Session Descriptions for March 28th Lead with Purpose: Spring Conference for Owners and Directors

Opening Plenary Session: 

The Resilient Child Care Leader: Thriving in a Changing Industry– Panel Discussion Lead by Jennifer Paschal of Otter Learning and GCCA

This discussion will explore the challenges child care leaders face in an ever-changing industry and highlight strategies for resilience, adaptability, and strong leadership. Panelists will share real-life experiences, leadership strategies, and insights on navigating regulatory changes, workforce shortages, financial uncertainty, and shifting parental expectations.

Breakout Session 1:

From Playground to Purpose:

A Journey of Growth and Resilience ~ Luke Thomas, Children’s Academy at Hickory Flat

This workshop is more than a career success story; it's about navigating the messy realities of life, family, and entrepreneurship.  My journey in childcare began in 1997, pushing a lawnmower.  Over 26 years, I climbed the ranks to become Executive Director and Owner of the very center my parents sacrificed to build. 

But this isn't a polished tale. It's raw and real. I'll share how I suddenly found myself leading the business while grieving my mother's unexpected death and supporting my father through cancer. We faced relentless challenges: my daughter's health struggles and brain surgeries, the chaos of COVID-19, and the constant pressure of keeping our school afloat. 

Through it all, I learned to adapt, make tough choices, and find strength I didn't know I had. This journey forced immense personal and professional growth. I discovered the power of small habits, prioritizing well-being, and the freedom in vulnerability. 

This workshop is an invitation to learn alongside me. We'll explore leading with authenticity, navigating challenges with resilience, and finding balance amidst chaos. It's about discovering that 'working smarter, not harder' is a lifeline.  And it's about recognizing that personal growth is a continuous journey. 

If you're ready to invest in yourself, embrace your path, and lead with purpose, join me.

Presenter Bio:

As the Executive Director at Children's Academy of Hickory Flat, my journey spanning over 18 years has been characterized by a steadfast commitment to elevating operational performance and maintaining the highest quality standards in early education. At the heart of my role lies a deep-seated expertise in administration management, where I ensure effective collaboration with key regulatory agencies including the Department of Early Care and Learning, Environmental Health, Fire Marshal, Local Law Enforcement and Health Department.
My responsibilities extend to overseeing the profit and loss (P&L) aspects and property management of our esteemed institution. This includes coordinating with a range of vendors for specialized tasks, diligently maintaining our network infrastructure, and keeping our policies and procedures updated and in line with the best industry practices.
A significant part of my mission at Children's Academy is to fulfill the growing demand for exceptional care and service that aligns seamlessly with our company's vision. In this endeavor, I work closely with an adept administration team, comprising the Director, Assistant Director, and Curriculum Coordinator, ensuring that our strategies and actions resonate with the goals and aspirations of our academy.
My approach is driven by a passion for delivering insights and solutions that not only foster the growth and success of Children's Academy but also profoundly impact the lives of our stakeholders. I am dedicated to creating an environment that nurtures learning, innovation, and continuous improvement, setting the stage for a brighter future for our students and the community we serve.

Recognizing and Addressing Stress in Staff and Parents: Strategies for Childcare Administrators ~Nicole Williams

Childcare administrators play a pivotal role in fostering positive environments where staff and families thrive. This session focuses on equipping administrators with tools to recognize stress in staff and parents, understanding how stress impacts relationships with students, and providing actionable strategies for creating a culture of support and resilience.

Presenter Bio:

Nicole Williams is an experienced Early Childhood Education (ECE) leader with over 15 years in the field. Beginning her journey as a teen mom of three, she has risen through roles as a childcare teacher, Pre-K teacher, director, and owner to her current role as a sought-after ECE trainer and consultant. Nicole specializes in new employee onboarding, teacher development, classroom management, and quality improvement, having trained teams to achieve impressive outcomes, including Quality Assessment scores as high as 6.94/7. As the founder of The Elite Training Academy, Nicole partners with childcare owners and directors to alleviate operational challenges through hands-on training, classroom development, and staff retention strategies. Her passion for nurturing leaders and creating high-quality learning

environments has made her a trusted resource for schools across Georgia, Texas, and beyond. A conference speaker and presenter, Nicole has led impactful sessions, including at the GCCA fall conference, focusing on retention, curriculum implementation, and building effective teams. She’s driven by her commitment to helping schools and centers thrive through practical, results- driven approaches to early learning success.

