Keynote Speakers

Opening Keynote

Valora Washington Ph.D

President and CEO
The Cayl Institute

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About Valora Washington, Ph.D.

Valora Washington, Ph.D., is President and CEO of The CAYL Institute and an internationally recognized leader in early childhood education. She is known for conceptualizing and leading transformative initiatives across policy, higher education, philanthropy, and government that advance outcomes for children and educators.

Previously, as CEO of the Council for Professional Recognition, she professionalized the field through leadership of the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™, expanding access, innovation, and participation nationwide and internationally. A CEELO-designated Legacy Leader, Dr. Washington has co-founded Voices for Michigan’s Children and the Early Childhood Funders Collaborative and has authored more than 50 publications shaping the future of early childhood education.

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Opening Keynote

See. Shift. Shine: Together, We Lead Change in Early Childhood Education

Presented by: Dr. Valora Washington, The CAYL Institute

Location: Grand Reef

Imagine a future where the greatest transformation in early childhood education begins with you—the leaders who notice what matters, act with intention, and illuminate what’s possible. As child care business owners, you are catalysts who see children with clarity, empower educators with purpose, and reconnect with the mission that calls you to this work. This keynote explores the emerging Alpha and Beta generations and reveals why your inspired, courageous leadership is urgently needed. Discover how strategic shifts can elevate your programs, strengthen your culture, and ignite extraordinary impact. When leaders shine, educators flourish—and children thrive. You are more than business owners. You are catalysts and visionaries who move our field forward.

Closing Keynote

Erica Phillips

Executive Director
National Association for Family Child Care

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About Erica Phillips

Erica Phillips brings a diverse set of business and education experiences as the Executive Director of the National Association for Family Child Care. The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) is a nationwide non-profit organization dedicated to promoting high-quality child care by strengthening the profession of home-based early learning programs.

Prior to joining NAFCC, Erica served as President for All Our Kin, a leading social enterprise in early education, where she was responsible for strong program implementation across multiple sites. Before All Our Kin, Erica founded Second Home Early Child Care Centers & led the Human Capital team at Achievement First Public Schools.

Erica was also a fellow with Education Pioneers, Aspen Institute (Pahara & Ascend) and the National Black Child Development Institute. Erica began her career working as a strategy consultant at Monitor Group. Erica holds an M.B.A. and an M.Ed. from Stanford University, and a B.S. in industrial engineering from Northwestern University.

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Closing Keynote

The Power in You: Leadership, Storytelling, and the Future of Child Care

Presented by: Erica Phillips, NAFCC

Location: Grand Reef

At a time when early care and education is receiving unprecedented attention, early educators remain the backbone of communities—and powerful leaders in shaping the future of the field. In this inspiring keynote, Erica Phillips shares personal stories and reflects on early educators who have shaped systems, leadership, and change. Drawing connections between advocacy and the lived experiences of child care professionals, participants will explore the unique leadership strengths they already bring to the table. Together, we will reimagine how educators can influence policy, strengthen systems, and ensure early care & education remains central to the future of Nebraska.

Morning Breakouts

Session 1

Valora Washington Ph.D

President and CEO
The Cayl Institute

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About Valora Washington, Ph.D.

Valora Washington, Ph.D., is President and CEO of The CAYL Institute and an internationally recognized leader in early childhood education. She is known for conceptualizing and leading transformative initiatives across policy, higher education, philanthropy, and government that advance outcomes for children and educators.

Previously, as CEO of the Council for Professional Recognition, she professionalized the field through leadership of the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™, expanding access, innovation, and participation nationwide and internationally. A CEELO-designated Legacy Leader, Dr. Washington has co-founded Voices for Michigan’s Children and the Early Childhood Funders Collaborative and has authored more than 50 publications shaping the future of early childhood education.

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Morning Breakout 1

See. Shift. Shine in Action: A Leadership Lab for Early Childhood Leaders

Presented by: Dr. Valora Washington, The CAYL Institute

Location: Grand Reef

Participants will:

    • Apply the SEE–SHIFT–SHINE framework to real challenges
    • Consider strategies for working with Alpha and beta Generations
    • Strengthen leadership identity
    • Build actionable strategies / a personalized leadership plan for next steps

Session 3

Julia Jackson

Director of Strategic Communications
Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (NECC)

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About Julia Jackson

Julia Jackson is a strategic communications leader with over a decade of experience across nonprofit, media, and software industries. She currently serves as Director of Strategic Communications at the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (NECC), where she leads the organization’s comprehensive communications strategy to advance statewide early childhood initiatives. Julia brings deep expertise in digital marketing, storytelling, and integrated communications.

