About Collaborating With Ana
Thank you for considering Ana for your next Early Years professional development day, conference, keynote, and/or workshop. If you choose Ana you won't be disappointed. With 18+ years in the field of child care, a background in ECE, a BA and a Masters in Professional Education Ana brings a wealth of knowledge, research, experience and expertise to all her presentations.
Collaborations may include:
- A 30 minute call to ensure the event goes smoothly.
- A proposal with service details.
- A handout, worksheet or checklist depending on the topic.
- Promotional materials.
- An email and social media shoutout.
- Certificates for participant and certificate verification.
About Ana's Keynotes & Workshops
The main purpose of Ana’s work is to empower Early Childhood Educators to centre care, well-being, and belonging in their pedagogical choices. Ethical, relational, and inclusive pedagogies underpin Ana’s work. She is trauma-informed and advocates for play. Ana is a dynamic speaker and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise to all her presentations. Past clients include:
- School districts in BC
- Early Intervention Programs
- Child Care Associations across Canada
- YMCAs in BC, ON, & SK
- Immigrant Services such as AMSSA in BC and CMAS in Ontario
- Family Resource Programs of BC
- Parent Participation Preschools in BC
Ana's Masters Work and Newest Workshops
Ana's master's work included a pedagogical inquiry project that focused on care and belonging with children and more-than-human worlds at Blossoming Niños childcare program. The master’s work was large and extensive and therefore has been divided into separate aspects of the work. The following workshops can be presented individually or combined to create a community of practice. A detailed description can be provided upon request.
The workshop options are:
- A Commitment to Resisting Harmful and Unethical Educational Pedagogies
- An Inquiry Into Care and Belonging With Children and More-than-human Worlds
- Creating Spaces of Belonging With a Community Approach
- An Alternative to the Academic and Non-academic Discourse in Early Years Programs
Keynote Options
(Keynotes can be modified slightly to weave in different conference themes)
Newest Keynote Option: Cultivating Care and Belonging In Early Childhood Education
In this thought-provoking keynote, Ana shares the story of her master's work at Blossoming Niños childcare program. What began as an inquiry into care evolved into thinking deeply about belonging and how we belong in community. Thinking about belonging circled back to thinking about the reciprocity of care between the people, places, things, and more-than-human worlds who are part of the wonderful Blossoming Niños community. Reciprocity of care became a focal point in Ana’s master's work. Through collaboration and reflection with children, educators, and parents, the inquiry project led to thinking deeply about resisting harmful and unethical pedagogies in early childhood spaces. Thinking alongside parents led to questioning what is considered academic and non-academic in early years programs, which led to thinking of Blossoming Niños as an alternative to current dominant discourses. This keynote provides educators with hope, inspiration, courage and possibility as it gently and carefully encourages educators to centre care and belonging as a form of resisting harmful and unethical educational pedagogies.
Keynote: What Children Really Need To Thrive: A Pathway to Belonging
In this heartfelt keynote, Ana shares a powerful story of resilience, healing, and hope. Through this keynote educators explore what children truly need to thrive, emphasizing the critical role of relationships, play, and the environment. Attendees will gain insights into stress, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and trauma. Attendees will learn how to foster environments where children feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow emotionally and socially. Attendees will leave with a renewed sense of purpose in their work and a clear understanding of what children really need to thrive in early years spaces.
Keynote: What Educators Really Need to Thrive: Caring for the Caregiver
In this insightful keynote, Ana shares the story of an educator facing burnout, highlighting the emotional and physical toll that can come with the demands of caring for little ones. Drawing from personal and professional experience, Ana will offer practical strategies for self-nourishment, fostering a positive work environment, and cultivating healthy communication and boundaries. Attendees will leave with a renewed sense of hope and practical tools to support their own well-being, helping them thrive both personally and professionally in their essential roles as early childhood educators.
Workshop Topics and Titles for Educators, Teachers and Caregivers
(Titles and topics are subject to change. Please contact us directly to get a detailed description of any of the workshop titles listed below.)
Other New Workshops:
Below are Ana's newest workshop titles based on private client requests.
- Showing Up As Your Best Educator Self and Not Taking Things Personal
- Professional Conduct as an Educator on Social Media and in the Digital World
- Raising Leadership: Setting the Stage for Success with Practicum Students
- Enhancing the Emotional Awareness and Attunement of Educators
- A Collaborative Approach in ECE Settings
- Enhancing Connection and Communication within ECE Settings
- Creating Classrooms that Work: Strategies for Success
- Loose Parts for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers (three part series)
- Reconceptualizing the Meaning of Play in the Early Years
Topic: Educator Wellness, Leadership and Professional Development:
In this section you will find titles of workshops that empower your team strategies to foster an effective, positive and growth-oriented environment.
