Angie Blekic

Dylan Whittemore and Angie Blekic are Resource Consultants with KW Habilitation. They have been working in the field of Early Learning for many years and always strive to provide steadfast and compassionate support for Children, Families, Educators and all the Caring Adults in the lives of children. Dylan and Angie have both completed training in FLIP IT from the Devereux Centre for Resilient Children and have been passionately delivering the FLIP IT message with child care programs across our region.

Ce Cil Kim

Ce Cil Kim (she/her) is a Professor of Early Childhood Education at George Brown College and Centennial College. She has over ten years of experience in the early years sector and holds an MA in Education, a BSSc in Political Science, and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

She began her career as a Registered Early Childhood Educator at George Brown College Lab Schools, where she worked with inner-city communities for twelve years. Ce Cil’s work focuses on developing, evaluating, and revising Play-Based, Emergent, and Anti-Bias curricula.

Her professional activities include collaborating with families, fostering inclusive environments, and supporting children with various abilities. For nine years, she has developed and taught courses such as Curriculum Theory, Foundations of Early Childhood Education, Anti-Racism in the Early Years, and Working With Families.

pCe Cil worked with the College of Early Childhood Educators, where she held the position of Disciplinary Committee Chair, and contributed to policy and ethics development. Her research areas are Trauma-Informed Practice and Educators’ Well-Being, with interests in Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles in early years education. She also co-develops and facilitates DEI and Anti-Racism workshops for the ECE sector.

Ce Cil is currently on her PhD journey where her research includes exploring Trauma-Informed Practice and Decolonization of the Early Years.

Chef Destiny Moser

Chef Destiny Moser is the owner of FoodZen, a personal chef and pre-made meal business in Waterloo Region. FoodZen's goal is to bring zen to busy family schedules, assist professionals in a better work/life balance, and help seniors maintain their independence by providing locally made, healthy and delicious food.

As an Indigenous chef, and growing up surrounded by a farming family, Chef Destiny's focus is to create meals that are hyper-local and ultra-seasonal. Her farm-to-table approach supports many local businesses and favours whole foods over processed ones. She works closely with the Indigenous community and provides teaching and workshop experiences for others to learn about not only Indigenous food but about healthy eating, food sovereignty and sustainability.

In October 2022, with the rising interest in the Indigenous culture in Canada, Chef Destiny partnered with Bingemans to open Cedar Spoon Indigenous Catering. With Cedar Spoon, her goal is to showcase the Indigenous foods of Canada prior to the settlers while continuing her own healing and reconciliation journey.

Website: foodzen.ca

IG and FB: @foodzen.ca

Dylan Whittemore

Dylan Whittemore and Angie Blekic are Resource Consultants with KW Habilitation. They have been working in the field of Early Learning for many years and always strive to provide steadfast and compassionate support for Children, Families, Educators and all the Caring Adults in the lives of children. Dylan and Angie have both completed training in FLIP IT from the Devereux Centre for Resilient Children and have been passionately delivering the FLIP IT message with child care programs across our region.

Gail Hunter

Gail Hunter (she/her) is a retired Professor of Early Childhood Education (ECE), recognized for her expertise in social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and anti-racism. With an academic background spanning Social and Political Thought, Early Childhood Education, and the Psychology of Human Relationships, she brings 44 years of experience to the ECE sector, including 37 years as an educator and 33 years at George Brown College. During her tenure, she developed significant initiatives, including the Fast Track ECE Diploma, the Bachelor of ECE Honours Degree, while also fostering international collaborations, particularly with Caribbean governments, and establishing global field placement opportunities.

Her professional journey encompasses starting up a non-profit childcare centre, serving as Childcare Supervisor, an ECE, and an Early Child Care Advisor with the Toronto School Board. She possesses extensive knowledge in play-based curriculum development, creating DEI-focused learning environments, supporting ECE well-being, Pedagogical Leadership, and cultivating strong family partnerships. Gail has authored anti-racism training materials, contributed to the creation of virtual reality EDI tools, and played an advisory role in creating an Africentric ECE and Anti-Racism programs in Nova Scotia. She currently co-leads DEI and anti-racism workshops and remains actively engaged in the sector by holding positions on Boards and Advisory committees.

