She holds a B.S. in Studio Art and Journalism. Susan was appointed to the Wyoming Council for Women, where she spent 9 years helping the state with projects for women and their families. She has one daughter (Danielle) that is her pride and joy. Susan says, " I have always loved working with children. I started with being an aide in high school. I have been a part of many different children's programs where I was either a director or participator, since then. I enjoy learning new information to help make learning fun. I want to see our children feel safe and happy. I want to make a difference in their lives."

Amanda Schmidtberger

Owner, Director

Winsor Castle Childcare and Preschool Center

Amanda is the owner and Director of Winsor Castle Childcare and Preschool Center in Cody, Wyoming. Amanda has been in this role for five years and has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for a total of nine years. She enjoys learning and implementing the importance of childcare environments for her staff, students and families. Amanda and her husband have two children, a ten year old daughter and five year old son. They live in Powell, Wyoming and enjoy outdoor activities, movie nights and spending time with their German Shepard, Broly, and other family members.

Ashlee Fincher

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Ashlee Fincher is the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative’s Central Regional Facilitator, working with Natrona County early childhood educators. Ashlee comes to this role with many years’ experience working within early childhood classrooms and a passion for the early childhood field.  She enjoys building relationships with early childhood programs and educators within her region and strives to collaborate, empower, and elevate each educator through their work together. Ashlee has a Bachelor of Science in Marriage and Family Studies and Education from Brigham Young University of Idaho and an Early Childhood Endorsement from the University of Wyoming. In her free time, Ashlee, her husband, and their two children enjoy spending time together relaxing or going on various hunting excursions and family adventures.

Kara Cossel

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Kara Cossel is the North Central Regional Facilitator encompassing Campbell, Johnson, and Sheridan Counties for the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative. In her role she brings a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Theory and Development, a Master of Science in Management and Leadership, and eight-teen years of experience working with young children and their families specializing in early childhood special education and deaf studies. Kara moved to Wyoming about eight years ago and found the place that she and her family could call home. She and her husband Tucker have been married for twenty-years and have three fantastic boys and one amazing daughter-in-law.

Julie Kurtz

Founder/CEO at the Center for Optimal Brain Integration.

Optimal Brain Integratio

Julie Kurtz, LMFT, is an author and national speaker who consults and trains on trauma and resilience across the U.S. and internationally. She promotes the concept of optimal brain integration to maximize the human growth potential. Julie is the Founder and CEO for the Center for Optimal Brain Integration®. She is a co-author of several books including: 

• Trauma-Informed Practices for Early Childhood Educators: Relationship-Based Approaches that Support Healing and Build Resilience in Young Children
• Culturally Responsive Self-Care Practices for Early Childhood Educators
• Trauma Informed Practices for Early Childhood Leaders: Creating and Sustaining Healing and Engaged Organizations
• Trauma-Responsive Family Engagement in Early Childhood: Practices for Equity and Resilience
• Understanding My Brain: Becoming Human(E)! (Ages 5-10)
 
Julie is also the creator of the phone/tablet Application (APP) Trigger Stop: Sensory and Emotional Check-in designed specifically for children ages 3-8 years to promote sensory and emotional literacy and to support self-regulation. She has extensive experience as a social worker and/or therapist working with families in foster care, residential treatment facilities, early childhood programs, home visitation services, psychiatric facilities and other community based programs that offer family engagement, resilience building and supportive services.

Liz Goddard

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Liz Goddard is the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative’s East Regional Facilitator, working with Platte, Goshen, Converse, Niobrara, Crook, and Weston counties. Liz comes to this role with a passion for supporting Wyoming early childhood programs, connecting programs and their communities, and collaborating among early professionals. Along with a B.S. in Professional Child Development from the University of Wyoming, Liz brings many years’ experience working with early intervention and publicly funded early childhood programs throughout the state. In her free time, Liz, her husband Justin, and their three children enjoy exploring the Wyoming wilderness and rooting for the Colorado Rockies.