- Workshop Facilitator Training (6 part series)
- Creating a Positive Outlook within ECE Teams
- Educator Capacity Building: Enhancing Inclusive Environments
- Cultivating a Growth Mindset in Educators
- Nurturing Wellness in Educators
- Advocacy and the Qualities of Professional Educators
- Supporting Emotional and Mental Health Strategies in ECE
Topic: Play Pedagogies and Learning Through Play:
In this section you will find titles of workshops that promote child growth and development through play-based learning and play pedagogies.
- Playful Pathways: Nurturing Growth and Learning Through Play
- A Trauma-Informed Approach to Honouring Play in ECE settings
- Making the Most of Play: How to be a Play Partner as an Educator
- Play Partnering Outside of Your Comfort Zone: Honouring All Types of Play
- Enhancing Play Relationships & Pro-Social Learning in the Early Years
- Exploring Our Image of the Child, Educator, and Learning
- Growing Gardens with Young Children (Best for Spring)
- Cultivating Exploration and Self-Expression Through Artistic Expression
Topic: Observation, Pedagogical Documentation and Inquiry-based Curriculum:
In this section you will find titles of workshops that enhance observation skills and support pedagogical documentation as well as inquiry-based curriculum making.
- Transitioning Out of Theme-Based Curriculum
- Enhancing Observation and Pedagogical Documentation Skills
- Unleashing the Power of Children's Interests Through Documentation
- Creating a Curriculum of Care, Kindness and Empathy
- Exploring Aesthetics and the Environment as the Third Teacher
- Navigating Holidays with Critical Thinking (Best for Fall/Autumn)
- Cultivating a Growth Mindset in Young Children
- Rethinking Childhood Interactions in Natural Spaces
- Exploring the Ethical Use of Screens and Technology in Early Childhood
Topic: Inclusive, Ethical and Relational Practices, Perspectives and Pedagogies:
Support children and families with practices that are inclusive, ethical, relational and trauma-informed.
- Tackling Tough Inclusive and Ethical Topics with Educators (Customizable based on group needs)
- Beyond Passive Inclusion: Supporting and Welcoming All Children and Families
- Letting Children Feel, Think, and Problem Solve
- Bridging Emotional Awareness and Logical Thinking in the Early Years
- Supporting "Challenging Behaviours" Through Relationship-Based Guidance Strategies
- Supporting Newcomer Children and Families in Early Childhood Settings
- Discussing Diversity and Cultural Awareness in ECE
- Helping Children Thrive Through Life Transitions and "Tough Stuff"
- A Gradual Entry Game Plan: Support and Expectations for Parents
- Acting as a Protective Factor for Children who Experience Adversity
Back to Basics Series:
This series is great as individual workshops but also as a community of practice for those who need support getting back to the basics. This series is great for communities where there are many new educators entering the field.
- Joining a New Team: Your Role and Responsibilities as an ECE
- Schedules, Routines, Transitions and Cleaning
- Guiding and Caring Practices with Young Children
- Strengthening Professional Relationships within Teams
- Communication Strategies and Strengthening Relationships with Families
The BC Early Learning Framework:
The titles below belong to workshops that explore the principles and practices of the BC Early Learning Framework.
- Exploring the Revisions, Vision, and Principles
- Exploring the Living Inquiries
- Exploring the Pedagogical Narration Process
- Rethinking the BC Early Learning Framework post 2020 (Newest workshop)
Workshop Topics for Parents
Ana's parenting workshops are underpinned with a deep level of understanding. Her workshops are non-judgemental and encourage attachment and connection. Ana provides strategies on supporting child development through play and supporting emotional awareness through co-regulation.
- Gentle Parenting is Not Permissive Parenting: Finding the Right Balance
- From Surviving to Thriving: Understanding Big Emotions and Behaviours
- Helping Children Learn Through Play
- Gradual Entry into Group Care: Support, Success and Expectations for Parents
- It's the Small Stuff that Matters: Supporting Child Development in Every Day Interactions
- Helping Children Thrive Through the Transition to Kindergarten
- Advocating for Your Child at Day Care, Preschool and/or Primary School
Customized Learning & Topics
Please note that each of the main topics listed above contain multiple training sessions that can be presented individually as a lecture, webinar, or workshop. The sessions can also be customized and combined to create a professional learning series, a course, or a community of practice.
Don't see what you are looking for? Contact us if you want a customized workshop or professional learning community. We offer special pricing when clients book multiple sessions.