About Impact Early Education

Learn more about our mission to transform the preschool industry.

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Impact Early Education: Professional IACET-accredited continuing education

Early childhood education: It’s one of the most important gifts we can give the next generation.

We know high-quality early childhood education improves children’s cognitive development and life opportunities. But let’s be honest — working in the field of early childhood education can be challenging and exhausting. At Impact Early Education, we know that’s true because we’ve done it ourselves! 

In addition to managing staff and students, preschool owners and directors have to master leadership skills and daily operations all while staying in compliance and keeping up with federal and state regulations. Teachers, meanwhile, have to keep up on CEUs and develop the skills needed to handle new challenges that arise on a daily basis.

With so many demands, from parent meetings to after school care and everything in between, it can be hard to find the time or energy to get your professional development training done. 

We understand, and we’re here to help with required training you’ll actually enjoy! So whether you’re a preschool owner, director, or teacher, you can access relevant engaging continuing education courses. 

Our Team

Amanda Keiffer

Cristina Duncan

Teri DeLucca, Ph.D.

Tonie Mitchell

Vera Meyerholtz

Brittany Hewett, Ph.D.

Alexius Ferguson

Connie Phillips

Ann Hayes

Sarah Morris

Shauna Mayo

Lindsey Taylor

Training to Prepare You for Reality

Have you ever sat through a training and thought, “I’m not going to be able to use this”? Us too.

We didn’t like sitting through those courses, and we don’t think you should have to sit through them, either! Teaching the next generation is a big job, and it requires comprehensive education and ongoing learning. Our goal is to completely transform the experience of continuing education for early childhood educators.

Training designed by experienced educators

Research-based focus on practical application

Affordable CEU courses, starting at only $25!

Amanda Keiffer

I’ve spent the better part of the last 15 years of my career working with preschool and elementary-aged children, some of which included supporting teachers and families after a natural disaster; being a toddler teacher; working as a behavior specialist; and helping teachers understand and positively manage behavior challenges.

Being part of the Impact team as a writer and instructional coach is amazing. I truly believe (and know) this work can completely change the early childhood education industry, and I’m totally here for it!

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

  • Master of Arts in Professional Mental Health Counseling 

Cristina Duncan

I’m an early childhood movement instructor and have been working with children from ages 2 1/2 – 6 for over 10 years. Although my education and professional experience are primarily in business and operations management, my passion is working with children!

Being a writer and instructional coach at Impact is an incredible opportunity. I truly believe in teachers and want to provide them with best training material that will encourage, empower, and inspire them so they can show up every day charged up and ready to embrace their calling. 

Education

  • Bachelor in Applied Science for Supervision & Management

Teri DeLucca

A fellowship with The Heart of America Foundation in Washington, DC proved pivotal in my life’s work. Working with teachers and students at impoverished schools in our nation’s capital motivated me to further my education to have a larger impact.
 
I began my career as a research scientist with a children’s early literacy program, focusing on the early cognitive and socioemotional development of children from low-income families with an emphasis on the aspects of development that are important for school readiness and academic achievement. This research has been recognized by the Academic Pediatric Association’s Young Investigator Award, the Goldman Developmental Research Award, and the O. Ruth McQuown Women in Science Award.

Later, I moved into an applied application of my research after accepting the position of Vice President of Operations for a system of privately owned preschools. During this time, I most enjoyed providing leadership, training, and coaching to teachers and directors so they could deliver the highest quality early learning experiences. Recently, I was honored to be recognized for my leadership skills with the Top 40 Under 40 Business Leaders Award.

Through my time in the trenches running high-quality programs, I often found the need for professional support — not just for myself, but my staff, too. That’s where the idea of Impact Early Education was birthed, and the name is quite literal in my motivations!

As the founder and CEO of Impact Early Education, it’s my goal to create change and impact early education from top to bottom, not just in the care teachers provide, but in the way they think and feel about their jobs, the way the world views the role of an early educator, and the way directors and owners lead and operate their centers.
 
It’s through these aspects that the moving parts can come together with excellence and work like a well-oiled machine to produce the exceptional learning centers children, teachers, and directors deserve.
 
Education
  • Dual PhD in Developmental Psychology and Educational Psychology
  • Member of the John Maxwell Team of Certified Coaches, Trainers, & Speakers

Tonie Mitchell

I took a small break from teaching a few years ago and gained experience as a preschool director, as well as an extended day director for an after-school program at a public school. Then, I decided it was time for me to get back in the classroom and be with my own group of children whom I could lead and watch grow. Today, I’m a 4th grade math and science teacher in the public school system. I’ve taught for a total of 10 years, with my passion and focus being math and science.