Previously, she served as Marketing Director at Decision Logic, a restaurant management software company, where she led a full company rebrand, launched and produced a podcast, and managed lead generation campaigns as a team of one. She earned a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and served as the first Assistant Engagement Editor for The Daily Nebraskan.

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Morning Breakout 3

Social Media Made Simple

Presented by: Julia Jackson, Emma Ruskamp, NECC

Location: TBD

Session description coming soon!

Session 4

Aaron Hill, MBA

Owner
Peak Tax & Accounting

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About Aaron Hill, MBA

Aaron Hill, MBA is an Accounting Professor with deep expertise in accounting and tax preparation, grounded in both academic instruction and professional practice. He teaches financial accounting and taxation and connects theory to real-world application while he mentors students and leads course development initiatives.

Before academia, he served as Manager of Tax & Accounting at a local CPA firm, where he prepared and reviewed individual and corporate tax returns, oversaw financial reporting and compliance, and advised clients on tax planning and internal controls. He holds an MBA in Financial Accounting and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Bellevue University and remains active in professional and community leadership.

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Morning Breakout 4

Smart Money Moves: Tax and Accounting Essentials for Childcare Providers

Presented by: Aaron Hill, Peak Tax & Accounting

Location: TBD

Running a successful child care business in today’s environment takes more than just passion—it also takes strong financial management and understanding. Smart Money Moves helps to equip child care owners and directors with practical accounting and tax strategies to improve cash flow, increase profitability, and stay compliant in a highly regulated industry.

This session transforms complex financial concepts into clear, actionable strategies—from managing tuition and subsidies to budgeting and controlling labor costs. Attendees will leave with clear tools and insights to make informed financial decisions to build a more sustainable, financially sound child care business.

Session 2

Brissa Borjas Esparza

Senior Business Development and Loan Specialist
Center for Rural Affairs

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About Brissa Borjas-Esparza

Brissa Borjas-Esparza is a Senior Business Development and Loan Specialist with the Center for Rural Affairs, where she supports entrepreneurs and child care providers across Nebraska in building strong, sustainable businesses. Originally from Bucerías, Nayarit, Mexico, she understands the challenges providers face in underserved communities and works to expand access to opportunity. She partners with home- and center-based programs on business planning, licensing, financial projections, sustainability strategies, and access to capital. Fluent in English and Spanish, Brissa equips providers with practical tools and confidence so they can strengthen their programs and better serve children and families.

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Morning Breakout 2 | Spanish

Session Title Coming Soon

Presented by: Brissa Borjas-Esparza, Center for Rural Affairs

Location: TBD

Session description coming soon!

Session 3

Emma Ruskamp

Communications Specialist
Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (NECC)

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About Emma Ruskamp

Emma Ruskamp is a communications specialist at the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (NECC), where she aligns messaging, storytelling, and digital engagement to strengthen Nebraska’s early childhood landscape. She develops strategic communications and social media campaigns that build a consistent, mission-driven presence and connect with diverse audiences.

As an alum of the Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN) Fellowship for Nonprofit Management program, Emma has collaborated with dozens of national organizations to create campaign materials that empower women to pursue public office. She has canvassed for Get Out the Vote campaigns and brings a strong passion for civic engagement. Emma holds a B.S. in Journalism (Advertising & Public Relations) from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

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Morning Breakout 3

Social Media Made Simple

Presented by: Julia Jackson, Emma Ruskamp, NECC

Location: TBD

Session description coming soon!

Provider Panel

From Passion to Profession

Panelist

Angela Blaesi

Family Child Care Provider
North Platte, NE

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About Angela Blaesi

Angela Blaesi is an experienced early childhood provider who has been serving children and families since June 2010. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and has earned both an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree in her field. Angela has been recognized through Nebraska’s Step Up to Quality program, achieving both Step 4 and Step 5 ratings.

In addition to her work in early childhood education, she serves on her local school board, where she advocates for children and families. Angela is passionate about partnering with parents to support the healthy growth, learning, and development of every child.