Stephanie Rino

Associate Director

Wyoming Kids First

Stephanie Rino is the Associate Director of Wyoming Kids First. She holds an undergraduate degree in Child and Family Studies and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education. Stephanie has worked as an early childhood professional for over 20 years in a number of roles and settings including early childhood special education, behavioral support, early childhood professional learning, and is the founding director and owner of an early learning center in Casper, WY. What she enjoys most about her work in early childhood education is advocating for the children, families, and educators around the state. Advancing the field and elevating the workforce is the driving force behind her steadfast commitment to early care and education in Wyoming. When not at work, Stephanie enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband and three children, and gathering with friends.

Betsy Carlin

Early Childhood Consultant

EC Consulting

Betsy Carlin, MS-ECS spent the first 25 years of her career as a public school teacher and an early childhood program administrator.   Currently she works as an Early Childhood Consultant specializing in leadership development and also spends time helping out in a local preschool program.  This combination allows her to have fresh stories from her classroom to share as she works to promote and raise the status of the early childhood field.  Most recently she has been working with Wyoming Kids First focusing on advocacy and Covid relief support. She is a dedicated volunteer leader with experience on multiple boards of directors, including The Children’s Learning Center in Teton and Sublette Counties, Wyoming; the Wyoming Early Childhood Association in the roles of President and VP of public policy; and chair of the NAEYC Affiliate Council.  She is also an elected Teton County School Board member.   Betsy grew up in Ohio and now resides with her family in Wilson, WY where she loves to hike, bike, and ski.

Kelce Eckhardt

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Kelce Eckhardt is the West Central Regional Facilitator for the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative, which covers Fremont, Sublette, and Teton counties. Previously, Kelce has worked with a range of ages, from infants to college-aged students and everything in between. She received her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction in Education with a focus on Teaching American Indian Children through the University of Wyoming. Her bachelor’s degree was, also from the University of Wyoming, in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish, as well as an endorsement in Early Childhood Education and an endorsement in coaching. She was born and raised in Lander and still resides there with her husband and son. They enjoy doing activities outdoors as a family. She loves being in the mountains, gardening, coaching swimming, reading, and spending time with her family.

Taylor Dory

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Taylor Dory represents the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative as the South Central Regional Facilitator. Taylor offers professional learning opportunities to educators in Albany and Carbon County. Before joining the collaborative, Taylor worked in Early Childhood for a handful of years with her degree in Elementary Education and Endorsement in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wyoming. Aside from advocating for our youngest learners, Taylor enjoys spending time with her family. As a Wyoming native, you will find her and her husband, Justin, riding their horses, fishing, and anything else outdoors!

Nikki Baldwin

Director of the Wyoming Early Childhood Outreach Network (WYECON)

University of Wyoming

Nikki Baldwin has spent the last 20 years working in a variety of early childhood settings in Wyoming. These include: teaching kindergarten, providing special education services to children birth-5 years, coordinating curriculum for a Head Start program, directing preschool programs, starting a family-centered non-profit, and becoming a member of the University of Wyoming early childhood education faculty in 2008. Nikki’s work at UW over the last 12 years has included coordinating curriculum and pedagogy at the UW Early Care and Education Center, taking groups of students to Nepal for an international early childhood teaching experience, leading the Early Childhood Special Education endorsement program, and directing the Wyoming Early Childhood Outreach Network (WYECON). Nikki completed her PhD in Curriculum Studies at UW in 2013.  Nikki enjoys traveling to Ohio to visit her granddaughter, reading, camping, and wandering in the hills with her dogs Molly and Scout.

Lauren Hogan

Managing Director of Policy and Professional Advancement

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Lauren Hogan serves as the Managing Director of Policy and Professional Advancement at NAEYC. She joined the organization in 2015 as the Senior Director for Public Policy and Advocacy, and has grown a portfolio that includes federal and state policy and advocacy, higher education accreditation, professional recognition, and applied research. With a strong and diverse team, Lauren has developed and led NAEYC’s bi-partisan early childhood policy agenda with a keen focus on shared leadership, capacity building. innovation, and equity, while centering the voices of early childhood educators across states and settings. Prior to joining NAEYC, Lauren served as the Vice President of Programs and Policy at the National Black Child Development Institute. She began her career working with an after-school program at the Louisville Urban League in Louisville, Kentucky and later served as the director of an early literacy and family support program in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She has also served as a Rappaport Public Policy Fellow in the Department of Social Services in Boston, MA. In addition to her leadership of NAEYC's policy work, Lauren contributed substantially to the development of the Unifying Framework for the Early Childhood Education Profession, as well as the Advancing Equity in ECE position statement; she has likewise authored a number of white papers, articles, policy briefs, blogs, and reports on various topics and she regularly serves as a presenter for a diverse range of state, Affiliate, partner, and community conferences and convenings. Lauren earned a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and a Master’s degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. She and her husband Matt are the proud and tired parents of two young children.

