Tessie Ragan comes from a long line of educators. Her mother was a military family child care provider, and her grandmother taught public elementary school in Queens, New York. So for Tessie, the inspiration to teach came naturally—and early. “When I was 5 years old, I decided that I wanted to join the military and to be a teacher when I retired,” she remembers.

And that’s exactly what Tessie did. A four-year veteran of the US Air Force, she has been working in early childhood education since leaving the military in 2005. While pursuing her degree (and moving frequently with her military family), she held “a multitude of jobs” in the field, serving as a teacher’s aide for a child with Down syndrome, as a Kindermusik teacher, and as a tutor. She eventually landed in the role that continues to feel most like home: working as a family child care and education provider, first in Germany (where her Air Force husband was stationed) and now in the United States.Tessie’s interest in family child care was sparked by a discovery early in her studies. “I found that there was a gap,” she says. “Parents had to pick between high-quality care and affordable care. And usually the children whose parents had to pick affordable care, . . . they were the kids who were constantly behind, no matter what. I felt like I could be one of those people that filled that gap.”

After returning from Germany and completing her bachelor’s degree in birth through kindergarten education from Western Carolina University in 2012, Tessie initially opened a family child care and education business in Maryland. Currently, she runs a preschool/ pre-K program from her home on Edwards Air Force Base, in the high desert in Southern California. She relishes the opportunity home- based care gives her to build deep relationships with children in a smaller setting. “With a big center, there can be a lot of turnover. Sometimes the parents don’t get to know the provider or teacher as well because the teacher has moved on,” Tessie says. “But I have these kids for two or three years, and they stay with me the whole time. They have more stability.”As Tessie well knows, family child care and education is not without its challenges. It can be hard to find balance when your work involves bringing children into your home. Tessie closed her first home-based program in Germany when her husband deployed because she knew she wouldn’t be able to provide the high-quality learning environment the children deserved while also making sure her own children’s needs were met. “You need to make sure there’s space in your home for your family, and you need to make sure that you are building in enough time so that you don’t get burned out trying to be everything for your clients,” she shares.

Tessie also acknowledges that she has to work harder to be respected by those who think of family care providers as “babysitters.” She often has to explain her qualifications and work to skeptical parents. But Tessie takes inspiration from knowing that she is working every day to accomplish her vision. “I was able to create a program that parents could afford where the children are actually more than ready for kindergarten. They love learning, and they love science and engineering, and they love reading. I am super proud.” 

Jocelyn D. Jones is a former licensed family child care provider of 12 years in the Georgia area and dynamic founder of Kappa Learning Group, LLC.

With over 26 years of experience in early childhood education, Jocelyn is a Georgia Approved Trainer and a Professional Development Specialist for the Council For Professional Recognition. She has mentored numerous early childhood professionals and presented at esteemed platforms such as Highscope, National CDA Council, and the National Black Child Development Institute. Her presentations on cultural relativism and self-identity in early learning environments have garnered widespread recognition.

Jocelyn’s academic achievements include a master’s degree in early childhood studies with a specialization in Teaching Adults Early Childhood Education from Walden University, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bethune-Cookman University and a Technical Credit Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Ellis College.

Jocelyn is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Black Child Development Institute, National Association of Family Childcare, National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, National Afterschool Association, Highscope, Walden University Early Childhood Organization, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and the Council For Professional Recognition. She also served on the Advisory Board for Ashworth College’s ECE Department.

Through her various initiatives, Jocelyn continues to inspire and uplift the early childhood education community globally. Her unwavering dedication to early childhood education, her passion for supporting educators, and her commitment to innovative learning approaches make her a leading figure in the field.

Francia Wisnewski, Montague MA Francia Wisnewski is the Director of Membership and Community Engagement at the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). In this role, she is responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects related to membership engagement and growth. This includes developing and implementing strategies to attract new members, retaining existing ones, and fostering a sense of community and collaboration among family child care educators and other stakeholders within the organization. “I am honored to be working alongside the many passionate family child care educators and community allies in Early Childhood Education. I am thankful for the opportunity to be working with NAFCC, an organization that for decades has been committed to elevating family child care systems, keeping them the core of their work. I look forward to many years of strong collaborations and the many opportunities to keep driving this mission.” Francia has over 25 years of dedicated experience in the nonprofit, education, and community organizing sectors. Raised in Cali, Colombia, her professional journey began as a science teacher in South America. In addition, her passion for philanthropy, with an equity lens at the focus, has resulted in securing at millions in funding for for new programs and innovative educational workforce structures in the family childcare sector, across multiple states. Her focus on elevating community leadership and amplifying economic development opportunities has made her a recognized authority in this space. Francia holds a bachelor's degree in Science Teacher Education/ Licentiate in Biology and Chemistry from Universidad Del Valle in Cali, Colombia. She also holds a Masters of Education in Child Study and Early Childhood from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Francia’s commitment to this work is evident. Her dedication to creating a lasting impact drives her mission to support education, advocacy, and community engagement to contribute to the successful future pipeline of childcare educators. 

