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About Impact Early Education

Transforming Early Education, One Leader at a Time

We’re passionate about empowering early childhood education leaders. We are a team of educators, psychologists, and former school leaders who understand the real pressures of early childhood education—because we’ve lived them. 

We blend brain science, child development, and real-world leadership experience to equip leaders & teachers with practical tools that actually work. Our mission is simple but urgent: to reduce burnout, strengthen confidence, and help the ones who care for young children lead with clarity, compassion, and impact.

OUR MISSION

To evoke true changed thinking and action which then leads to results.

We exist to disrupt how ECE does professional development. At Impact Early Education, we believe every school deserves a confident leader, a united team, and a thriving culture. Our mission is to equip directors, owners, and teachers with the tools, strategies, and support to transform their schools and shape the future of education.
What we offer:
  • Affordable CEU on demand courses, in person workshops, & coaching
  • Teacher trainings on behavior & classroom management, & much more
  • Owner/Director trainings on leadership & daily operations
  • CEU & PD Clock hour certificates with each course & event
  • Trainings created by experienced early educators (we’ve been in the seat!)
  • We combine our research expertise with practical application
  • Our on demand courses include a podcast style training segment & resources
  • Owner/Director coaching to reach short & long term goals
  • School Memberships are available- no role is left behind!

Our Team

Early education experts with a heart for changing the industry through continuing education, ed tech, and professional development that’s designed to be enjoyed.

Dr. Teri DeLucca

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Cristina Duncan

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Alexius Ferguson

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Ann Hayes

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Dr. Brittany Hewett

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Amanda Keiffer

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Shauna Mayo

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Tonie Mitchell

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Vera Meyerholtz

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Sarah Morris

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Connie Phillips

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Rich Sherry

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Lindsey Taylor

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Christine Teander

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Dr. Tyla Ricks

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Cara Camille Watt

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Our Approach

From Experience, For You

As former directors, teachers, and consultants, we’ve faced the same challenges you do. Our accredited programs are designed with research-based strategies that deliver real results, ensuring your leadership and school flourish.

What makes our On-demand Courses different?

Our Quality

We deliver high-quality, masterclass-style videos led by skilled instructors who ensure every training is engaging, fun, and actionable. Forget boring slideshows and outdated graphics—our productions are anything but ordinary. No matter the course topic, educators complete their courses with action steps to put in place immediately.

Our Methods

We leverage podcast-style conversations to wrap up each course and relate the strategies to issues and challenges that occur daily in centers. We share real-world examples that resonate with early educators, helping them feel seen and heard- and most importantly, prepared! This approach not only makes training more relatable but also delivers it in a meaningful and memorable format.

Our Cost

Our mission is to transform the industry by providing high-quality professional development to as many owners, directors, and educators as possible. We aim to remove cost as a barrier by offering many different ways to learn with us.

Do you have questions? We’re here to help.

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The Ultimate Team Development Planner

Streamline Staff Growth & Strengthen Your Team—A Simple, Effective & FREE Planner for Early Childhood Education leaders

Teri DeLucca

Founder & CEO, Impact Early Education | Developmental Psychologist | National Speaker | Leadership Strategist | AI Innovator
 
She’s not waiting for early childhood education to change. Her company is building what comes next.
 
A developmental psychologist with a dual PhD in Developmental and Educational Psychology, Dr. Teri DeLucca brings a rare combination of expertise: award-winning research scientist, former multi-school operations executive, nationally recognized speaker, published author, leadership strategist, and AI innovator.
 
Her career has taken her from studying the science of human behavior and early childhood development to leading preschool organizations, coaching executives, speaking on national stages, and pioneering innovative solutions for the early childhood workforce.
 
But her mission has remained the same: to change the experiences of the people shaping childhood.
 
Early in her career, Dr. Teri conducted award-winning research examining children’s cognitive and social-emotional development, early learning environments, and the factors that influence long-term outcomes. She later brought that research into practice as Vice President of Operations for a group of early childhood education centers, where she discovered that one of the greatest opportunities to improve outcomes for children was to better equip, develop, and support the adults responsible for them.
 
That realization inspired her to found Impact Early Education, an IACET-accredited professional development organization created to disrupt how early childhood educators and leaders are equipped, supported, and developed.
 
Today, Impact serves early childhood organizations nationwide through research-based, on-demand courses, leadership and teacher training, executive coaching, and customized professional development experiences. By blending brain science, leadership psychology, communication expertise, and real-world strategies, Dr. Teri and her team help organizations strengthen leadership, improve behavior management, build healthier team cultures, and create schools where educators want to work and stay.
 
