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.

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.

Conference Coordinator

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.

Nancy Jimenez is the dedicated and passionate force behind Children's Garden, a bilingual Family Child Care provider with over 27 years of service in early childhood education. Since founding her home-based business in 1998, Nancy has found profound fulfillment in nurturing young minds and building a strong foundation for the future generation.

Residing in Morris County after spending most of her life in Essex County, Nancy lives with her husband and her Yorkie. Her three children, now college graduates, reflect her commitment to education and personal growth.

Nancy's extensive credentials highlight her expertise and dedication to quality child care. She is a nationally accredited educator through the National Association for Family Child Care and actively participates in the Grow NJ Kids program. She holds the Infant Toddler (CITE) and the Child Development Associate (Council of Professional Recognition) credentials. Notably, Nancy was among the first to complete the New Jersey Cultural Competency and English Language Learners (ELL) Institute and Mentoring Program (Thomas Edison State University). Additionally, she played a key role in the Grow NJ Kids pilot program, where she earned a star rating for her exceptional commitment.

Always eager to enhance her practice, Nancy continually seeks new knowledge and strategies to better serve her community. Her innovative spirit and dedication distinguish her as a leader in the field of family child care.

Nancy is the Central Chapter President of The Coalition of Infant/Toddler Educators (CITE), an Executive Board Member of the New Jersey Family Child Care Providers Association (NJFCCPA), and a leader of La Red de Educadoras Unidas de NJ. She is also involved with the United in Care Alliance and the Morris County Early Childhood Educators Shared Services Alliance (MCECE).

As a prominent advocate for early childhood education, Nancy has significantly contributed to the professional community by serving on panels and presenting at national and state conferences. Her expertise has influenced peers and policymakers, advanced the field and promoting best practices.

Currently enrolled in college to pursue a degree in early education, Nancy's ongoing commitment to learning and her innovative approach continues to inspire and impact the lives of families and fellow family child care 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.

Andrea Maldonado, the Director of Quality Assurance and Accreditation. Andrea brings 13 years of valuable experience in family child care and early childhood education to our organization.
Throughout her career, Andrea has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to professional development and the recognition of family and child care educators and played a key role in raising the high standards for family and child care providers. In her last role, Andrea was instrumental in bringing the NYC Department of Education’s 3-K to family child care networks and FCC programs.

Andrea brings a wealth of experience in program development, workforce development, and leadership coaching. As the Director of Quality Assessment and Recognition, Andrea is well equipped to advocate for family child care educators and ensure they receive appropriate recognition for their important role in the child care system.

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Andrea Maldonado, Directora de Garantía de Calidad y Acreditación. Andrea aporta 13 años de valiosa experiencia en el cuidado infantil familiar y la educación infantil a nuestra organización.

A lo largo de su carrera, Andrea ha demostrado un compromiso inquebrantable con el desarrollo profesional y el reconocimiento de los educadores de cuidado infantil y ha desempeñado un papel clave en la elevación de los altos estándares para los proveedores de cuidado infantil familiar. En su último cargo, Andrea fue fundamental en la incorporación del programa 3-K del Departamento de Educación de la Ciudad de Nueva York a las redes de cuidado infantil familiar y a los programas de FCC.

Andrea aporta una gran experiencia en el desarrollo de programas, desarrollo de la fuerza laboral y coaching de liderazgo. Como Directora de Evaluación y Reconocimiento de Calidad, Andrea está bien equipada para abogar por los educadores de cuidado infantil familiar y garantizar que reciban el reconocimiento adecuado por su importante papel en el sistema de cuidado infantil.

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.

Hester Paul, MS, National Director of Eco-Healthy Child Care^® has worked with CEHN since 2010. Prior to joining CEHN, Ms. Paul led the initial national expansion of the EHCC program under Oregon Environmental Council, the statewide environmental organization that founded EHCC. Ms. Paul strategically directs CEHN’s efforts to uplift environmental health as a core tenet of health and safety, for the field of early care and education. In 2008, Ms. Paul created the EHCC National Advisory Committee (NAC); the NAC is the only national child care committee dedicated to improving environmental health best practices within early care and learning settings. Ms. Paul serves as an advisor to Child Care Aware of America’s National Advisory Council on Healthy Child Care, as well as state environmental health committees for child care. She has led EHCC’s impactful work to incorporate environmental health best practices into national accreditation platforms, national health and safety standards for child care, state licensing regulations as well as state Quality Rating and Improvement Systems for long term sustainability. Ms. Paul co-created EHCC’s six hour Train the Trainer curriculum, now offered as an e-learning course which offers adult learning clock hours in all states. She has extensive non-profit program management experience and served previously as the Director of Provider Services at the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency - Children’s Council of San Francisco. Ms. Paul resides in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband and their three children. 

Jessica Mauricio Price works as the Eco-Health Child Care® Program Manager. Through this position, she helps provide education and actionable and low- cost techniques that child care facilities can take to help protect their children and staff from hazardous substance exposures. Jessica received her B.S. in Biology from Saint Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. Jessica decided early in her career to focus on helping prevent humans and animals from coming into contact with hazardous substances. She worked at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for nine years.

 Her roles at TCEQ included Project Manager, Ecological Risk Assessor, and Natural Resource Trustee. Through these roles, Jessica was able to help oversee the removal of hazardous substances from the environment. Jessica left her role at TCEQ to attend Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where she received her M.S. in Environmental Toxicology. The Texas Department of State Health Services then hired Jessica. Jessica worked in the Health Assessment and Toxicology program for five years as a Health Educator and Information Specialist.  In this role, Jessica facilitated communication between agency scientists and the community so residents could better understand how to protect themselves from exposure to hazardous chemicals. Jessica’s work interests now center around preventing childhood exposure to chemicals. She believes that if we protect our most vulnerable, children, we are stepping in the right direction of protecting society.

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.

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.

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.

NAFCC’s Membership and Community Engagement Specialist has a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. 

She has earned her Thrive Pathway Child Care Business Tax Advisor Certification through CIVITAS. In this role, she is a child care business tax advisor; she can coach on practices and focus on providing tax education to empower child care business owners to make informed decisions and work effectively with their tax preparers.