Jocelyn D. Jones is a former licensed family child care provider of 12 years in the Georgia area and dynamic founder of Kappa Learning Group, LLC.

With over 26 years of experience in early childhood education, Jocelyn is a Georgia Approved Trainer and a Professional Development Specialist for the Council For Professional Recognition. She has mentored numerous early childhood professionals and presented at esteemed platforms such as Highscope, National CDA Council, and the National Black Child Development Institute. Her presentations on cultural relativism and self-identity in early learning environments have garnered widespread recognition.

Jocelyn’s academic achievements include a master’s degree in early childhood studies with a specialization in Teaching Adults Early Childhood Education from Walden University, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bethune-Cookman University and a Technical Credit Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Ellis College.

Jocelyn is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Black Child Development Institute, National Association of Family Childcare, National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, National Afterschool Association, Highscope, Walden University Early Childhood Organization, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and the Council For Professional Recognition. She also served on the Advisory Board for Ashworth College’s ECE Department.

Through her various initiatives, Jocelyn continues to inspire and uplift the early childhood education community globally. Her unwavering dedication to early childhood education, her passion for supporting educators, and her commitment to innovative learning approaches make her a leading figure in the field.

Shanita Jones, the heart and soul behind The Childcare CPA™,  set off on this journey with a clear vision: to demystify financial management for childcare business owners. Drawing from years of experience and a deep understanding of the childcare industry’s unique challenges, Shanita and her team have crafted a suite of services designed to address the specific needs of childcare businesses.

Jocelyn D. Jones is a former licensed family child care provider of 12 years in the Georgia area and dynamic founder of Kappa Learning Group, LLC.

With over 26 years of experience in early childhood education, Jocelyn is a Georgia Approved Trainer and a Professional Development Specialist for the Council For Professional Recognition. She has mentored numerous early childhood professionals and presented at esteemed platforms such as Highscope, National CDA Council, and the National Black Child Development Institute. Her presentations on cultural relativism and self-identity in early learning environments have garnered widespread recognition.

Jocelyn’s academic achievements include a master’s degree in early childhood studies with a specialization in Teaching Adults Early Childhood Education from Walden University, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bethune-Cookman University and a Technical Credit Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Ellis College.

Jocelyn is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Black Child Development Institute, National Association of Family Childcare, National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, National Afterschool Association, Highscope, Walden University Early Childhood Organization, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and the Council For Professional Recognition. She also served on the Advisory Board for Ashworth College’s ECE Department.

Through her various initiatives, Jocelyn continues to inspire and uplift the early childhood education community globally. Her unwavering dedication to early childhood education, her passion for supporting educators, and her commitment to innovative learning approaches make her a leading figure in the field.

BriAnne Moline is a highly accomplished professional in Early Childhood Education (ECE), boasting over 15 years of dedicated experience in shaping the future through high-quality care and education. With both an Associate’s and a bachelor’s degree in ECE, BriAnne’s strong commitment to children, families, and the early childhood sector is reflected in her diverse roles.

Since 2017, BriAnne has been the Owner of Wild Wonders Early Learning Program, where she has successfully achieved a Star 4 rating on the Stars to Quality system and initiated the NAFCC Accreditation process. As Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Montana Family Childcare Network, established in 2022, she leads initiatives such as the Home-Based Early Childcare Mentorship Program and an annual Home-Based Educator Conference, underscoring her dedication to advocating for innovative professional development and mentorship in the field.

BriAnne’s extensive experience includes facilitating national leadership training for family educators through organizations such as the National Association for Family Child Care and Homegrown Child Care. She actively contributes to early childhood systems advocacy at local, state, and national levels. A passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and family involvement, BriAnne embodies her mission to nurture each child’s individuality while fostering a community that supports children, families, and educators alike.