Ashlee Fincher

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Ashlee Fincher is the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative’s Central Regional Facilitator, working with Natrona County early childhood educators. Ashlee comes to this role with many years’ experience working within early childhood classrooms and a passion for the early childhood field.  She enjoys building relationships with early childhood programs and educators within her region and strives to collaborate, empower, and elevate each educator through their work together. Ashlee has a Bachelor of Science in Marriage and Family Studies and Education from Brigham Young University of Idaho and an Early Childhood Endorsement from the University of Wyoming. In her free time, Ashlee, her husband, and their two children enjoy spending time together relaxing or going on various hunting excursions and family adventures.

Liz Goddard

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Liz Goddard is the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative’s East Regional Facilitator, working with Platte, Goshen, Converse, Niobrara, Crook, and Weston counties. Liz comes to this role with a passion for supporting Wyoming early childhood programs, connecting programs and their communities, and collaborating among early professionals. Along with a B.S. in Professional Child Development from the University of Wyoming, Liz brings many years’ experience working with early intervention and publicly funded early childhood programs throughout the state. In her free time, Liz, her husband Justin, and their three children enjoy exploring the Wyoming wilderness and rooting for the Colorado Rockies.

Wendee Webb

Director

AppleTree Learning Center

Wendee Webb is the director at AppleTree Learning Center. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in behavior, social, and emotional development and specializes in working with at-risk children. She gained 22 years experience working in Child Development Centers and Head Start settings before starting AppleTree Learning Center. She has taught and worked in every capacity in her center, including teaching kindergarten for 10 years at their private full-day program. Wendee has a husband, three sons, and three grandchildren.

Lindsey Burke

Owner/Director

Piccadilly Play School

Lindsey Burke has been the owner/director of Piccadilly Play School in Wheatland for four years. Before that she was an elementary school teacher/special education teacher for Platte County School District #1. Lindsey grew up in Laramie, earning her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Special Education. She received her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University in 2011. She lives in Wheatland with her husband, Sean, and son, Cash.

Taylor Dory

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Taylor Dory represents the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative as the South Central Regional Facilitator. Taylor offers professional learning opportunities to educators in Albany and Carbon County. Before joining the collaborative, Taylor worked in Early Childhood for a handful of years with her degree in Elementary Education and Endorsement in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wyoming. Aside from advocating for our youngest learners, Taylor enjoys spending time with her family. As a Wyoming native, you will find her and her husband, Justin, riding their horses, fishing, and anything else outdoors!

Jenelle Bennett

Lead Teacher

University of Wyoming Early Care and Education Center

Jenelle Bennett currently teaches in a mixed age preschool classroom for the University of Wyoming's Early Care and Education Center. Since 2012, she has taught infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with developmental delays. She was born and raised in Seattle, WA and received her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from North Seattle College. Early childhood has been her passion for many years and she is excited to continue her own education in this field. In her spare time you can usually find her in the mountains, exploring new hiking and cross country ski trails.

Lauren Carlisle

Communications and Outreach Coordinator

Wyoming Early Childhood Outreach Network (WYECON)

Before accepting the licensing position in January of 2020, Kelli owned and operated a Family Child Care Home for several years in Jackson. Having been a provider, she understands the hard work and dedication that goes into providing daily quality care for children. She thoroughly enjoys her job as a Licenser and the opportunity to collaborate with providers to offer support and resources to bring excellence to their facilities and superior care for the children and families they serve.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, recreating with her children and hiking with her dog Scout. She recently returned to her roots and relocated with her husband and children to Lincoln County. 

