Presenters for La Mirada, CA

Carly Bedard

Sessions:

• The Power of Play: Cultivating Joyful Learning in Early Childhood Settings
• Exploring The Power of Play Part 2
• Supporting Language and Literacy with Songs and Rhymes

Carly Bedard, M.A.Ed. has over 24 years’ experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. She formerly taught as a preschool teacher and served as an early childhood program director at a Christian Preschool. She currently serves as an adjunct professor at Biola University, and an educational consultant providing training and coaching grounded in adult learning theory and designed to integrate research based strategies into transformed classroom practices. Additionally, she has authored ECE courses with WestEd. Carly is a Master Play Coach with the Institute for Self-Active Education. As a passionate play advocate, she has presented the play experience to educators and families in the United States, Cambodia and India.

Amber Carlson

Sessions: 

• Identifying and Addressing Challenging Behavior
• Developing Classroom Strategies
• Identifying and Addressing Challenging Behavior (repeat)

Amber Carlson is an accomplished early childhood educator based in Orange County, California, with over a decade of experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education with an Emphasis in Special Education from Vanguard University and is currently pursuing a Teaching Credential and master’s in education, with a concentration on Early Childhood Education. As a Kindergarten Teacher and Department Lead at Calvary Chapel Elementary School, Amber designs curriculum and supports students, parents, and peers. She is a recognized speaker at educational conferences, presenting on topics like challenging behavior, classroom management, and cognitive development. Amber's diverse background includes roles in teaching, leadership, and training development. A member of NAEYC and holder of the ACTS Professional Teaching Certificate, Amber is passionate about supporting children with challenging behaviors and the people and professionals who care for them.

Julia Chandler

Sessions: 

• Speak to Me
• Who’s on your team?
• Don’t Leave me!

Julia Chandler holds a master’s degree in education in Early Education Administration and has been in the field of early education for over thirty years, most of which has been in Christian schools. She is currently the Director of Family Child Care for Naval Base Ventura County, as well as an adjunct instructor at Vanguard University and Moorpark College, but previously served as the administrator of a Christian early education program in Southern California for nearly twenty-five years.  In addition to her administrative and teaching roles, Julia has also served as a seminar speaker at a number of conferences and served on several accreditation teams, as well as the Accreditation Commission for ACSI's Western Division. 

Dennis Eastman

Session:

• Nurturing Faith from the Start: Discipleship Strategies for Early Education

Dennis Eastman, Ph.D., dedicated 15 years to education in roles such as Social Studies teacher, coach, Athletic Director, and Director of New Faculty Development, before becoming a principal. During his principalship, his collaborative efforts led to the school being recognized as one of California's most improved by U.S. News and World Report. Currently, Dr. Eastman is a Professor and Director of Secondary Education at Biola University, where he has prepared teachers for diverse settings for 14 years. His international travel includes conducting workshops on inclusive and effective learning strategies. Dr. Eastman's research agenda has positioned him as an educational architect, dedicated to equipping teachers with skills in student motivation, program design, creating learning environments for all students, and preparing teachers for international educational settings. His commitment to education and passion for fostering inclusive learning environments continue to drive his work and impact in the field.

Dolores Gaunty-Porter

Sessions:

• Making Sense of Classroom Management
• Integrating Biblical Principles Throughout Curriculum: Going Beyond the Bible Verse
• Leaning Into Awkward Conversation: Diversity in Early Childhood

Dr. Dolores Gaunty-Porter is a seasoned educator with a history of diverse classroom and administrative positions in the United States and Mexico City. She has taught preschool, elementary, middle, and university students and has been a preschool director. Dr. Gaunty-Porter earned a doctorate in Literacy from the State University of New York at Albany. She has dedicated over thirty years to education with much grace and gratitude. Her journey as an educator, marked by highs and lows, is a testament to her unwavering commitment and profound love for teaching. She considers it a privilege and an honor to make a difference through education. The journey has been remarkable. Dr. Gaunty-Porter emphatically stated from the first day of kindergarten and beyond that she disliked school. During student teaching, she experienced a significant shift. Then she thanked her mother for suggesting that she teach and finally realized her ultimate calling

Tom Hardeman

Session: 

• Is your school’s child safety program effective and trusted?

Tom Hardeman, born to missionary parents serving at Faith Academy in Manila, Philippines, graduated from Faith Academy before accomplishing a Religious Studies major at Westmont College, CA. He then earned a teaching credential from the University of California in Santa Barbara and taught elementary for five years in a public school. In 1999 Tom earned a Master’s in School Administration from the University of North Texas. Tom and his family moved to Tokyo, Japan in 1992, where they served at Christian Academy for 14 years. Next, he and the family moved to Manila in 2006 to work at Faith Academy where Tom served as Head of School for 14 years. In July 2020, they moved back to the US. Tom now serves as Child Safety Advocate for their mission, One Challenge. In February, 2024 Tom became Executive Director of CSPN after six years on the Board. Tom & Maddy have six children, ages 16 ~ 37. 