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Provider Panel

From Passion to Profession

Panelist Speakers: Angela Blaesi, Lisset Christian, Tasha McNeil, Shannon Stutzman

Moderator: Tierra Harper, NECC

Location: Grand Reef

Panelist

Tasha McNeil

Center-Based Child Care Provider
Omaha, NE

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About Tasha McNeil

Tasha McNeil is a licensed counselor, early childhood professional, and advocate committed to advancing meaningful change in the early childhood education field. She holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, has earned her CDA in early childhood education, and is currently pursuing her second Master’s degree in Social Work. Tasha has also participated in several cohorts focused on leadership, growth, and systems change within ECE. She is passionate not only about early childhood education and training, but also about helping other owners and directors strengthen their programs and lead with excellence.

As the founder of Brilliant Brains Learning Center, she is dedicated to creating nurturing, high-quality environments where children can thrive and families feel supported. Her work is rooted in service, relationship-building, and a vision for stronger communities through early education.

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Provider Panel

From Passion to Profession

Panelist Speakers: Angela Blaesi, Lisset Christian, Tasha McNeil, Shannon Stutzman

Moderator: Tierra Harper, NECC

Location: Grand Reef

Panelist

Lisset Christian

Family Child Care Provider
Omaha, NE

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About Lisset Christian

Lisset Christian is the owner and director of Diana’s Learning Center LC, an in home early childhood program in Omaha that provides a safe, fun, and developmentally rich “second home” environment for young children. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and opened Diana’s Learning Center LC in 2018, bringing over eight years of experience in family child care and prior experience in nonprofit after school programming, management, and relationship building.

Deeply committed to continual professional growth, Lisset has earned her CDA, participates in Step Up to Quality, is a member of the Nebraska DHHS Child Care Advisory Committee, and is on the board for the Hispanic Association of Childcare of Omaha – AGHO (Asociación de Guarderías Hispanas de Omaha). She has extensive expertise in social-emotional development and intentional learning, contracts with ESU #3 to provide state-approved trainings in Spanish, and is also involved in the Rooted in Relationships Pyramid Program.

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Provider Panel

From Passion to Profession

Panelist Speakers: Angela Blaesi, Lisset Christian, Tasha McNeil, Shannon Stutzman

Moderator: Tierra Harper, NECC

Location: Grand Reef

Panelist

Shannon Stutzman

Family Child Care Provider
Columbus, NE

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About Shannon Stutzman

With 27 years of experience, Shannon Stutzman has embraced the many roles that come with caring for young children—caregiver, educator, mentor, and advocate. For nearly three decades, she has proudly operated a Family Child Care Home II, creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and ready to learn, all while balancing her roles as a wife, parent, and grandparent.

Shannon is a Rooted in Relationship coach and serves on the NECC Advisory Council and the National ECE Workforce Center – Early Educator Board. She also contributes to the Columbus Childhood Conference Committee and is an IMH-E Infant Family Specialist endorsed by NE-NAIMH. Shannon has achieved Step 3 in Step Up To Quality and completed the Reflective Practice FAN Training Program. In 2022, she was honored as a NECC Early Childhood Champion and coordinates a faith-based camp for teenagers, demonstrating her passion for supporting children, families, and the early childhood workforce.

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Provider Panel

From Passion to Profession

Panelist Speakers: Angela Blaesi, Lisset Christian, Tasha McNeil, Shannon Stutzman

Moderator: Tierra Harper, NECC

Location: Grand Reef

Afternoon Breakouts

Session 1

Samantha Phillips

Principal and Founding Partner
Vertical Insurance Group dba Comploy

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About Sam Phillips

Sam Phillips is a nationally recognized insurance leader and advocate tackling the childcare insurance crisis. As Principal and Founding Partner of Vertical Insurance Group dba Comploy, she develops tailored insurance solutions for early education businesses and teaches owners how to position themselves as strong risks to insurers.

Widely regarded as the only insurance professional providing specialized education directly to early educators, Sam is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and author of The Childcare Insurance Playbook: A Guide to Protecting Your Early Education Business. She has been featured on FOX Business Rundown and in leading industry publications. With over a decade of experience, Sam partners with state and national associations and early education brands to improve insurance access, implement risk-mitigation strategies, and create sustainable protections for providers.