Jennifer Zook

Early Childhood Program Coordinator

The Align Team

Jennifer is the Early Childhood Program Coordinator for STARS. With a passion for the early childhood system and community partnerships, Jennifer uses her experiences as an educator and administrator of non-profit programs to facilitate and implement changes which promote program empowerment, professional growth, and coordination of quality early care and education systems across the state. Jennifer and her husband Andrew are parents to three teenagers: Gaige, Madison, and Daxton. She and her husband own a bike and ice cream shop in Pinedale, Wyoming. Jennifer makes it a priority to enjoy time with her family and has personal interest in camping, cross country skiing and cooking. When she is not on the stream fly fishing, Jennifer enjoys volunteering in her community.

Penny Hotovec

Technical Assistance

Department of Family Services

Penny Hotovec has been in the field of early education for over 25 years. Her career has included being a home child care provider, owner and director of a child care center, Ready to Learn Coordinator with WY PBS, a child care licensor with DFS and currently the Technical Assistant Coach for child care. Her passion lies with helping providers and children build better relationships and elevating the profession as a whole.

Tania Trujillo

Resource & Referal Program Manager

Wyoming Department of Family Services

Tania Trujillo,Tania Trujillo, Quality Child Care Resource & Referral Program Manager for the Wyoming Department of Family Services. She is passionate about supporting families finding child care and resources in their communities. She enjoys learning about each family's situation and helping them find a Wyoming licensed child care provider. 

Kelli Dunne

Child Care Licensor

Wyoming Department of Family Services

Before accepting the licensing position in January of 2020, Kelli owned and operated a Family Child Care Home for several years in Jackson. Having been a provider, she understands the hard work and dedication that goes into providing daily quality care for children. She thoroughly enjoys her job as a Licenser and the opportunity to collaborate with providers to offer support and resources to bring excellence to their facilities and superior care for the children and families they serve.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, recreating with her children and hiking with her dog Scout. She recently returned to her roots and relocated with her husband and children to Lincoln County. 

*Tania Trujillo was unable to attend the conference

Shelby Jelly

Pedagogical Director

Foundations Early Care & Education

My name is Shelby Jelly and I am currently the Curriculum Director at Roots to Wings School (formerly known as Foundations Early Care and Education). I just finished an MA program in Learning, Development, and Family Sciences this summer from the University of Colorado-Denver in partnership with Boulder Journey School. I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences from the University of Wyoming in 2015. I spent the five years between my undergraduate degree and graduate school teaching a variety of ages at Roots to Wings School. Infants and toddlers have always been my number one passion, but I am committed to quality learning environments for all learners. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading, kayaking, hiking, and going on road trips. 

Stephanie Rino

Associate Director

Wyoming Kids First

Stephanie Rino is the Associate Director of Wyoming Kids First. She holds an undergraduate degree in Child and Family Studies and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education. Stephanie has worked as an early childhood professional for over 20 years in a number of roles and settings including early childhood special education, behavioral support, early childhood professional learning, and is the founding director and owner of an early learning center in Casper, WY. What she enjoys most about her work in early childhood education is advocating for the children, families, and educators around the state. Advancing the field and elevating the workforce is the driving force behind her steadfast commitment to early care and education in Wyoming. When not at work, Stephanie enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband and three children, and gathering with friends.

Julie Eastes

Early Childhood Consultant

Julie Eastes has spent over 25 years working in education in Wyoming. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a Master’s in curriculum and instruction focused on early childhood and literacy from the University of Wyoming.   Her teaching experience includes preschool for head start and even start and preschool and kindergarten with the Natrona County School District. For more than ten years, she has provided professional learning and support to teachers as an instructional facilitator and professional early childhood consultant. Currently, she is working as a consultant with the University of Wyoming, providing content for the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative website and the Natrona County high school CDA program.  A career-long thread in her work is her passion for literacy.  Julie has worked with various community literacy programs for children and families and as a certified elementary reading tutor.  

Alicia Alger

Preschool Teacher

Natrona County School District

Alicia Alger has lived in several states but has found her home in her native state of Wyoming.  She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education through the University of Wyoming Casper College Center and then later completed a Master’s degree through Nova Southeastern University.  Alicia is going into her 11th year of teaching.  She has taught Kindergarten, preschool and was a tutor at Midwest Schools for a combined 8 years and is currently teaching preschool at Pathways Innovation Center Lab Preschool in Casper.  When not teaching, Alicia enjoys spending time with her family and chasing her four-year-old son.  

