2025 SHIFT SPEAKERS

Get to know this year’s fantastic lineup of speakers!

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Marquita Davis

Marquita Furness Davis, Ph.D., is Chief Academic Officer for KinderCare Learning Companies, overseeing curriculum, assessments and research, educator professional development, exceptionalities support, and government advocacy for all brands. She previously served as deputy director of Early Learning at the Gates Foundation and led a major non-profit managing Head Start programs. In Alabama, she held key state roles including director of finance for the state, commissioner for the Department of Children’s Affairs, and state Pre-K director. Dr. Davis holds degrees from Northern Illinois University, Alabama A&M University, and a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education and Development from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Main Stage Speakers

  • Kathy is the Founder and CEO of HINGE Early Education Advisors. Trained as a public accountant, Kathy has a unique 35+ year background in educational operations. Early on, she directed growth management for a growing educational organization helping the company multiply from five to 125 sites operating in several states in the Southeast. In 2003, Kathy formed the early education advisory firm now known as HINGE Advisors where she and her team have successfully aided the sale of more than 300 school transactions.

  • A leader in EY-Parthenon’s Education consulting practice, Phil works across the global education sector with a focus on K-12 and early childhood education. Phil has led numerous strategy and business planning projects for school districts, non-profits, service providers, and private equity firms. He has also conducted market studies and strategic planning projects for some of the largest early childcare providers in the U.S. Phil has 20 years of experience as a teacher, district administrator and consultant to the pK-12 education sector.

  • Malavika is a principal in Ernst & Young LLP’s Education and Government sectors serving ECE organizations, K-12 districts, foundations, curriculum providers and private equity investors. She has worked on engagements including organizational design, grant-making, business planning and financial management. Malavika has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northwestern University and an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MPP from Harvard Kennedy School.

  • Sam Phillips, a founding partner of Vertical Insurance Group, LLC dba Comploy, is the sparkly force shaking up the insurance world for early education businesses. A nationally recognized expert, Sam empowers childcare leaders to take control of their narratives and unlock the insurance coverage they deserve by showcasing what underwriters truly value. A sought-after speaker and powerhouse advocate, Sam is also the author of The Childcare Insurance Playbook: A Guide to Protecting Your Early Education Business—the first and only book dedicated to protecting the backbone of early childhood education with tailored insurance solutions.

  • Kathlyn McHenry is one of two directors of state policy and government relations at ECEC, leading advocacy in eight states. She previously served as a senior policy analyst for the Texas Workforce Commission, overseeing a $3.5 billion child care grant. Before that, she was Associate Director at the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Early Childhood Initiative and worked on early education policy in the U.S. House of Representatives. McHenry holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and is currently employed by Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck.

  • Rachel studied and worked in the child care field for more than 25 years. She is a multi-site owner of three childcare brands, including Discovery Kidzone which she founded in 2009. Rachel has her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Administration. She has been nationally recognized as a teacher and director trainer and is a certified professional development specialist focused in brain-based creative teaching practices and leadership development. Rachel and her business have achieved many awards, including 2020 Innovative Business of the Year, Top 20 Business Leaders Under 40 and Best Daycare and Preschool in Helena.

  • Andy Sherrard is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader, currently serving as the Co-Founder and CEO of O2B Kids in Gainesville, Florida. With a strong background in marketing and human resource program administration, he has dedicated over two decades to building a company that focuses on children's education and development. Andy holds an Executive MBA and a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Florida, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. His leadership style is characterized by innovation and a passion for fostering a positive work environment. He has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the education sector, particularly in early childhood development. Outside of work, Andy is likely to be involved in community initiatives, reflecting his dedication to social responsibility. His long tenure at O2B Kids indicates a strong sense of stability and commitment to his vision.

  • Thad founded his first company, TS Express, and bought his first restaurant at age 21. It quickly grew and he sold to partners after just one year. He went on to purchase his first Golden Corral franchise and became the youngest Golden Corral owner in company history. Since then, Thad has bought, grown and sold more than a dozen successful businesses within the service industry. In 2016, he founded Better Beans to address the need for a turn key provider of brand development, interior design and signage services to support restaurants, childcare and retail clients.

