Keynotes & Workshops

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 NEW 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) 

Keynote Option 1: The Power Of Play In An Uncertain World

In this very timely, insightful and forward thinking keynote, Ana expands her TEDx emphasizing the importance and the power of play in an uncertain world. Research consistently shows that play is essential to healthy child development and that the brain develops rapidly in the first 5 years of life. But, play is so much more, it's how children make meaning of their world and how we can best prepare them for an unknown world. The world our children will inherit is filled with uncertainty. But protecting play is not just about protecting fun, it is about protecting the future of humanity. Imagine if instead of passing on pressure, we pass on play. Children will get to grow up without shame for doing exactly what they should be doing young children and that is play. This keynote provides participants (parents, educators, teachers and a broader audience) with the validation and empowerment to honour the critical need for more play in early childhood.

Keynote Option 2: 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 Option 3: What Children Need To Thrive: Relationships, Play & Environments

In this heartfelt keynote, Ana shares stories 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 Option 4: What Educators Need to Thrive: Caring for the Caregiver

In this care-filled 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.)

NEW Workshops:

Below are Ana's newest workshop titles based on private client requests.

• Showing Up As Your Best ECE 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 or individual)
• Reconceptualizing the Meaning of Play in the Early Years

Educator Wellness & Professional Development

Empowering educators with strategies for growth, wellness, and professional excellence

• NEW: Showing Up As Your Best ECE Self and Not Taking Things Personal
• Creating a Positive Outlook within ECE Teams
• Cultivating a Growth Mindset in Educators
• Nurturing Wellness in Educators
• Supporting Emotional and Mental Health Strategies in ECE
• Advocacy and the Qualities of Professional Educators
• NEW:  Professional Conduct as an Educator on Social Media and in the Digital World
• NEW:  Enhancing the Emotional Awareness and Attunement of Educators

Leadership & Team Collaboration

Building strong teams and developing leadership capacity

• Workshop Facilitator Training (6 part series)
• NEW: Raising Leadership: Setting the Stage for Success with Practicum Students
• NEW: A Collaborative Approach in ECE Settings
• Strengthening Professional Relationships within Teams
• NEW: Enhancing Connection and Communication within ECE Settings
• Educator Capacity Building: Enhancing Inclusive Environments

Play Pedagogies & Learning Through Play

Promoting child growth and development through play-based learning

• Playful Pathways: Nurturing Growth and Learning Through Play
• NEW: Reconceptualizing the Meaning of Play in the Early Years
• 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
• NEW: Loose Parts for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers (individual or 3 part series)

Curriculum & Documentation

Observation, pedagogical documentation, and 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 Our Image of the Child, Educator, and Learning
• Exploring Aesthetics and the Environment as the Third Teacher
• Navigating Holidays with Critical Thinking (Best for Fall/Autumn)

Child Development & Learning Environments

Creating supportive environments and understanding child development

• NEW: Creating Classrooms that Work: Strategies for Success
• Cultivating a Growth Mindset in Young Children
• Growing Gardens with Young Children (Best for Spring)
• Cultivating Exploration and Self-Expression Through Artistic Expression
• Rethinking Childhood Interactions in Natural Spaces
• Exploring the Ethical Use of Screens and Technology in Early Childhood

Inclusive & Relational Practices

Inclusive, ethical, trauma-informed, and relationship-based approaches

• Tackling Tough Topics with Educators (DEI, Anti-bias & Anti-racist Perspectives)
• Supporting "Challenging Behaviours" Through Relationship-Based Guidance Strategies
• Discussing Diversity and Cultural Awareness in ECE
• Letting Children Feel, Think, and Problem Solve
• Bridging Emotional Awareness and Logical Thinking in the Early Years
• Helping Children Thrive Through Life Transitions and "Tough Stuff"
• Acting as a Protective Factor for Children who Experience Adversity

Family Partnerships

Building strong relationships with families and supporting transitions

• Communication Strategies and Strengthening Relationships with Families
• A Gradual Entry Game Plan: Support and Expectations for Parents
• Supporting Newcomer Children and Families in Early Childhood Setting
• Beyond Passive Inclusion: Supporting and Welcoming All Children and Families

NEW: Back to Basics Series

Foundational skills for new and returning educators. These can be presented as a series or individually

• NEW: Joining a New Team: Your Role and Responsibilities as an ECE
• Schedules, Routines, Transitions and Cleaning
• Guiding and Caring Practices with Young Children
• NEW: Strengthening Professional Relationships within Teams
• Communication Strategies and Strengthening Relationships with Families

BC Early Learning Framework

Exploring 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

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