As a lifelong learner committed to expanding her knowledge and perspectives, BriAnne Moline stands at the forefront of championing a brighter future for children, families, and communities through her unwavering dedication to early childhood education.

Emily Fallon is the Conference Coordinator for the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC), where she plays a key role in organizing and executing the association’s regional and annual conferences that bring together family child care professionals, educators, and industry leaders. With a strong background in event planning, sales, and hospitality, Emily ensures that NAFCC’s events are engaging, impactful, and tailored to the needs of the family child care community.

Before joining NAFCC, Emily spent four years working in the hotel industry, specializing in sales and event planning. Her experience in this field, along with her Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from the University of South Carolina, gives her a unique perspective on creating seamless, memorable events that foster professional growth and meaningful connections.
Emily is passionate about creating high-quality, well-organized events that support the advancement and development of family child care educators. She is committed to supporting NAFCC’s mission by delivering conferences that provide valuable learning opportunities, networking experiences, and resources for child care professionals across the country.

Jennifer Vail

Associate Director of Content Solutions

Jennifer Vail is an Associate Director at Civitas Strategies. With more than 25 years of professional experience in project management, executive support, and customer engagement, Jennifer provides Civitas with essential operations and project support.  

Prior to joining Civitas, Jennifer served as a Systems Administrator for Tri-Supreme Optical, a wholesale manufacturing company. Her responsibilities included assisting the General Manager with complex organizational planning, maintaining the laboratory operating system, and managing the human resource and benefits for a team of more than 100 employees. 

For the preceding 25 years, Jennifer was an Account Manager for both ABB Optical and Essilor of America, where she managed multimillion-dollar territories serving the Metro NY optical community. Her success in Account Management was fueled by her desire to improve the lives of optical patients while acting as a valued advisor for the business owners throughout her territories. Her skillset and passion brought her to her current position with Civitas Strategies where she is fulfilling her goal of serving mission-driven organizations as a valued member of the team.  

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in photography from Arizona State University. She is also a Board Certified Optician with the American Board of Opticianry. 

In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys baking, gardening, and spending time in the beautiful nature refuges that Long Island has to offer. She values being involved with organizations that strive to improve the quality of life for local feral cats, and loves spoiling her own cats as well.

Jocelyn D. Jones is a former licensed family child care provider of 12 years in the Georgia area and dynamic founder of Kappa Learning Group, LLC.

With over 26 years of experience in early childhood education, Jocelyn is a Georgia Approved Trainer and a Professional Development Specialist for the Council For Professional Recognition. She has mentored numerous early childhood professionals and presented at esteemed platforms such as Highscope, National CDA Council, and the National Black Child Development Institute. Her presentations on cultural relativism and self-identity in early learning environments have garnered widespread recognition.

Jocelyn’s academic achievements include a master’s degree in early childhood studies with a specialization in Teaching Adults Early Childhood Education from Walden University, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bethune-Cookman University and a Technical Credit Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Ellis College.

Jocelyn is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Black Child Development Institute, National Association of Family Childcare, National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, National Afterschool Association, Highscope, Walden University Early Childhood Organization, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and the Council For Professional Recognition. She also served on the Advisory Board for Ashworth College’s ECE Department.

Through her various initiatives, Jocelyn continues to inspire and uplift the early childhood education community globally. Her unwavering dedication to early childhood education, her passion for supporting educators, and her commitment to innovative learning approaches make her a leading figure in the field.

Tessie Ragan comes from a long line of educators. Her mother was a military family child care provider, and her grandmother taught public elementary school in Queens, New York. So for Tessie, the inspiration to teach came naturally—and early. “When I was 5 years old, I decided that I wanted to join the military and to be a teacher when I retired,” she remembers.

And that’s exactly what Tessie did. A four-year veteran of the US Air Force, she has been working in early childhood education since leaving the military in 2005. While pursuing her degree (and moving frequently with her military family), she held “a multitude of jobs” in the field, serving as a teacher’s aide for a child with Down syndrome, as a Kindermusik teacher, and as a tutor. She eventually landed in the role that continues to feel most like home: working as a family child care and education provider, first in Germany (where her Air Force husband was stationed) and now in the United States.Tessie’s interest in family child care was sparked by a discovery early in her studies. “I found that there was a gap,” she says. “Parents had to pick between high-quality care and affordable care. And usually the children whose parents had to pick affordable care, . . . they were the kids who were constantly behind, no matter what. I felt like I could be one of those people that filled that gap.”

