We are Proud to Announce Our 2026 Keynote and Breakout Speakers…
Additional speakers will be announced as they are confirmed. Stay tuned!
Jennifer Conner, CEO of Child Care Success Company, transformed her own childcare business from overwhelming chaos into a thriving, system-driven operation that doubled enrollment, tripled revenue, and allowed her to step away from daily management. Drawing from over 20 years of experience and her own success as a Child Care Success Academy member, she now helps childcare owners fill programs, stabilize teams, and install systems that give them freedom and profitability without burnout. Leading CCSC since 2023, Jennifer’s mission is to help leaders reconnect with their “why” and build businesses that support both their lives and their purpose.
Kris Murray, President and Founder of The Child Care Success Company, is a leading figure in the child care industry. Specializing in innovative marketing and management techniques, Kris helps child care owners and directors improve their businesses. Her journey began in 2008 when she revitalized a struggling preschool’s enrollment, inspiring her to develop a comprehensive marketing system shared through various platforms. Kris is passionate about empowering child care professionals to lead happier, more successful lives through a positive mindset and gratitude-based approach to business. Additionally, she is an acclaimed author of four best-selling books.
Tameenah Adams is the Director of Coaching at The Child Care Success Academy. She brings over 25 years of experience in personnel management to the table. She holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership, specializing in human resources and business management. Tameenah is also a Certified Human Resources Professional with the Society for Human Resource Management and a John Maxwell Certified Coach. Her background in HR and coaching fuels her dedication to helping entrepreneurs build strong leadership teams. At one point, she owned four successful centers in the DC Metro area, alongside several other thriving ventures.
Donna began as an in-home child care provider and then became a founding director of a large church-based center licensed for 500 students. In 2003, she opened her own center, and now owns 3 child development centers called The Learning Station and is still in expansion mode. Donna believes that in order to influence the lives of children in early education programs positively, the transformation must begin with the owners, and that is why she is ready to use her passion and knowledge to transform the lives and businesses of ECE owners.
With over 25 years in the industry, Jody is the founder and CEO of seven successful child care centers, A to Z Building Blocks, in Utah. Committed to maintaining high-quality care, she actively serves on state boards and committees. Recognized as the UAEYC Leader of the Year in 2019, Jody chairs the Utah State Child Care Licensing Board, emphasizing local industry involvement. Her passion for child care began at 12, driven by a desire to provide children with a safe, loving environment. Jody fulfills her dream daily by creating nurturing spaces for children and families.
Currently, Steve and his mother Jessica co-own Rocky Mountain Preschool in Colorado. After 12 years of business, Steve and his mom recognized the need to create more outdoor learning experiences for children.He strongly feels that we are on the front lines as providers to support children facing gaps in their development. Steve is excited to empower business owners to make a difference in the lives of children. His goal as a coach is to help others find purpose, meaning, and fulfillment as leaders. He believes that each of us has the potential for greatness.
Chantel started her child care owner journey in 2012 as a home center, quickly growing to a large center three years later. She now owns two large centers in Maine and works beside her husband as a full-time co-owner. Chantel has many years of advocacy experience working with both local and state governments to help improve access to high-quality child care in her state. She has had a seat at the table on a variety of different government boards and committees including being the chair of the Maine Child Care Advisory Council.
With 27 years in child care, Tasha’s journey began as a preschool teacher in 1994 at Child Time Inc., drawn by its commitment to quality care. Over 9 years, she flourished as a Center Director, cherishing team building, fostering school-family bonds, and doubling enrollment. Initially motivated by a love for children, Tasha discovered a passion for training and mentoring teachers, evolving into a focus on developing effective ECE leaders. Since 2007, she has served as the Executive Program Director at Child Time Inc.
Jacob Jensen is excited to bring his experience as Executive Director of a multi-site child care organization to his new role as a coach with The Child Care Success Company. Having led three schools and managed a team of over 100 staff members, he has gained firsthand knowledge of what it takes to create thriving, values-driven environments for both children and teams.Passionate about helping child care owners and their teams build lasting legacies, he is dedicated to supporting their growth and success.
Kishani Mathiasz Woldberhan is a dedicated educator and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in early childhood education. She owns four KIDS Early Learning Centers, where she has built thriving environments for children to learn and grow. Driven to make high-quality early education accessible to all, she is expanding globally with two KIDS International Centers in Ethiopia. Kishani also supports fellow child care owners by sharing strategies and systems that improve quality and sustainability.
Michael Ingram is a child care leader, educator, and trauma-informed yoga teacher with over 20 years of experience strengthening early childhood programs and family-centered communities. As Lead Visionary at Bedford Heights Daycare, he continues a 50-year family legacy of excellence and service. Michael advocates for equitable access to early learning and champions trauma-informed practices. He builds sustainable systems, develops strong teams, and fosters cultures rooted in quality, wellness, and family engagement.
Sharita is a dedicated educator, business owner, and mother of ten who brings her passion for early childhood education into every area of her life. With over 15 years of experience, she has served in roles from teacher to director, building strong connections with children, families, and teams. A graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, she now co-leads learning centers in Baltimore and is passionate about developing leaders, fostering growth, and empowering others through intentional leadership.
Thomas is an entrepreneur with a passion for real estate who began his career in sales and commercial insurance after earning a BS in Marketing, building strong business and leadership skills. In 2019, he and his wife Madison relocated to Florida to launch Alta Schoolhouse, combining his development expertise with her childcare leadership. Since opening in 2022, they’ve built systems and a strong team that supports growth. Thomas is passionate about helping child care leaders create lasting impact in their communities.