Katie Money

Katie Money and Tina Gaudin are Resource Consultants with KW Habilitation who have worked in the Early Learning field for many years in support of Children, Families and Educators with a focus on inclusion, child development, and community. Katie and Tina have completed the Building Your Bounce training through the Devereux Centre for Resilient Children, and are deeply invested in supporting the well-being of Educators, Caregivers and Caring Adults.

Kristin Tyrer

Kristin Tyrer is Ililiwiskwew, a Cree woman from Moose Cree First Nation, who currently resides in Brantford, ON. Kristin has her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Nipissing University and a Bachelor of Arts in Aboriginal Adult Education from Brock University . Currently Kristin works as an Indigenous Learning Consultant for the Centre for Indigenous Professional Learning. She also has experience working with Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg as a cultural safety resource developer/facilitator. Additionally, she has spent the past fifteen years working within the Indigenous Community of Hamilton in various roles. Her passion for the revitalization of traditional Indigenous practices has driven her desire to support the Indigenous community. Indigenous Ceremony is an integral part of Kristin’s life. Walking the path in a good way, healing and integrating the teachings of her Elders is how Kristin dedicates her commitment to this work in supporting others.

Lorrie McGee

With over 40 years of dedication to early childhood education, Lorrie McGee is a transformative leader whose impact resonates across Canada and beyond. Her career spans roles from educator to faculty member, enriching her deep understanding of the sector. She empowers educators and organizations to strengthen leadership and elevate pedagogical practices, championing reflective learning and meaningful dialogue.
As a respected thought leader and published author, Lorrie has co-authored influential works including Creating a Culture of Reflective Practice, which continues to shape professional development across the field. Her recent work includes partnering on initiatives that support infant and early years mental health, deepening the sector’s understanding of relational care and emotional well-being in the earliest stages of life.
Lorrie’s voice continues to shape policy, inspire professional growth, and foster inclusive, nurturing environments for both children and adults—making her a vital force in the evolution of early learning.

Madelaine McCallum

Madelaine McCallum is a gifted dancer, energy mover, facilitator, and MC — a true, multi-faceted creative. Originally from Treaty 10 in a Metis community called Ile a la Crosse, Saskatchewan and brings passion with a gentle yet powerful presence to the stage.

Her journey has not always been easy, but Madelaine's story is one of resilience and transformation. Leaving her home community with a commitment to breaking the cycles of addiction, her experiences are a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. This personal growth informs her work, whether she is inspiring audiences as a energy mover or connecting with others through her captivating dance performances. As a dancer, Madelaine embodies an authentic connection that resonates deeply with audiences, blending grace and raw emotion. As a speaker and facilitator, she creates an atmosphere of inclusivity, encouraging others to tap into their own potential and self-belief. With her ability to weave powerful stories, both on and off the stage, she helps others feel the invisible threads of connection that bind us all, offering hope, healing, and the reminder that we are enough, as we are.

Nancy Baverstock

Based in Hamilton, Nancy Baverstock, RECE is a passionate and dedicated Registered Early Childhood Educator. She currently serves as the Program Lead for Quality and Professional Learning Consultant at Affiliated Services for Children and Youth. She strongly believes in the importance of play, exploration, and social-emotional development in the early years.

Nancy is also deeply committed to mentorship and capacity building within the early learning sector. She supports educators through coaching, reflective practice, and collaborative learning opportunities, helping them grow professionally and enhance the quality of care and education they provide.

Rusty Keeler

From Tasmania to Texas, Rusty Keeler has spent the past 30 years traveling the world designing natural play environments and championing children’s right to play. A pioneer in the global movement to connect children with nature, Rusty inspires educators, communities, and change-makers to reimagine what’s possible for outdoor play. Described as a cross between Mr. Rogers and Jerry Garcia, Rusty is a beloved keynote speaker and the author of several influential books, including Adventures in Risky Play: What is Your Yes? He currently serves as Vice President of the USA chapter of the International Play Association. Rusty lives with his family beside a creek in Ithaca, NY.