  • Vance Spilman is the Chief Executive Officer of LeafSpring Schools. LeafSpring is a national chain of for-profit preschools which operates 13 schools across the U.S. From July 2012 to May 2015, Mr. Spilman was President of SweetFrog Enterprises, LLC (“SweetFrog”), a national chain of over 300 frozen yogurt retail stores. Prior to joining SweetFrog, he was the Chief Financial Officer of the largest national Five Guy’s Burgers and Fries franchise. Mr. Spilman currently serves on the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Foundation Board and chairs its Investment Committee. He previously served on the boards of the Jamestown/Yorktown Society, St. Catherine’s School, the Nature Conservancy and Theatre IV. Mr. Spilman received his B.A. and M.B.A. degrees from the University of Virginia.

  • Ron is a well-known educator, entrepreneur and visionary as well as the author of "Education Transformation." Previously the long time CEO of K12 Inc—overseeing its growth from conception to almost $1 billion in revenue—Ron has now founded Pansophic Learning, a global, technology-based education company. Ron sits on the Digital Learning Council and has served on the Department of Defense Education Advisory Committee. He has been featured on Bloomberg TV, Forbes and the Washington Post, and he recently named a "Top 20 Dynamic CEO for Leadership During the Pandemic."

  • Sage Schaftel is the Assistant Executive Director of the Early Care and Education Consortium, where she supports strategic planning and drives federal and state policy efforts. She builds relationships with policymakers, keeps members informed of political developments, and mobilizes responses to key issues. Sage also crafts op-eds, comment letters, and unified messaging for the organization. Previously, she worked with former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper’s office and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. She holds a B.A. from Pitzer College and a Master’s in Public Policy from Georgetown University.

  • Jomar Jenkins is Chief Executive Officer and President of Big Blue Marble Academy, a leading early childhood education provider backed by Leeds Equity Partners.  With nearly two decades of experience, he has driven strategic growth, led high-impact M&A, and scaled mission-driven organizations with operational rigor.  He also chairs J.P. Industries, Inc., one of Arizona’s largest AbilityOne affiliates supporting individuals with significant disabilities.  Previously, he held senior growth roles at Mosaic Dental Collective, Cadence Education, and Providence Service Corp, and earlier finance and contracts positions at Raytheon.  Jomar holds BSBA and MBA degrees from the University of Arizona.

  • Dawn Uribe is the CEO and Founder of Mis Amigos Preschool in Minneapolis, where she has dedicated over 20 years to providing children with a safe, nurturing, and innovative learning environment. Through her pioneering Spanish Immersion model, Dawn has helped thousands of families feel confident in their childcare choice while preparing young learners for kindergarten as bilingual, culturally aware students. By 2030, she aspires to impact 100,000 children, equipping them with the foundation for lifelong success.

Breakout Speakers

  • Tameenah Adams is a dynamic HR professional with over 25 years of experience in human resources and fractional consulting. As the founder and CHRO of ChildcareHR, she supports childcare organizations nationwide with HR solutions rooted in leadership, compliance, and culture. Tameenah holds a bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership, SHRM-CP and is a John Maxwell Certified Coach. She is a sought-after speaker known for her engaging style and practical strategies. Her mission is to help leaders “bloom where planted,” building workplaces where teams thrive. With deep expertise and genuine passion, she transforms HR challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

  • Chanie Wilschanski is the founder and CEO of Schools of Excellence, a coaching company that helps school leaders move from doing it all themselves to building the team, systems, and culture that make sustainable growth possible. She’s been in the trenches, taught in the classroom, led schools, and earned a master’s in education while raising a young family. Today, she supports leaders with practical tools and honest conversations to navigate the real, messy work of running a school. A mother of four and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast, Chanie is known for her grounded, relatable approach that honors both vision and humanity.