Jeannie Forrest

Session: 

• Support Self-Regulation with Social Emotional Learning in Early Education

Jeannie serves as Assistant Director of Early Education for ACSI. Her curiosity about how God designed children to learn propels her to stay current with research and support best practices in early education. Her mission is to encourage, equip, and empower Christian educators. Jeannie holds an MS in Educational Leadership from Cairn University, a BA in Administration in Early Childhood, and was a TEACH scholarship recipient for an AA in Early Care and Education after answering the call to Christian education early in her career. She and her husband reside in South Carolina and love their promotion to grandparents. Jeannie enjoys reading, being outdoors, fitness, and healthy living. A verse that she leans into and considers her life verse is Philippians 4:6-7.

Session:

• Navigate Conflict with Connection, Resolution, and Peace

Jenn Kliewer is a certified life coach as well as a physical therapist, mentor, small group leader, party planner, homemaker, and volunteer. Being a wife and mother to her daughter and son are at the top of her list. Three things she knows for sure…relationships are priceless (our relationship with Jesus being the most important), you are the only person who can live your life to the fullest, and the world needs you and all you have to offer. She greatly values the personal and emotional work necessary to show up in life as a connected, grounded, and confident person. Committing to intentional work each day reaps great rewards personally and professionally.

Ruby Lin

Session:

• Teaching From a Filled Cup

Dr. Ruby Lin was born and raised in Southern California. In her formative years, the school and classroom environment became her second home. She is grateful for the teachers who invested in her holistic development, which eventually inspired her to pursue education as a profession.  Being first in her family to graduate from college, she is an alumna of Biola University. Ruby has a Liberal Studies degree in elementary education and a master’s in teaching. She has 20 years of experience as an educator in the elementary and higher education setting. In 2022, she graduated with her doctorate degree in educational leadership at the University of Southern California (USC). Currently, she is working as a full-time assistant professor and the director of CalTPA at Biola University in the School of Education. She is married to her husband of 18 years, has three children and a labrador retriever. On the weekends you can find her at the basketball gym or baseball field cheering on her children.  

Joan Lundbolm

Session:

• Emotional Literacy and Classroom Management for all God’s Children 

Joah Lundbolm has been in the Faith-based field of early childhood since 1991. She became a Director in 1997 and a Director Mentor in 2012.

Linnea Lyding

Sessions

• Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
• Make a Move on Reading

Dr. Lyding is a reading specialist who spent over 18 years teaching in special education and general education classrooms. She holds degrees in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education as well as a doctorate in Leadership and Innovation in Teaching. She understands the challenge of reaching all students, which is why she completed her doctoral work exploring how brain research shows the connection between movement and learning. Now, she loves to help teachers add movement to their instruction.

Eman Metri

Sessions:

• Powerful Interactions: You make a difference!
• Understanding and Responding to Challenging Behavior
• Storytime: Nurturing Children’s Joy and Wonder through Reading Books and Engaging Early Learning Activities

Eman (E-Man) Metri was born and raised in Egypt. She is married and has two sons, 30 and 25 years old. Eman accepted Jesus as savior when she was in middle school. Since then, she has dedicated her life to Him and living for His purpose. She earned a master’s degree in education, specializing in Early Childhood, from California Baptist University. Eman also holds a bachelor’s degree in law. Additionally, she obtained an Early Childhood Site Supervisor credential from the Credential Teachers Commission (CTC). She has been teaching early childhood for 24 years and is currently working at Early Education/FUSD as a Program Specialist. 

Session:

Promoting Spiritual Growth in Young Children and their Families

Professor Moon is an adjunct professor in the School of Education at Vanguard University of Southern California since 2016. She obtained her bachelor’s degree at Catholic University of Korea. Professor Moon earned her Master of Education degree at the University of North Texas in Special education (emphasis in Intervention for Children with Autism).

She is currently teaching candidates for early childhood teachers at Vanguard University. She teaches courses on inclusion for children with special needs and Everyday Behavior Analysis. Professor Moon has diverse teaching experiences with various age of students age from three to adults. Professor established her strong foundation in her field, combining her academic background and practical experiences. Her commitment to excellence and dedication made her an outstanding teacher. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys traveling around the world and sharing the gospel to nonbelievers.

Session:

• A Classroom for All Learners

Session:

• Understanding Trauma Responsive Pedagogy in Early Childhood  

Dr. Jocelyn Navarro is a dedicated educator in Early Childhood Studies at California Baptist University, with a profound commitment to understanding the development and lived experiences of young children. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Life Pacific University, followed by a Master of Science in Child Development and a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership, both from the University of La Verne. With over a decade of experience as an early childhood educator, Jocelyn has worked in diverse settings, including public schools, private programs, and a unique role within a private prison, supporting incarcerated women and their children. She is a strong advocate for trauma-informed approaches to learning, particularly in early childhood education, and her research delves into the effects of trauma on the neurological architecture and development of young children. Outside of her professional pursuits, Jocelyn cherishes her faith, enjoys quality time with her husband Mac and their young daughter Nova, and finds joy in teaching her wonderful students.