Char Norris

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Char Norris is a Wyoming Facilitator for the Southwest Region of Wyoming, as part of the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative, which serves Uinta, Lincoln, and Sweetwater Counties. Char graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor's in Elementary Education. After teaching third grade for two years, Char found her true passion for teaching while teaching preschool. Nothing awakens the excitement for learning like working with three-year-olds! Char then became an Education Coordinator for an Early Head Start--Child Care Partnership in Uinta County, Wyoming for three years. During that time, she discovered the excitement of working with the educators and caregivers of young children. Adults are pretty amazing too! Working with young children and the professionals and families that influence and care for them is an incredible learning opportunity that Char feels privileged to be a part of. In her free time, Char loves going on adventures with her husband and four children.

Tyler Gonzalez

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Tyler Gonzalez is the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative Northwest Regional Facilitator working with Big Horn, Park, Hot Springs, and Washakie counties. Tyler enjoys partnering with educators and seeing them create spaces that benefit themselves and the children and families that they care for and teach. Tyler completed her B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Early Childhood Education in 2014. Tyler has worked with a variety of age groups as well as teaching developmental preschool for five years. In her free time Tyler enjoys spending her free time with her husband, and two boys playing outdoors, getting messy, and finding adventures.

Add

Nicole Philbin

Director

Children's Learning Center

Nicole Philbin is the director of a multi-site early childhood program in Jackson, Wyoming. She has worked with young children and the people who care for them for 15 years and couldn't live without the wonder, excitement and humor that children bring into her life every day. Nicole is passionate about working with early educators and supporting them so they can, in turn, love and nurture the children they teach.  Her husband, Chris, is also in the early childhood field and they have three children of their own: Christopher-10, Harper-8 and Korbin- 3. They love to swim, bike, and enjoy everything that Jackson and the surrounding area has to offer.   

Stephanie Rino

Associate Director

Wyoming Kids First

Stephanie Rino is the Associate Director of Wyoming Kids First. She holds an undergraduate degree in Child and Family Studies and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education. Stephanie has worked as an early childhood professional for over 20 years in a number of roles and settings including early childhood special education, behavioral support, early childhood professional learning, and is the founding director and owner of an early learning center in Casper, WY. What she enjoys most about her work in early childhood education is advocating for the children, families, and educators around the state. Advancing the field and elevating the workforce is the driving force behind her steadfast commitment to early care and education in Wyoming. When not at work, Stephanie enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband and three children, and gathering with friends.

Jennifer Zook

Early Childhood Program Coordinator

The Align Team

Jennifer is the Early Childhood Program Coordinator for STARS. With a passion for the early childhood system and community partnerships, Jennifer uses her experiences as an educator and administrator of non-profit programs to facilitate and implement changes which promote program empowerment, professional growth, and coordination of quality early care and education systems across the state. Jennifer and her husband Andrew are parents to three teenagers: Gaige, Madison, and Daxton. She and her husband own a bike and ice cream shop in Pinedale, Wyoming. Jennifer makes it a priority to enjoy time with her family and has personal interest in camping, cross country skiing and cooking. When she is not on the stream fly fishing, Jennifer enjoys volunteering in her community.

Julie Kurtz

Founder/CEO at the Center for Optimal Brain Integration.

Optimal Brain Integratio

Julie Kurtz, LMFT, is an author and national speaker who consults and trains on trauma and resilience across the U.S. and internationally. She promotes the concept of optimal brain integration to maximize the human growth potential. Julie is the Founder and CEO for the Center for Optimal Brain Integration®. She is a co-author of several books including: 

• Trauma-Informed Practices for Early Childhood Educators: Relationship-Based Approaches that Support Healing and Build Resilience in Young Children
• Culturally Responsive Self-Care Practices for Early Childhood Educators
• Trauma Informed Practices for Early Childhood Leaders: Creating and Sustaining Healing and Engaged Organizations
• Trauma-Responsive Family Engagement in Early Childhood: Practices for Equity and Resilience
• Understanding My Brain: Becoming Human(E)! (Ages 5-10)
 
Julie is also the creator of the phone/tablet Application (APP) Trigger Stop: Sensory and Emotional Check-in designed specifically for children ages 3-8 years to promote sensory and emotional literacy and to support self-regulation. She has extensive experience as a social worker and/or therapist working with families in foster care, residential treatment facilities, early childhood programs, home visitation services, psychiatric facilities and other community based programs that offer family engagement, resilience building and supportive services.