After returning from Germany and completing her bachelor’s degree in birth through kindergarten education from Western Carolina University in 2012, Tessie initially opened a family child care and education business in Maryland. Currently, she runs a preschool/ pre-K program from her home on Edwards Air Force Base, in the high desert in Southern California. She relishes the opportunity home- based care gives her to build deep relationships with children in a smaller setting. “With a big center, there can be a lot of turnover. Sometimes the parents don’t get to know the provider or teacher as well because the teacher has moved on,” Tessie says. “But I have these kids for two or three years, and they stay with me the whole time. They have more stability.”As Tessie well knows, family child care and education is not without its challenges. It can be hard to find balance when your work involves bringing children into your home. Tessie closed her first home-based program in Germany when her husband deployed because she knew she wouldn’t be able to provide the high-quality learning environment the children deserved while also making sure her own children’s needs were met. “You need to make sure there’s space in your home for your family, and you need to make sure that you are building in enough time so that you don’t get burned out trying to be everything for your clients,” she shares.

Tessie also acknowledges that she has to work harder to be respected by those who think of family care providers as “babysitters.” She often has to explain her qualifications and work to skeptical parents. But Tessie takes inspiration from knowing that she is working every day to accomplish her vision. “I was able to create a program that parents could afford where the children are actually more than ready for kindergarten. They love learning, and they love science and engineering, and they love reading. I am super proud.” 

Empowering Family Child Care Providers

 Jerletha McDonald is a social entrepreneur, family child care business consultant, and national speaker. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies with a minor in Early Childhood Intervention from Stephen F. Austin State University. For 15 years, Jerletha owned and operated Nurturing Gifts Infant and Toddler Center, a family child care center. She is the founder of the Arlington DFW Family Child Care Network and has over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education.

Jerletha served as the Senior Manager of Membership and Volunteer Affairs for the National Association for Family Child Care for 3 years. She now works as a family child care consultant and subject matter expert specializing in Family Child Care.  Jerletha has a special interest in the economic development of women of color in early care and education, with a primary focus on Family Child Care. Jerletha works with family childcare entrepreneurs to help them transition into regulated operations, build sustainable business models, and develop financial plans. She has conducted trainings on business mindset, marketing, leadership development, family child care startups, and more. Jerletha has also presented keynotes and workshops at local, state, and national events.

In April 2016, Jerletha was recognized by the Grand Prairie NAACP as one of the Most Influential Women in Business. In 2018, she was appointed to Governor Greg Abbott's Early Learning Council, representing family child care providers in Texas. In 2020, she received the North Texas Early Childhood Leadership Award from Child Care Associates. 

Dezire’e serves as the Director of Professional Development for the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). In this role, she is responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive range of educational programs and resources tailored to the needs of family child care educators through the PD Academy and conference workshops. She is responsible for organizing and facilitating NAFCC national annual conferences each year.

     “When charged with developing an e-learning platform for family child care educators, I created a blueprint that would merge our NAFCC accreditation five competencies along with early learning developmental milestones.”

With several years of experience in Head Start programs, Dezire’e supports practitioners such as training, coaching, and mentoring. She is an expert in the Quality Rated (QRIS) and NAEYC accreditation, a certified trainer, and a reliable observer of the CLASS Tool. She travels throughout the country to conduct early childhood training and has held a position as an ESOL virtual instructor in schools throughout South Korea. Dezire’e also serves as a College Adjunct Instructor, teaching early childhood courses. Additionally, she has owned and operated a licensed family childcare facility in Georgia.

Dezire’e is a two-time BEAR graduate from Mercer University and holds an Ed.S. in Early Childhood from Walden University. She also possesses a Master of Education in early childhood and a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education from Mercer University. She holds a Georgia Teacher Certification (T5) with two endorsements: preschool special education and ESOL.

As a lifelong educator, coach, mentor, and Bright from the Start Approved trainer, Dezire’e believes that all children can learn when met at their developmental and social-emotional levels. She enjoys witnessing the moment of realization when a child discovers their potential!