Royce Nelsestuen

Sessions:

• 1,2,3 Preschool PE
• 1, 2, 3, Preschool PE, PT2
• Early Learning with STEM

Royce Nelsestuen earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Arizona, and her master’s in education administration from Grand Canyon University, Royce spent 20 years as the Principal of Faith Community Academy in Tucson, Arizona. As a partner school with Branching Out, Royce had a front-row seat to the growing mission of Branching Out. The faculty and staff of FCA benefited greatly from the coaching and training BOEC provided. Royce is married to Jason, who is a Pastor, and is the mother to four young men (they grow so quickly). Christian education has been a key element of her family life and ministry, and she is passionate about educating others to be successful in the place God has called them. 

Gilda Panales

Sessions:

• Managing Undesirable Behaviors in the Classroom
• Classroom Management: Establishing Classroom Rules and Expectations
• Understanding Temperament and its Impact on Childhood Behavior and the Risk of Misdiagnosing ADHD

Gilda is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She has training in Organization Behavior Management (OBM) and also as a School Psychologist with 11 years of experience working with clients with challenging behaviors in schools and residential facilities. Throughout her career, Gilda has developed and overseen the implementation of behavior programs while collaborating with other professionals and staff members to improve treatment outcomes. She believes in fostering a positive classroom environment to strengthen the relationship between teachers and students. Gilda’s mission is to empower educators and administrators by providing them with knowledge to develop effective classroom behavior strategies, reduce challenging behaviors, and increase academic engagement.

Angela Park

Sessions:

• Dancing in His Light: Integrating Christian Values through Music, Movement and Dance
• Harmonizing Hearts and Minds: Faith-Based Music Strategies for Early Childhood Social-Emotional Learning
• Exploring Faith-based Multisensory Music Experiences for Early Learners 

Dr. Angela Park is the Director of Music Education and Professor of Music at California Baptist University. She received her bachelor's degrees in cello performance and music education at the University of Washington. For her graduate studies, Dr. Park attended the University of Southern California where she earned her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in music education. Dr. Park teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses with an emphasis on music teacher preparation. She enjoys giving presentations on innovative teaching techniques, student-centered learning, and diversity and inclusion in music education.  

Racheal Peterson

Sessions:

• Inquiry-Based Learning in Early Ed - Part 1
• Inquiry-Based Learning in Early Education - Part 2
• Music & Management

Rachael Peterson is a born and bred Tucsonan who graduated from Desert Christian HS and the University of Arizona. She spent two years in Tulsa, teaching with Teach for America in the Tulsa Public School District before moving back to Tucson to teach at Desert Christian Elementary. Rachael has been teaching upper elementary classes since 2014. She left the classroom in 2023 to focus on her passion for mentoring and inspiring other teachers to implement research-based practices.

Judy Ross

Sessions:

• Beyond the Worksheets: Teaching Language and Literacy Skills Through Play!
• Exploring the Depths:  Teaching Skills Across the Curriculum with Ocean Creatures 
• Exploring Bible Stories Through STEAM Activities 

Judy Ross is an award-winning early childhood educator with 37 years of experience teaching Preschool-2nd grade. Judy is the recipient of the American Literacy Corporation Award, and the Docia Zavitovsky Play Matters Award. During the school year, she currently works with preschool and kindergarten children, in both private and public schools, in and around her hometown of Prescott, AZ. Judy also teaches STEM classes in the summer for the Kids College program at Yavapai College in Prescott, AZ. Judy writes and presents webinars and workshops for local, state, regional, and national conferences, and organizations that include the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI); the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and many of its state affiliates; Region 9 Head Start Association Early Childhood STEM Institute; the Southern California Kindergarten Association; California STEM Symposium; California Teachers Association Good Teaching Conferences; ContinuED online learning; and more.

Sarah Pate

Sessions:

• Joyful Transitions for a Smooth Day
• Stressless Sensory Surroundings

Sarah Pate has been working in early childhood for 18 years. Currently, she teaches at Biola University's recommended preschool. She continues to work with parents and teachers in the early childhood arena to create community and collaboration in building future generations. 

Sessions:

• Inquiry-Based Learning in Early Ed 
• Inquiry-Based Learning in Early Ed 
• Music & Management

Session:

• Literacy for Littles

Rebeca Rosa

Sessions:

• Participación de los Padres y la Familia
• Espacios Seguros, Caras Felices
• Llevando la Biblia a su Salón de Clases

Rebeca Rosa provides consulting and member support as ACSI’s Early Education Coordinator. She received her bachelor’s degree in educational psychology. For her graduate studies, Rebeca attended Grand Canyon University where she earned her Master of Early Education. She served as the Early Education Director of Parkridge Christian Academy in Coral Springs, FL, for 17 years, where she led her staff and facilitated the accreditation process with excellence. As a Florida Approval Program inspector and professional development trainer, she provides consultation and technical assistance for Christian early education program leaders.

Session:

• Jesus - Take the Lead! Developing Leadership Qualities in Young Children by Following Jesus