As a sought-after keynote speaker and leadership strategist, Dr. Teri is known for making complex science relatable, bringing humor and humanity to difficult conversations, and challenging audiences to think differently about leadership, behavior, communication, and the influence they have on others. Her engaging, practical approach inspires more than motivation. It equips people to turn new perspectives into meaningful action.
 
Now she is extending that work through Luma by Impact™, a school-wide support system built for early childhood education.
 
Luma works alongside the operations and management systems schools already use and focuses on the people side. Existing systems manage the operations. Luma supports the people who make it work, with expert guidance in the moment, right when teachers and leaders need it. It brings together behavior support, professional growth, and leadership insight, and it is growing to include a shared space for school-wide communication, recognition, and connection.
 
Dr. Teri also leads REWIRED AI Strategy & Transformation, helping organizations harness emerging technology to work smarter, strengthen their teams, and turn innovative ideas into practical solutions.
 
Her work has earned recognition across research, education, and business leadership. Her honors include the Academic Pediatric Association Young Investigator Award, the Sigma Xi Women in Science Award, the O. Ruth McQuown Women in Science Award, the Goldman Developmental Research Award, the Institute of Education Sciences Randomized Trials Award, and recognition as a Top 40 Under 40 business leader. She is also certified through the John Maxwell leadership and speaking program as well as Speaking Your Brand, bringing additional expertise in leadership development, communication, and personal growth to her work with organizations and teams.
 
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Teri has a longstanding commitment to serving children and families. She serves as both a Big Sister and a board member with Big Brothers Big Sisters and has volunteered with organizations supporting vulnerable children, including a children’s home in Guatemala. Above all, she is a proud mom to two boys, who keep her laughing and never let her take life too seriously.
 
Her vision is bigger than another training platform or AI tool. Through Impact Early Education, Dr. Teri and her team are pioneering a new model for developing, supporting, and connecting the early childhood workforce, one that brings together the science of human behavior, the power of leadership, and the possibilities of technology.
 
Because when we change how we equip and support the adults shaping childhood, we change what’s possible for everyone.
 
Equip the People. Change the Future.

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

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

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

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!

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 

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)

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

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

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

Rich Sherry

More Information Coming Soon

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

Christine Teander

President. AsheBridge Children’s Academy, vice president of the N.C. Licensed Child Care Association I discovered my love for young children during college, starting off as part-time assistant covering lunch breaks and eventually working my way up the ranks to administration. I founded AsheBridge Children’s Academy in 2010 and have been serving on the Board of Directors for the NC Licensed Child Care Association since 2021. With a passion for making a difference in children’s lives, I also offer training and coaching to help childcare owners and school directors succeed.

Dr. Tyla Ricks

Hello, my name is Tyla Ricks and my background is in early childhood education. I also have experience in capacity building and implementation science in my current role as a Capacity Building Lead.

Impact Early Education bridges the gap by transforming research into practice. I love working with Impact because I can be a support to early care educators and leaders and assist them in being able to thrive in their classroom. I am so excited about what’s in store for Impact Early Education!

Education

Bachelor of Science in Birth through Kindergarten Teacher Education

Masters and Doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies 

Cara Camille Watt

Cara Camille Watt is a multifaceted leader, combining the rigor of aerospace engineering with the heart of personal development and educational transformation. With a background leading development teams, she brings technical expertise, strategic insight, and entrepreneurial vision to every project she undertakes.

Today, Cara focuses on Luma, an innovative platform that supports early childhood educators by combining AI-driven insights with holistic teacher development. She trains teachers in personal growth, emotional awareness, and alignment—helping them show up as their most whole selves, so they can better guide and inspire the children in their care. Her approach integrates mind-body-spirit principles, frequency and behavioral studies, and practical classroom strategies, creating a foundation for meaningful and measurable impact in schools.

Beyond Luma, Cara serves as a wellness consultant, board-level strategic advisor, and professional speaker. She brings a unique perspective to leadership, confidence, personal branding, and the branding of educational institutions, helping schools and professionals achieve clarity, alignment, and excellence. Her teaching experience spans early childhood classrooms of 400 in South Africa, high school math and English, and adult professional development, giving her a rare breadth of insight into learning at every stage.

Cara is passionate about empowering educators, working parents, and women in STEM. She believes deeply in creating structures and systems that allow women to thrive professionally without personal sacrifice and in modeling possibilities for the next generation. Her work is grounded in strategy, technology, and business acumen—but always infused with a spiritual, holistic lens that encourages growth, integration, and alignment.

Whether consulting, training, or speaking, Cara inspires individuals and organizations to cultivate confidence, purpose, and impact—helping them become the best versions of themselves while transforming the environments around them.