Let Them, but Let Me: From Insurance Crisis to Confidence - Samantha Phillips, Comploy

As an early childhood program leader or owner, you’re dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing space for the children in your care. But what happens when securing insurance for your program becomes an uphill battle? Join Sam Phillips, a leading expert in business insurance for the Early Care and Education industry, as she unpacks the childcare insurance crisis and reveals how you can take control of the narrative to protect your program and its future. 

In this thought-provoking session, Sam will illuminate the challenges posed by the current insurance landscape for childcare providers and empower you with strategies to tackle them head-on. You’ll gain actionable insights on how to protect your program, ensure continuity of care, and position yourself as a preferred client in the eyes of insurers. 

Here’s what you’ll learn: 

- Navigate the Changing Insurance Landscape: Understand the latest trends, risks, and opportunities in childcare insurance. 

- Craft Standout Applications: Learn how to showcase your commitment to safety through compelling, accurate applications that increase your chances of approval. 

- Avoid Common Pitfalls: Discover the mistakes that lead to insurance denials and how to sidestep them. 

- Master Story Telling: Explore techniques for creating a persuasive insurance narrative with a template custom designed for early educators by Sam that demonstrates the value and safety of your program. 

- Mitigate Risks Proactively: Learn practical strategies you can implement now to reduce exposure and make your program a more attractive risk to insurers. 

Don’t let insurance scarcity jeopardize the care you provide to families. Join this essential session to safeguard your program, protect your team, and ensure the well-being of the children in your care. Control the narrative, and secure the future of your childcare business. 

Presenter Bio:

Meet Samantha Phillips, a Texas native affectionately known as the glittering expert in childcare insurance. Her journey began with a personal experience, witnessing the trauma of her son’s accidental injury at his childcare program. This poignant moment ignited a realization: the need for a more compassionate and informed approach to insurance.  In her 12-year career, Sam has emerged not just as an insurance expert but as a force for change. Disturbed by the trend of childcare owners blindly trusting agents without understanding their coverages, she took it upon herself to rewrite the narrative. Sam is on a mission to coach owners, offering insights on childcare insurance topics and empowering them to protect their businesses wisely.  Recognized nationally, Sam stands out as an advocate for early childhood, breaking ground by being the first to educate educators in an area often overlooked. Her passion is crystal clear: ensuring you comprehend the intricacies of your business’s insurance needs. By making informed choices, you safeguard not only yourself and your business but also your team and the little ones in your care.

Sam Phillips is more than an insurance expert; she’s a valuable resource and a beacon in the early childhood community, bringing a sparkly touch to the vital task of protecting what matters most.

Breakout 2 Sessions:

Managing your Personal Growth through Emotional Intelligence ~ Christina Caradine from Cadence Schools

Discover how shifting your thoughts and patterns can build resilience, accountability, and a stronger, more positive leadership approach.

Presenter Bio: 

Christina Caradine is an Administrator for The Suzuki School in Atlanta, Ga. She is currently the Montessori Curriculum Director for three campuses. She has worked with the company since 2013. Christina earned her Bachelor of Sciences degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Child Development from South

 Carolina State University in 2006. Christina is a certified Positive Discipline Educator. She is also an Instructor at the Montessori Teacher Education Institute of Atlanta, where she  teaches Personal Growth and Development and Child Development to Adult Learners.  Christina has two children of her own, her daughter a young adult and a graduate of Savannah State University, and her son a high school sophomore shares her love for soccer!  

We Are Family: Building a Winning Culture~ Amber Tucker and Leann Marquis, Milestone Education

Get ready to dive into the heart of what makes a team truly unstoppable! In this presentation, we'll explore how family values can transform your workplace into a powerhouse of trust, support, and collaboration.