  • Jared Hall is the CEO and Founder of Intellikid Systems, an enrollment-building software aimed to help streamline childcare centers' marketing and sales processes. As a second-generation childcare professional, Jared knows first-hand what goes into running a sucessful childcare business. Jared's family founded Creative Kids Learning Center, a Las Vegas-based chain of childcare centers, in the 80s and Jared held multiple roles at the school — eventually growing to Marketing Director. It was in this role that he developed the marketing and sales processes that inspired Intellikids Systems.

  • Rudy combines a CPA’s precision with deep legal expertise in business formation, estate planning, and complex tax matters, helping clients navigate challenges and achieve success. He serves on numerous boards, including Austin Capital Bank, Austin-PBS, and the Austin Community Foundation, and holds leadership roles with the University of Texas System and its affiliates. A committed civic leader, Rudy is a past participant in Leadership Austin and the Texas Lyceum. His work has earned honors such as the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year and UT Austin’s Community Leadership Circle Award.

  • Jennifer Conner is a former childcare owner turned industry mentor and now CEO of Child Care Success Company. After transforming her own struggling centers into profitable, systemized businesses that ran without her, she now helps other growth-minded owners do the same. Jennifer specializes in building enrollment systems, empowering leadership teams, and increasing business valuation through intentional growth and sustainable structure. Her mission is to help owners stop surviving and start scaling. With a voice that’s empowering, insightful, and grounded, she proves that freedom is possible in childcare and your business can thrive whether you’re in the building… or building what’s next. 

  • Dr. Teri DeLucca is the Founder & CEO of Impact Early Education. Impact helps owners/ directors lead successful schools & provides teachers with effective strategies & solutions. Dr. DeLucca has a dual PhD in educational psychology & previously worked as a research scientist focused on early intervention & social-emotional development. She successfully operated privately owned centers where she reduced staff turnover,improved school culture & expanded business growth- however the aspect she found most rewarding was coaching & leading her team. The combination of her expertise & experiences give her unique insight into the need for effective PD that disrupts the status quo and evokes change in schools. She founded Impact Early Education in 2020 & the team now serves preschool owners, directors, & teachers across the world. She is a published author, recognized speaker, and her work & volunteer efforts have been recognized by multiple awards and recognitions.

  • Aleta Mechtel is a trusted business strategist and founder with over 21 years of experience owning and operating successful childcare centers. She continues to run her substitute teacher placement company that supports early education centers by solving one of their most persistent problems: staffing. Her firsthand knowledge of the childcare world, combined with her expertise in marketing, operations, and leadership development, makes her a powerful guide for business owners and leaders looking to grow with purpose.

  • Sydney is a third-generation visionary in her family’s business, Kids 'R' Kids, bringing over a decade of experience in early childhood education. Passionate about creating spaces where children feel safe, loved, and inspired, she leads with heart and purpose. With a deep-rooted belief in the power of strong values, meaningful relationships, and playful learning, Sydney continues to champion a legacy of quality care and innovation.

  • Tym Smith began working in the Early Education field in 1986. After spending several years in the classroom, he advanced to fill various positions including Education Specialist, Director and Regional Director. Over the past 20 years, Tym has spent thousands of hours training educators and leaders across the country at local and national conferences. In 2007, Tym started "Tym the Trainer", a training company dedicated to quality and diversity for Early Education programs. Tym owned six early education programs in Texas and is a two term past president of the Texas Licensed Child Care Association. Tym is a member of the Texas Trainers Registry and currently serves on the board of directors for the Association for Early Learning Leaders. Tym is also a Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor, A Jon Gordon Certified Instructor, and a Certified Life is Good Playmaker!

  • Jennifer Duffield is the Co-Founder of Dancing Moose Montessori School.  She is known for turning ideas into action and elevating experiences for children, families, and team members. Guided by principles of servant leadership and extreme ownership, she supercharges her school through initiatives such as developing a MACTE-certified Montessori teacher education program, building iconic community events, and launching a technology company to improve community engagement. With two decades of leadership experience, she focuses on strong teams, family engagement, and intentional actions that drive team and family retention while shaping a thriving, connected school community.