Speakers

 

EYC Conference 2022 speakers

As a conference attendee you benefit from some of the brightest minds in the Early Childhood community as they present sessions on various topics on Early Childhood development.

Meet our Keynote and Capnote speakers
EYC Speaker Adolph Brown
Servant Leader/ Author/ Humorist/ Master Teacher
Adolph Brown, Ph.D. Attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia and graduated with a doctorate in psychology. He is the Founder, President, and CEO of The Leadership & Learning Institute.
EYC Susan B Neuman
Professor in Early Literacy Development
Susan B. Neuman, Ed.D. is a specialist in early literacy development; whose research and teaching interests include early childhood policy, curriculum, and early reading instruction for children who live in poverty.
EYC Jim Gill
Music Play for All Young Children
Jim Gill, M.Ed., is a musician and author with singular credentials among children’s artists. Jim spent twenty years directing programs in music play for families with children with special needs in the Chicago area.
Kelly Wilson, Speaker for the Early Years Conference
The Importance of Investing and Shaping Children's Behavior
Kelly is a coach, mentor, trainer, and mom to four children with special needs. Her specialty is in bringing the knowledge from research and effectively implementing it in practice.

Keynote and Capnote speaker bios

Opening Keynote - Dr. Adolph Brown, Ph.D.

Adolph Brown, Ph.D. Attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia and graduated with a doctorate in psychology. He is the Founder, President, and CEO of The Leadership & Learning Institute. Dr. Brown, aka "The World's Greatest Edu-tainer" is an internationally renowned master educator, character education leader, management/sales consultant, educational and clinical psychologist, author, researcher, entrepreneur, and a recognized authority in the fields of educational excellence and leadership development. He writes and teaches from a unique perspective of an experienced, passionate and award-winning educator, an innovative and effective business leader, an engaging consultant, and is devoted to positive human development.

Dr. Brown has become one of the world’s most popular speakers with his unique ability to inform as well as entertain. He is famous for his practical toolkit and loved for his inspirational messages. For a complete bio: https://www.docspeaks.com/dr-adolph-brown-best-corporate-keynote-speaker-top-k-12-education-speakers-master-teacher

Wednesday Keynote - Susan B. Neuman, Ph.D.

Susan B. Neuman, Ph.D. is a specialist in early literacy development; whose research and teaching interests include early childhood policy, curriculum, and early reading instruction for children who live in poverty. In her role as the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, Ms. Neuman established the Early Reading First program, developed the Early Childhood Educator Professional Development Program, and was responsible for all activities in Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Act. She has written more than 100 articles, and authored and edited eleven books, Giving Our Children a Fighting Chance: Poverty, Literacy, and the Development of Information Capitol.  (Teachers College Press, 2012). She received her doctorate from University of the Pacific, Stockton, California.

Wednesday Keynote - Kelly Wilson, M.A., ECC

Kelly Wilson, M.A., ECC is a coach, mentor, trainer, and mom to four children with special needs. Her specialty is in bringing the knowledge from research and effectively implementing it in practice - bridging the gap between research and practice. She is published in peer-reviewed journals for her work with challenging behaviors and is co-author of two books. Kelly’s personal and professional experience in the areas of:  
 

  • Challenging Behaviors & Behavior Management
  • Social and Emotional Competencies
  • Teaching Pyramid Model
  • Effective Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices (EBP)
  • Special Education & General Education
Capnote - Jim Gill, M.Ed.

Jim McGill M.Ed., is a musician and author with singular credentials among  children’s artists. Jim spent twenty years directing programs in music play for families with  children with special needs in the Chicago area. His particular writing style—combining word play and movement opportunities into songs—was developed through this work. Jim completed his graduate studies in child development at the Erikson Institute of Chicago with a special emphasis on the study of play. His work experience and studies have led Jim to create each of his recordings and books as an opportunity for playful interactions between a child and a caring adult.  

Jim has released ten award-winning CDs of music play for young children that are favorites in family rooms, classrooms and playrooms. Jim is also the author of two children’s books. Over the years he has received five awards from the American Library Association for his releases. 

Over the years Jim has shared his expertise and ideas on music, play and literacy with organizations such as Head Start, The National Association for the Education of Young Children, The National Association for Family Child Care and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.