PRESENTING

The 2024 Early Childhood Early Childhood Conference. Join Early Educators from across Indiana at the Early Childhood Conference in Indianapolis. This two-day conference provides you the opportunity to earn continuing education hours while learning from industry leaders.

Keynote Speakers

Nefertiti B. Poyner, Ed.D.

Nefertiti B. Poyner, Ed.D., is an author, public speaker and provider of professional learning experiences primarily in the field of early care and education. Nefertiti began her career doing what she loves, developing the minds of young children as a pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teacher in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Currently, Nefertiti is an Early Childhood Specialist and National Trainer with the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. In her role, Nefertiti conducts local and national presentations. She develops training curriculum, mentors trainers, and provides onsite and distance coaching. If you were to ever ask Nefertiti about her work she would reply, “I do what I love every day — this is such an amazing experience.”

Nefertiti earned her undergraduate degree from Virginia State University, her master’s degree from Chestnut Hill College, and her doctoral of education degree from Walden University. She is the co-author of two resources, Building Your Bounce: Simple Strategies for a Resilient You, and Socially, Strong, Emotionally Secure: 50 Activities to Promote Resilience in Young Children – Winner of the 2012 Learning® Magazine Teachers’ Choice Award. Her research interest and the passion that guides her work revolve around better understanding how resilience contributes to effective education for children, staff and communities. When she is not working, Nefertiti enjoys quiet moments alone reading or crafting, and spending time with family.

Lisa Murphy, M.Ed., Early Childhood Specialist

 

Lisa Murphy has been involved in early childhood education for over 30 years. She has written five books, produced numerous training videos, serves on several early childhood advisory boards, lectures both domestically and internationally, is a frequent guest on many early childhood podcasts and is the founder and CEO of Ooey Gooey, Inc.

In 2013 she received a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Champlain College, in 2018 she received the Patricia Monighan Nourot Award for Play Advocacy from NAEYC’s Play, Policy and Practice Interest Forum, in 2020 her book, Lisa Murphy On… Being Child Centered was nominated for “Best in Education” by Midwest Book Awards and in 2022 she was awarded the “Doctor of Play” award by the U.S. affiliate of the International Play Association.

As an outspoken play advocate, Lisa is known for her commitment to creating child-centered, play-based early childhood environments and her fierce protection of childhood. Her seminars have been called humorous, energetic, content-rich and inspiring. She is excited to be here with you today!

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