Bios:

Amber Tucker- With over 20 years in the ECE field, I’ve seen it all and loved every minute of it! Currently serving as the VP of Operations at Milestone Education, my passion lies in quality, servant leadership, and creating a work environment where fun is the name of the game. Whether it’s nurturing young minds, or rallying my team, I believe in making every day exciting while getting the job done! I hold a degree in Early Care Education with an emphasis on Administration. My career has taken me through various roles, starting as a classroom teacher, working my way up to Director, DM, RD, Training and Development, Quality and Academics, to my current role.  

Leann Marquis- With a degree in business and 29 years in the Early Childhood Education field, I've been on an incredible journey! My journey started as a teacher, moving up to a director, then acquisitions, before settling into a quality and academics role. My passion? Watching tiny humans develop a positive sense of self that convinces them they can conquer the world. It's been a wild ride, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. After all, who says work can't be fun? 

Grow! The Art of Building, Redeveloping and Acquiring Schools ~ Alec Ligon and Nan Rikard, Hinge Advisors

Looking to expand your early education footprint? Discover the critical factors to consider when investing in new facilities or businesses.

Presenter Bios:

Alec Ligon: A licensed attorney, Alec is a go-to Transaction Advisor for childcare owners across the United States. Whether a client is focusing on expansion, consolidation, or realignment, Alec works tirelessly to help them maximize profitability, manage risk, and facilitate integration. He is frequently sought out for his mastery of legal documentation review to aid in the leasing, acquisition, and disposition of childcare properties nationwide. Overall, Alec is dedicated to facilitating smooth transitions and driving optimal financial outcomes for all of his early childhood clients.

Alec earned his Doctor of Law degree from the Charlotte School of Law. His legal career has included working in an immigration law office, as a clerk for a Superior Court judge, and as an Assistant Prosecutor for Hudson County, NJ.

Nan Rikard: Nan started her career as the Owner/Director of Gilbert Daycare and Learning Center in 1988. She went on to serve as the COO of The Sunshine House in 1997, and, in 2010, she founded Big Blue Marble Academy (BBMA)—now one of the nation's largest early education providers.

In 2018, Nan sold her ownership of BBMA with the help of HINGE Advisors. She continues to serve as an active board member for the brand.

Now a former childcare business owner, Nan has transitioned to the other side of the table as a Transaction Advisor for HINGE. Having been a part of more than 200 transitions of early education programs — whether in the acquisitions or divestiture — Nan is helping to expand HINGE’s reach in the early education space by focusing on helping swim school business owners gain maximum value for the brands they’ve built — just as she did.

Breakout 3 Sessions:

Unleashing your Power: A Women’ Guide to Leadership and Influence~Paula Charles, Flood & Flame Restoration and (formerly) The Suzuki Schools

Examine the challenges of unequal access to leadership opportunities for women and explore strategies to overcome barriers and foster growth.

Presenter Bio: 

Paula Charles is retired from The Suzuki Schools after operating it for 18 years. She grew the school to three locations, started a teacher training program, and converted it to a Montessori curriculum. She believes her biggest accomplishment was building a highly effective leadership team which continues to flourish and effectively lead two years since she has left the school. Paula spent much of her career in corporate America, started a business brokerage firm and acquired the Suzuki Schools in 2005. Paula has come out of retirement to help start a new company called Flood & Flame Restoration which does disaster recovery – a big switch from Early Childhood Education! She continues to be passionate about helping women grow as leaders and in helping them achieve their dreams. Paula holds a Masters in Accountancy from the University of Texas and BS in accounting from the University of Washington.

Roots and Wings: Retaining Staff and Growing Future Leaders ~ Danielle Millman and Jaime Rechkemmer from GCCA

Explore strategies to retain passionate educators, reduce turnover, and cultivate future leaders for thriving, visionary childcare centers.

Presenter Bios:

Danielle Millman is the President & COO of The Pillars, where she leads a team dedicated to fostering children’s growth in loving and meaningful ways. She also serves as an executive officer on the Georgia Child Care Association (GCCA) Board of Directors and is a sought-after speaker at major early education conferences, including SECA, TLCCA, DECAL, FL Educators Conference, and GCCA.