My hope as a writer for Impact is to help encourage and inspire preschool teachers, directors, and owners to develop and implement a program that allows children to thrive. 

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an ESOL endorsement

  • Currently working on my Reading Endorsement for my teaching certificate 

Vera Meyerholtz

For 15+ years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged and middle school students. I’ve also supported educators, parents, and caregivers, and created products and programs that encourage language and literacy development in struggling students.

It’s a joy to be an instructional coach for Impact! I love sharing my experiences and lessons learned as an early childhood educator, and I can’t think of a better way to empower those called to work with our youngest learners.

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology
  • Master of Arts in Psychology

Brittany Hewett

Hi! I’m Dr. Brittany Hewett, I am the Director of Education for Impact Early Education. I’m here because I love professional development, and Impact is delivering professional development coming from people who have “been in the trenches” and really know what early childhood education is all about! Here’s a little about me:

Experience

Many of my qualifications for this role come from a variety of opportunities and experiences in both the classroom and the community. I have intricate knowledge of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field because I’ve served…

  • in early care classrooms as a teacher
  • in administration as an assistant director
  • as a lecturer in courses for pre-service teachers
  • as a researcher examining and evaluating teacher education and ECE contexts
  • most recently, as an early childhood specialist with Bringing Out the Best program under UNC Greensboro’s Center for Youth, Family, and Community Partnerships

Education

I have a Doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) from UNC Greensboro, with a concentration in early care and education. I also have a Master of Science degree from the Child Development and Family Relations (CDFR) program at East Carolina University (ECU) and a Bachelor of Science in elementary education (also from East Carolina) with an NC licensure in grades K-6!

I’ve been recognized by the National Council on Family Relations as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), which acknowledges my competence in ten content areas, including families and individuals in societal contexts; human growth and development across the lifespan; and professional ethics and practice.

Some Fun Facts

I genuinely LOVE professional development — there’s always something new to learn or a different perspective to take and expand your brain. I enjoy helping educators think about their jobs in new ways and I also enjoy learning and improving myself too!

I love to dance and will break out in random song lyrics at any given moment!

Alexius Ferguson

I’ve worked in education and social work for nine years. This is my area of expertise, and I do a lot of ministry work with at-risk youth, coaching sports and actively working to be an outstanding community leader who’s helping create positive change. 

I believe in Teri, support her vision, and am a huge geek for development and professionalism. As a writer and instructional coach for Impact, I look forward to helping those in early childhood education learn, grow, and make an impact!

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology
  • Master of Arts in Education

Connie Phillips

I have over three decades of experience in early education! I worked in Montessori schools in San Diego and Cambria, CA before relocating to St. Augustine, FL.

In writing for Impact, I can use my many years of preschool teaching and mentoring as a great resource to help all of those in the preschool sector.

Education

  • Associate of Theology

  • Montessori Teaching Certificate

Ann Hayes

Teaching is a work of heart. Once a child steps into your life, they stay there forever. My teaching experience is varied — all ages, from preschool to high school. I can’t imagine doing anything else!

Writing for Impact is an exciting opportunity to share my preschool experience and learn from others. 

Education

Bachelor of Science in English Education

Sarah Morris

For seven years, I worked with students from infancy to five years old. Today, I teach 1st grade in a Duval charter school and absolutely love it, but I could say that for every grade I’ve taught!

I’m a teacher, and I love to help children. As a writer for Impact, I can’t think of a better way to help them than by teaching other teachers (and those who work with them!).

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Language Arts and Reading

Shauna Mayo

As an early childhood education inclusion specialist, I visit classrooms to observe behavior and meet with teachers and parents. During this time, I go over functions of behavior and discuss strategies to help with some of those behaviors so each child is set up for success.

As a writer for Impact, it’s my hope to help those in the early childhood education industry learn and grow through my expertise in trauma informed care; trauma and its effects; positive discipline, social-emotional development; sensory concerns; the Pyramid Model; and Conscious Discipline.

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology; minor in Sociology

  • Currently enrolled in an ESE master’s degree program with a concentration of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Lindsey Taylor

I have always had a joy for working with children. In college, I studied Broadcast Journalism where I fell in love with researching and writing stories.
 
After graduating, I decided to fulfill my desire to work with children by getting my Master’s in Elementary Education. I have been a primary school teacher for the last 7 years, including two years teaching in China.
 
I have a strong passion for early literacy development and ESOL instruction. I love traveling to new places and getting to experience and learn about new cultures. I also enjoy reading and spending time with my family.
 
Working as a writer for Impact Early Education has brought all my favorite things together.
 
My goal is to help inspire early educators, as well as equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to feel successful in their classrooms.
 
Education
  • Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism
  • Master of Arts in Elementary Education with an ESOL and Reading endorsement

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