Francia Wisnewski, Montague MA Francia Wisnewski is the Director of Membership and Community Engagement at the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). In this role, she is responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects related to membership engagement and growth. This includes developing and implementing strategies to attract new members, retaining existing ones, and fostering a sense of community and collaboration among family child care educators and other stakeholders within the organization. “I am honored to be working alongside the many passionate family child care educators and community allies in Early Childhood Education. I am thankful for the opportunity to be working with NAFCC, an organization that for decades has been committed to elevating family child care systems, keeping them the core of their work. I look forward to many years of strong collaborations and the many opportunities to keep driving this mission.” Francia has over 25 years of dedicated experience in the nonprofit, education, and community organizing sectors. Raised in Cali, Colombia, her professional journey began as a science teacher in South America. In addition, her passion for philanthropy, with an equity lens at the focus, has resulted in securing at millions in funding for for new programs and innovative educational workforce structures in the family childcare sector, across multiple states. Her focus on elevating community leadership and amplifying economic development opportunities has made her a recognized authority in this space. Francia holds a bachelor's degree in Science Teacher Education/ Licentiate in Biology and Chemistry from Universidad Del Valle in Cali, Colombia. She also holds a Masters of Education in Child Study and Early Childhood from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Francia’s commitment to this work is evident. Her dedication to creating a lasting impact drives her mission to support education, advocacy, and community engagement to contribute to the successful future pipeline of childcare educators. 

Dezire’e serves as the Director of Professional Development for the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). In this role, she is responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive range of educational programs and resources tailored to the needs of family child care educators through the PD Academy and conference workshops. She is responsible for organizing and facilitating NAFCC national annual conferences each year.

     “When charged with developing an e-learning platform for family child care educators, I created a blueprint that would merge our NAFCC accreditation five competencies along with early learning developmental milestones.”

With several years of experience in Head Start programs, Dezire’e supports practitioners such as training, coaching, and mentoring. She is an expert in the Quality Rated (QRIS) and NAEYC accreditation, a certified trainer, and a reliable observer of the CLASS Tool. She travels throughout the country to conduct early childhood training and has held a position as an ESOL virtual instructor in schools throughout South Korea. Dezire’e also serves as a College Adjunct Instructor, teaching early childhood courses. Additionally, she has owned and operated a licensed family childcare facility in Georgia.

Dezire’e is a two-time BEAR graduate from Mercer University and holds an Ed.S. in Early Childhood from Walden University. She also possesses a Master of Education in early childhood and a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education from Mercer University. She holds a Georgia Teacher Certification (T5) with two endorsements: preschool special education and ESOL.

As a lifelong educator, coach, mentor, and Bright from the Start Approved trainer, Dezire’e believes that all children can learn when met at their developmental and social-emotional levels. She enjoys witnessing the moment of realization when a child discovers their potential!

BriAnne Moline is a highly accomplished professional in Early Childhood Education (ECE), boasting over 15 years of dedicated experience in shaping the future through high-quality care and education. With both an Associate’s and a bachelor’s degree in ECE, BriAnne’s strong commitment to children, families, and the early childhood sector is reflected in her diverse roles.

Since 2017, BriAnne has been the Owner of Wild Wonders Early Learning Program, where she has successfully achieved a Star 4 rating on the Stars to Quality system and initiated the NAFCC Accreditation process. As Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Montana Family Childcare Network, established in 2022, she leads initiatives such as the Home-Based Early Childcare Mentorship Program and an annual Home-Based Educator Conference, underscoring her dedication to advocating for innovative professional development and mentorship in the field.

BriAnne’s extensive experience includes facilitating national leadership training for family educators through organizations such as the National Association for Family Child Care and Homegrown Child Care. She actively contributes to early childhood systems advocacy at local, state, and national levels. A passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and family involvement, BriAnne embodies her mission to nurture each child’s individuality while fostering a community that supports children, families, and educators alike.

As a lifelong learner committed to expanding her knowledge and perspectives, BriAnne Moline stands at the forefront of championing a brighter future for children, families, and communities through her unwavering dedication to early childhood education.

Emily Fallon is the Conference Coordinator for the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC), where she plays a key role in organizing and executing the association’s regional and annual conferences that bring together family child care professionals, educators, and industry leaders. With a strong background in event planning, sales, and hospitality, Emily ensures that NAFCC’s events are engaging, impactful, and tailored to the needs of the family child care community.

Before joining NAFCC, Emily spent four years working in the hotel industry, specializing in sales and event planning. Her experience in this field, along with her Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from the University of South Carolina, gives her a unique perspective on creating seamless, memorable events that foster professional growth and meaningful connections.
Emily is passionate about creating high-quality, well-organized events that support the advancement and development of family child care educators. She is committed to supporting NAFCC’s mission by delivering conferences that provide valuable learning opportunities, networking experiences, and resources for child care professionals across the country.