Introducing Our Conference Speakers

September 29, 2021

Daniel Hodgins


Daniel Hodgins is an exceptional international presenter and author of two popular released books titled: Boys: Changing the Classroom, Not the Child and GET OVER IT: Relearning Guidance Practices. As a consultant, he has a unique grasp of children and family issues learned from over 36 years of experience working as a teacher, director, educator, and parent in both The private and public sectors. In addition to his work as a Consultant, Daniel has worked as a Director of a Child Development Centre; A Teacher in a Parent-Child Cooperative Nursery School; a teacher in elementary school, and most recently as coordinator of early childhood education at Mott Community College, in Flint, Michigan. He has given keynotes, seminars, and presentations in over 48 states, Canada, Europe, and Asia.


Cara Milne


Cara Milne is the owner of M-Powered Planning Ltd, an award-winning business that has been promoting positive and valuable roles for people who are vulnerable for over 18 years. Cara provides training and consulting that is innovative and practical for both agencies and families. Cara’s books and training seminars encourage staff and families to see the strengths of their existing services, and simple strategies that create positive changes in the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Cara’s positive and energetic approach supports both common sense and sustainable change. Cara is the proud author of the popular book Building Community; Practical ways to build communities for people who are vulnerable. Her second highly anticipated book Noticed, Known and Missed; Strategies to support purpose and connection was just launched in December.


Gigi Schweikert


Gigi Schweikert is CEO of Lightbridge Academy overseeing 60 open centers in seven states. Gigi is an international thought leader in early Childhood Education and supervision. With 30 years of experience and 18 published books, in three languages, Gigi has appeared on CBS, NBC, Fox, and The Wall Street Journal Lunch Hour News. Ms. Schweikert has been quoted in The New Times, Entrepreneur, and Forbes. 


Ms. Schweikert was the former Director of the United Nations Childcare Centre. Gigi developed and managed on-site employer-sponsored Childcare programs for Fortune 500 companies including, Johnson & Johnson, Bank of America, and SC Johnson Wax. Gigi was the host of the TV show, “Today’s Family,” but her greatest accomplishment is being the mother of her four children.

SEE THE SPEAKER LINEUP

Culture Is Not a Staff Problem—It's a Leadership System

By Jennifer Bulmer • June 17, 2026
When workplace culture begins to struggle, it's easy to focus on individual behaviours: a staff member who resists change, a team member who gossips, a difficult conversation that never seems to get resolved, or a general lack of accountability and teamwork. While these situations certainly affect culture, they are rarely the root cause. In many cases, culture challenges are actually system challenges.
Tired woman at a desk with office equipment, resting her head in her hands while looking at paperwork.

The Hidden Cost of Running Your Centre From Memory

By Jennifer Bulmer • June 17, 2026
Most childcare leaders are carrying far more information than they realize. From upcoming deadlines and licensing requirements to parent concerns, staff follow-up, programming plans, maintenance issues, inventory needs, inspection schedules, and medical information—the list never seems to end. Over time, many leaders become the sole place where all of this information lives. If someone needs an answer, they ask the director. If something needs to be remembered, the director remembers it. If something falls through the cracks, the director catches it. While this may feel like strong leadership, it comes with heavy, hidden costs.
Two adults and a child in a meeting room, with the child writing at a desk and a wall clock behind them

Parent Complaints Are Often a Systems Problem

By Jennifer Bulmer • June 17, 2026
Few situations create more stress for childcare leaders than parent complaints. Whether concerns involve communication, programming, behaviour guidance, policies, or daily routines, complaints can quickly consume a leader's time and energy. Yet, many complaints are not actually caused by the issue being discussed. They are caused by gaps in communication and trust.