• Meet the Team Behind
    Connection at the Heart of Practice

    Meet the early childhood professionals behind the 2026 Connection at the Heart of Practice International Online Conference. Created by educators, for educators, this event brings together practical early childhood professional development, nervous system awareness, relationship-centred practice, intentional pedagogy and meaningful reflection.

  • Why We Created This Conference

    Early childhood educators, teachers and leaders carry significant responsibility. Alongside supporting children’s learning and development, educators are navigating increasing expectations, complex behaviours, team pressures, documentation requirements and the emotional demands of relationship-based work.

    Connection at the Heart of Practice was created to offer something more than another day of passive online training. It was designed as an opportunity for early childhood professionals to pause, reconnect with their purpose and explore practical approaches that support children, educators, families and teams.

    Through presentations, guided reflection, professional conversation and moments for self-care, the conference explores connection, co-regulation, behaviour guidance, educator wellbeing, play-based learning, intentional teaching and reflective practice.

  • Every decision was made with educators in mind—from the timing and ticket options to the presentation length, reflection breaks and overall flow of the day.

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    Behind the Conference

    Thoughtfully Planned Across Australia

    Working across Western Australia and New South Wales, Janine Kelly, Kristel Yangco and Renee Morrow came together through a series of Zoom planning meetings to shape the conference experience.

    Together, they discussed the timing of the event, ticket options, presentation lengths, reflection breaks, international participation and the overall flow of the day. Their planning was grounded in one central question:

    What will create the greatest value for educators?

    The conference was designed to maximise opportunities for early childhood educators, teachers, educational leaders, directors, students and sector professionals across Australia and around the world to attend, participate and connect.

  • Planning decisions

    Accessible Online Learning

    The online format reduces travel barriers and creates opportunities for educators to participate from Australia and internationally.

    Thoughtful Conference Timing

    Presentation lengths and breaks were carefully considered to create a day that feels purposeful, engaging and manageable.

    Meaningful Ticket Options

    Ticket choices were discussed with affordability, professional learning value and the needs of individuals and early childhood services in mind.

    Complementary Presenters

    Speakers were selected for the different knowledge, experience and practical insights they bring to connection, regulation, guidance and reflection.

    Educator Wellbeing

    The program includes space to pause, regulate and reflect because meaningful professional learning should support the person as well as their practice.

    Global Participation

    The conference brings together early childhood professionals from different locations, roles and perspectives through one connected online experience.

  • Meet the Conference Team

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    "Connection sits at the heart of our daily 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.

    —Janine Kelly

    CEO Of SSPD

    Founder of the SSPD Conference

    Author of The Connected Child

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    Sector Leader and Advocate

    Kristel Yangco is an experienced early childhood professional with over 15 years of experience in the sector. She works with 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.

    — Kristel Yangco

    Early Childhood Teacher

    RTO Trainer and Assessor

    Early Childhood Background

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    Passionate about Early Learning

    With experience across a range of early childhood settings, Renee Morrow 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.

    — Renee Morrow

    Early Childhood Educator

    Educational Leader

    Family Daycare Owner

  • Now that you've met the team behind the conference, discover the inspiring presenters who will share practical strategies, evidence-informed ideas and lived experience to strengthen your early childhood practice. Each presentation has been carefully designed to leave you with meaningful insights, renewed confidence and practical approaches you can take back to your team, your service and the children you support.

  • Ready to join us?

    Be part of a day of inspiration, practical strategies and meaningful conversations with educators from around the world.

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