CCDF Family Conference: The Power of Parenting

CCDF Family Conference: The Power of Parenting
Posted on 08/04/2025
This is the image for the news article titled CCDF Family Conference: The Power of ParentingRegister today to attend the first-ever Family Conference hosted by the Child Care Development Fund, a program of the Early Childhood Education Center at Salt River Schools! Learn great information and take home amazing resources! Scroll down to see information about our speakers and presenters!

The Power of Parenting is a FREE, day-long event that will focus on building parenting relationships and is open to all families that have children 12 and younger who are enrolled (or are eligible to be enrolled) in a federally recognized tribe.

The event is Saturday, Sept. 20, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Talking Stick Resort. Childcare and/or alternative childcare is available; more information will be shared with those who register. Registration must be submitted by Sept. 10

Click here to view the flyer.



MEET OUR SPEAKERS

Wynonna Toeaina honors her culture by acknowledging her people, homeland, and life-givers. She comes from her mother’s Sicangu Lakota people of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe; her father is Hidatsa from the Three Affiliated Tribes, and her stepmother is Dakota from the Spirit Tribe. Wynonna considers herself fortunate to have been raised on the reservation of Puyallup Tribe of Indians in Tacoma, Washington. Growing up in a large and blended family presented its own unique set of challenges - experiences Wynonna now credits for preparing her for the journey that lay ahead.   Fostering children at an early age was the catalyst behind Wynonna’s deep dive into trauma-informed caregiving. She was introduced to Conscious Discipline while working as an early intervention behavior assistant in a tribal program that served families with children ages birth to six. This work, alongside fostering, provided six years of deep experience implementing, coaching, and presenting Conscious Discipline for caregivers, families, and tribal communities.   Wynonna and her husband have six children, ages 3 to 18. She helps two of her daughters navigate autism, which fuels her fervent advocacy for families with special needs. Wynonna is committed to personal and professional growth and is thrilled to widen her ability to share the healing and beneficial practices of Conscious Discipline with diverse and tribal communities in her position as a Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor.

Monte Yazzie holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Northern Arizona University and has served as the SRPMIC Injury Prevention Coordinator for the past nine years.  Monte works to improve the  Community’s health status and reduce unintentional injuries through Elder Fall Prevention Yoga and Tai Chi, Child Passenger Safety, Opioid Drug Abuse Prevention, and other vital programming.

Rachel Golightly is the Information & Research Specialist at the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. She supports the development and delivery of evidence-based training, monitors publicly reported SBS cases, and collaborates with families and professionals to provide resources and strengthen prevention efforts.  Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Utah State University and is dedicated to supporting children and families through education, outreach, and advocacy. This presentation provides an overview of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), including its mechanics, symptoms, outcomes, and historical context. It also covers normal infant crying, soothing and coping strategies, and how to apply this knowledge in professional settings with children and families.

Dr. Isela Garcia has spent over 30 years working alongside children, families, and educators as a teacher, program leader, and consultant. She brings humor, heart, and deep respect into her work, always reminding others of the strength and wisdom that lives within every child and family.  Isela specializes in the impact of trauma and is passionate about supporting children’s social and emotional development, creating safe and joyful learning environments, and helping adults recognize the powerful role they play in shaping young lives.  Beyond her professional work, Isela and her husband of 35 years are the proud parents to a 17-year-old AuDHD (autistic and ADHD) daughter. Her family keeps her grounded in love, laughter, and the everyday lessons that matter most.

Hope Kirsch is a licensed special education teacher and attorney. She advises and represents students and their families throughout Arizona in all school-related matters and disputes.   Prior to her law career, Hope was a special education teacher and school administrator for 18 years in the New York City public schools in settings ranging from self-contained classes to special education day schools and hospital programs. She supervised and trained special education teachers in teaching strategies, curriculum development, IEPs, and behavior management.  Hope graduated from Boston University with a B.S. in special education, New York University with an M.A.(Ed.) in special education, earned, 30+ post-graduate credits in educational supervision and administration, and obtained her law degree from Brooklyn Law School. She is admitted before the state and Federal District courts in Arizona and New York and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. She is AV-rated. Most importantly, Hope is the proud aunt to a young man on the spectrum.

Valerie Tsosie is a strategic visionary leader and the founder of the So' Tsoh Foundation, a Navajo non-profit organization dedicated to supporting cross-generational caregivers in and around the Navajo Nation. Her energetic leadership style brings joy and progress to all those she serves.  The So' Tsoh Foundation offers comprehensive programs, specialty services, resources, and support to address general wellness concerns and empower Native people to experience a better quality of life. Valerie's dedication to her community is further exemplified by her participation in events, such as the Caregiver Nation Summit 2024, where she delivered a talk on "The Older Americans Act: Creating Caregiver-Friendly Communities," providing Native perspectives on caregiving.  Through her unwavering commitment and innovative initiatives, Valerie continues to make a significant impact on the lives of caregivers.

Deon Mitchell is a mother, artist, illustrator, and educator. She is the creator of K’aalogii Kisses. K’aalogii means butterfly in the Diné language.   Originally from Chinle, Ariz., Deon’s art pays tribute to her upbringing on the Navajo Nation. The strength, resiliency, and beauty of both her Diné and Black cultures radiates through all she does.  Along with original paintings, Deon also facilitates expressive art workshops, which include watercolor and acrylic painting; working with clay, paper sculptures, and puppets; storytelling and journaling; and early childhood literacy lessons with a focus on Indigenous authors and illustrators.

Michelle Saint Hilarie
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