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Afternoon Breakout 1

The Child Care Insurance Crisis: What Every Early Educator Must Do Now

Presented by: Samantha Phillips, Comploy

Location: TBD

This eye-opening session, led by industry expert Samantha Phillips, tackles the escalating insurance crisis impacting early education programs. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of current market challenges, why insurers are pulling back, and what that means for their businesses. Through practical strategies and real-world tools, early educators will learn how to enhance their insurability, craft stronger applications, and proactively reduce risk. From mastering the art of insurance storytelling to avoiding common coverage pitfalls, this session empowers providers to take control of their insurance narrative and protect the future of their programs.

Session 3

Erin Owen

President
Clarity Channels Communications

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About Erin Owen

Erin Fogarty Owen is an award-winning integrated marketing communications expert and president of Clarity Channels Communications. She provides strategic communications and crisis counsel informed by leadership roles in higher education, national news, and government, with specialty experience managing more than 40 high-level crisis events.

Some of her most impactful work happens behind the scenes when crises have been averted. At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, she served as founding Executive Director of University Communications. Earlier, she was on Tim Russert’s producing team at NBC News’ Meet the Press, contributing to major national coverage and on the team that earned two Walter Cronkite Awards for Excellence in Journalism. She began her career in the U.S. Senate and shares her obsession with clarity through The EO Report strategic communications newsletter.

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Afternoon Breakout 3

Prepared for a Crisis: Communication Fundamentals for Child Care Business Owners

Presented by: Erin Owen and Kelly Jefferson Minty, Clarity Channels Communications

Location: TBD

Session description coming soon!

Session 4

Aaron Hill, MBA

Owner
Peak Tax & Accounting

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About Aaron Hill, MBA

Aaron Hill, MBA is an Accounting Professor with deep expertise in accounting and tax preparation, grounded in both academic instruction and professional practice. He teaches financial accounting and taxation and connects theory to real-world application while he mentors students and leads course development initiatives.

Before academia, he served as Manager of Tax & Accounting at a local CPA firm, where he prepared and reviewed individual and corporate tax returns, oversaw financial reporting and compliance, and advised clients on tax planning and internal controls. He holds an MBA in Financial Accounting and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Bellevue University and remains active in professional and community leadership.

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Afternoon Breakout 4

Smart Money Moves: Tax and Accounting Essentials for Child Care Providers

Presented by: Aaron Hill, Peak Tax & Accounting

Location: TBD

Running a successful child care business in today’s environment takes more than just passion—it also takes strong financial management and understanding. Smart Money Moves helps to equip child care owners and directors with practical accounting and tax strategies to improve cash flow, increase profitability, and stay compliant in a highly regulated industry.

This session transforms complex financial concepts into clear, actionable strategies—from managing tuition and subsidies to budgeting and controlling labor costs. Attendees will leave with clear tools and insights to make informed financial decisions to build a more sustainable, financially sound child care business.

Session 2

Jessica Campos

Women’s Business Center Director
Center for Rural Affairs

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About Jessica Campos

Jessica Campos is the Women’s Business Center Director at the Center for Rural Affairs, where she leads the strategic, operational, and financial management of WBC’s program to empower women entrepreneurs. Often in partnership with the SBA, Jessica oversees business training and counseling, manages grant compliance, fosters community partnerships, and reports on economic impact.

Before joining the Center for Rural Affairs, Jessica was a Senior Business Banking Specialist for Wells Fargo, gaining financial knowledge and becoming a business advocate. After a successful career helping Central Nebraska small businesses, Jessica now combines her passion for helping small business owners and entrepreneurs with helping rural communities thrive through business development and education.

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Afternoon Breakout 2

Session Title Coming Soon

Presented by: Jessica Campos, Center for Rural Affairs

Location: TBD

Session description coming soon!

Session 3

Kelly Jefferson Minty

Chief Operating Officer
Clarity Channels Communications

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About Kelly Jefferson Minty

Kelly Jefferson Minty is the chief operating officer at Clarity Channels Communications, where she advises organizations on crisis communications, reputation management, and strategic messaging. Drawing on experience across agency, nonprofit, and higher education settings, she helps organizations navigate every detail in their communications strategy.

Previously, she served as director of communications for the Nebraska Business Development Center, leading statewide outreach through proactive storytelling. She also served in University Communications at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, managing complex marketing initiatives and large-scale events. She began her career at Swanson Russell Advertising, supporting healthcare and Fortune 500 agriculture clients.

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Afternoon Breakout 3

Prepared for a Crisis: Communication Fundamentals for Child Care Business Owners

Presented by: Erin Owen and Kelly Jefferson Minty, Clarity Channels Communications

Location: TBD

Session description coming soon!