Julie Nicholson

Professor of Practice in the School of Education at Mills College

Mills College

Julie Nicholson, Ph.D., is Professor of Practice in the School of Education at Mills College where she has been a faculty member since 2005 and directed several innovative programs including the Leadership Program in Early Childhood, a Joint MBA/MA Educational Leadership Program and the Center for Play Research. Nicholson is also Co-Founder of the Center for Equity in Early Childhood Education a non-profit organization dedicated to improving equity for young children and families and the early childhood workforce dedicated to serving them. She is the author of 12 books and dozens of journal articles on several topics including leadership development, play across the lifespan, trauma-responsive practice, and self-care for early childhood professionals. Dr. Nicholson regularly gives keynotes and leads presentations across the U.S. and internationally. She has many years of experience serving on policy committees and non-profit Boards dedicated to serving young children and families. She was an early childhood teacher for ten years (preschool and kindergarten) and is the proud parent of three daughters.

Taylor Dory

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Taylor Dory represents the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative as the South Central Regional Facilitator. Taylor offers professional learning opportunities to educators in Albany and Carbon County. Before joining the collaborative, Taylor worked in Early Childhood for a handful of years with her degree in Elementary Education and Endorsement in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wyoming. Aside from advocating for our youngest learners, Taylor enjoys spending time with her family. As a Wyoming native, you will find her and her husband, Justin, riding their horses, fishing, and anything else outdoors!

Kara Cossel

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Kara Cossel is the North Central Regional Facilitator encompassing Campbell, Johnson, and Sheridan Counties for the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative. In her role she brings a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Theory and Development, a Master of Science in Management and Leadership, and eight-teen years of experience working with young children and their families specializing in early childhood special education and deaf studies. Kara moved to Wyoming about eight years ago and found the place that she and her family could call home. She and her husband Tucker have been married for twenty-years and have three fantastic boys and one amazing daughter-in-law.

Ashlee Fincher

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Ashlee Fincher is the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative’s Central Regional Facilitator, working with Natrona County early childhood educators. Ashlee comes to this role with many years’ experience working within early childhood classrooms and a passion for the early childhood field.  She enjoys building relationships with early childhood programs and educators within her region and strives to collaborate, empower, and elevate each educator through their work together. Ashlee has a Bachelor of Science in Marriage and Family Studies and Education from Brigham Young University of Idaho and an Early Childhood Endorsement from the University of Wyoming. In her free time, Ashlee, her husband, and their two children enjoy spending time together relaxing or going on various hunting excursions and family adventures.

Kelce Eckhardt

Professional Learning Facilitator

Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative (WYECPLC)

Kelce Eckhardt is the West Central Regional Facilitator for the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Learning Collaborative, which covers Fremont, Sublette, and Teton counties. Previously, Kelce has worked with a range of ages, from infants to college-aged students and everything in between. She received her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction in Education with a focus on Teaching American Indian Children through the University of Wyoming. Her bachelor’s degree was, also from the University of Wyoming, in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish, as well as an endorsement in Early Childhood Education and an endorsement in coaching. She was born and raised in Lander and still resides there with her husband and son. They enjoy doing activities outdoors as a family. She loves being in the mountains, gardening, coaching swimming, reading, and spending time with her family.

Shelby Jelly

Pedagogical Director

Foundations Early Care & Education

My name is Shelby Jelly and I am currently the Curriculum Director at Roots to Wings School (formerly known as Foundations Early Care and Education). I just finished an MA program in Learning, Development, and Family Sciences this summer from the University of Colorado-Denver in partnership with Boulder Journey School. I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences from the University of Wyoming in 2015. I spent the five years between my undergraduate degree and graduate school teaching a variety of ages at Roots to Wings School. Infants and toddlers have always been my number one passion, but I am committed to quality learning environments for all learners. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading, kayaking, hiking, and going on road trips.