In a profession where expectations continue to grow, it can be easy to lose sight of what matters most.
This conference has been created to bring educators back to connection; with children, with colleagues, with families, and with themselves as professionals.
Because connection sits at the heart of practice.
Janine Kelly
Keynote Speaker
Conference Founder
The Connected Child:
Why Connection Sits at the Heart of Practice
Janine Kelly is an Early Childhood Teacher, trainer, consultant, and author of The Connected Child. With over 30 years of experience across Australia and Canada, Janine is passionate about supporting educators to create relationship-centred environments where children and educators thrive. As the founder of STEPPING STONES Professional Development for ECEs, her work focuses on connection, regulation, reflective practice, intentional pedagogy, and supporting educators to translate theory into meaningful everyday practice.
Kristel Yangco
Conference Host & Reflection Facilitator
Sector Leader and Adovate
Kristel is an experienced early childhood professional with over 15 years of experience in the sector. She leads a team of trainers within a Western Australian RTO and is passionate about supporting educator growth, reflective practice, and quality interactions. Throughout the conference, Kristel will guide attendees through reflective discussions, introduce presenters, and help create a meaningful and engaging learning experience.
Renee Morrow
Conference Supporter &
Panel Guest
Early Childhood Educator, Educational Leader, and
Family Day Care
With experience across a range of early childhood settings, Renee brings a practical and reflective approach to supporting children's learning, wellbeing, and development. Her work is grounded in building strong relationships, fostering inclusive environments, and empowering children to thrive.
At the STEPPING STONES Online Conference, Renee will be supporting attendees throughout the day and joining our panel discussion, sharing insights from her experiences in both centre-based and family day care settings
Kelly Davis
Featured Guest Presenter
Self-Care Through a Nervous System Lens
Kelly Davis is a Spinal Flow Practitioner who is passionate about supporting wellbeing, self-care, and nervous system regulation. In this session, Kelly will explore the importance of self-care for early childhood professionals and share practical strategies to support wellbeing in a demanding profession.
ANGELA MAY, M.Ed.
Guest Presenter
Beauty, Meaning & Space to Breathe:
The Environment as a Pedagogy of Connection
Angela May, M.Ed., is a pedagogist, educational leader, and Department Chair of the Faculty of Childhood Mental Health and Well-Being at Canopy College, Canada. Drawing on relationship-centred practice and the educational philosophy of Reggio Emilia, Angela invites educators to reflect on how beauty, meaning, attentiveness, and space to breathe can support connection, belonging, wellbeing, and learning. This session will inspire participants to reconsider the role of the environment as a powerful pedagogy of connection.
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