Shel Secrett

Shel Secrett, RECE (she/her) is currently a constituency assistant in the office of Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife, but previously spent 23 years working passionately in child care as a registered early childhood educator in the Region of Waterloo. She is a Forest and Nature School Practitioner, and worked at Emmanuel at Brighton Child Care for 16 years, embracing an outdoor and land-based curriculum philosophy. Shel is very involved in Waterloo Region’s vibrant 2SLGBTQAI+ community by hosting fundraisers, raising awareness and empowering people to be who they are. Shel believes that all children need to see a reflection of themselves and their families in early childhood programs and that one small action towards accepting and celebrating our differences leads to another. She has taught in the ECE program at Conestoga College and also has been a pedagogical consultant at the Early Childhood Professional Resource Centre in Kitchener and with the County of Wellington. Shel presents her dynamic workshops at professional development events and conferences throughout Ontario and Manitoba on the topics of Rainbow Families, 2SLGBTQAI+ History, Gender Splendour – Supporting Gender Creative Children, Celebrating Pride, Mandalas for Children and Self-Care for Educators.

Shannon Murphy

Shannon Murphy, a proud member of the Mohawk Bear Clan from Six Nations with Irish heritage, is the Provincial Manager for the Ontario Aboriginal Head Start Association’s Centre for Professional Learning. With over 20 years of experience, Shannon is a passionate leader in community engagement, early learning, advocacy, human resources, and capacity building. She is dedicated to fostering healing, wellness, and systemic change within Indigenous communities. Grounded in the principle of reciprocity, Shannon collaborates on initiatives across local, provincial, and national levels, inspiring others to honour Indigenous worldviews, strengthen relationships, and build a future rooted in respect and collective well-being.

Dr. Shelley Moore, Ph.D. Advocate for Inclusive Education • Award-Winning Researcher • Dynamic Educator 

Dr. Shelley Moore, an inspiring educator whose journey from student to scholar has transformed the landscape of inclusive learning.
Dr. Moore is a teacher, researcher, speaker, and storyteller with deep expertise in inclusive and special education, curriculum design, and professional development. She collaborates with school districts and community organizations across Canada and around the world to support evidence-based, practical approaches that increase access for all learners.
Her personal path through education—one that didn’t always feel like a perfect fit—ignited her passion for inclusion. After earning her bachelor's degree in special education from the University of Alberta, Shelley packed a bag and set off for New York City to begin her teaching career. She later settled in Vancouver, BC, supporting students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and pursuing advanced studies.
Shelley holds a master's degree from Simon Fraser University and a Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia, where her award-winning research focused on helping teachers make secondary academic content accessible for students with intellectual disabilities. Through her work, she brings both lived experience and scholarly insight to the ongoing movement for equitable education.
Dr. Moore offers a range of opportunities for learning—whether at the classroom, school, district, or systems level—and she's always eager to connect. Her message is clear and powerful: inclusion isn’t a strategy; it’s a mindset.

Stephanie Weaver

Stephanie Weaver is a Resource Consultant at KW Habilitation with over 10 years of experience in the early learning sector. Specializing in early learning and the Francophone community, with a strong commitment to supporting inclusive and developmentally appropriate practices for young children. With extensive experience working alongside educators, families, and community partners, she helps create environments that promote equitable access and meaningful participation for all children. Her work focuses on building capacity through coaching, collaboration, and evidence-based strategies. At today’s session, Stephanie will introduce “FLIP IT!”—a simple, four-step strategy that helps children manage challenging behaviours through Feelings, Limits, Inquiries, and Prompts. This practical approach empowers educators to respond with empathy and structure, helping children build emotional regulation and problem-solving skills.

Tina Gaudin

Katie Money and Tina Gaudin are Resource Consultants with KW Habilitation who have worked in the Early Learning field for many years in support of Children, Families and Educators with a focus on inclusion, child development, and community. Katie and Tina have completed the Building Your Bounce training through the Devereux Centre for Resilient Children, and are deeply invested in supporting the well-being of Educators, Caregivers and Caring Adults.

Tracy Rees

Tracy Rees has been an owner/operator of a licensed childcare centre for 23 years, and more recently became the Executive Director after transitioning the original childcare centre to a not-for-profit. Her most important role is mother and grandmother, but is an educator through and through! She has graduated with her Master of Education and believes that it takes a strong community to support one another in today's world.