A visionary leader in early childhood education, Danielle was honored with the 2023 Vision Builder - Women of Inspiration Award and previously recognized as a Georgia Titan 100 in 2022.

Prior to The Pillars, Danielle was President of Otter Learning, growing the organization from 17 to 67 schools across the Southeast. Before that, she played a pivotal role at Endeavor Schools, expanding the company’s portfolio from 3 to over 70 schools and leading their largest growth year in history. Her career also includes leadership roles in post-secondary education operations, compliance, and faculty development.

Danielle began her education career as an adjunct professor at George Washington University, where she also earned her B.S. in Health Sciences, magna cum laude. She has completed extensive graduate coursework in learning and development, leadership, and early childhood brain development. Passionate about professional development and advocacy, she is committed to ensuring children receive the best foundational academic experiences possible.

Danielle currently resides in Georgia with her husband, children, and family dog.

Jaime Rechkemmer: TR-BFTS-8310: Jaime currently consults with Aim 4 Impact, has served as interim CEO of GCCA, and has served as the VP of The Sunshine House. She is a seasoned professional with 20+ years of organizational leadership, operations optimization, and program management experience in the educational sector. Recognized for demonstrating a natural aptitude for strategic planning and process improvement, she has a verifiable history of contributing directly to growth and expansion throughout her career. As such, she has consistently exceeded performance goals, and she is adept at achieving maximum operational output with minimal resource expenditure. Professional focal points include research and analysis, curriculum development, student and staff development, recruitment, training, performance assessment, budget control, policy management, and resource allocation. Delivering superior administration on the latter areas of expertise requires utilization of effective communication, decision-making, and organizational skills. Colleagues describe her as a progressive, driven, down-to-earth, analytical, communicative, and managerial expert who can be relied on to offer superior solutions that drive organizational and individual growth on time and under budget.

Harmony in Action: Operational Excellence in Early Learning Communities ~ Crystal Shaw-Nasir from EducatorsNOW

Learn how optimizing your day to day operations can transform your childcare center into a hub of growth and success.

Presenter Bio: 

Crystal Shaw-Nasir is a forward-thinking consultant with over 16 years of expertise in educational leadership, business operations, and community engagement. Known for her ability to drive organizational growth and operational excellence, Crystal leverages her diverse background to deliver tailored solutions for mission-driven organizations and businesses seeking transformational change.

Career Highlights

Crystal spearheaded the design and execution of a regional vision, aligning cross-functional teams to achieve strategic goals while overseeing daily operations, facilities development, and board leadership. She served as the Chief Impact Officer at KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools, where she led initiatives that strengthened partnerships, amplified community engagement, and elevated brand management across multiple campuses.

Crystal’s career also includes a tenure as Chief Operating Officer for KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools, where she implemented scalable operational models, developed career pathways for staff, and streamlined processes to enhance organizational efficiency. Her innovative leadership transformed school operations, ensuring principals could focus on instructional leadership to drive student success.

A graduate of Dominican University of California with certifications in non-profit leadership, marketing, and operational excellence, Crystal combines academic rigor with hands-on expertise. She is a celebrated presenter and panelist, known for her ability to inspire teams toward shared goals.

Crystal’s work is guided by her belief in the power of collaboration, equity, and innovation. Whether advising startups, established institutions, or community-focused organizations, she brings a unique blend of visionary leadership and practical expertise that delivers measurable results. At the core of it all, her care for the work is anchored in her love for the children.

Closing Plenary Session:

Transforming Childcare: Unleashing the Power of AI for a Brighter Future ~ Parissa Snider and Stephanie Deputy from WatchMeGrow

A practical session on the ways that child care leaders can be empowered to use AI (artificial intelligence) to transform their work and their programs.

Presenter Bios:

Parissa Snider: I’m a player and a coach with deep experience across product, operations, and finance—and the self-awareness to know where I can grow. My focus is on scaling organizations for fast growth, leveraging cross-functional leadership to drive operational efficiency, and positioning businesses for exit.