CL22 - II-A4, Introductory-Level: A Targeted Approach To Intensive Family Engagement In Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Early Learning Programs

Michelle is an LCPC who has worked individually with families and has provided consultation and training to professionals around facilitating attuned interactions that have resulted in professionals being better able to communicate effectively and efficiently. Michelle has worked as a teacher and infant mental health specialist with The Erikson Institute. Michelle currently works as an Early Childhood Practice Consultant within the Educare Learning Network at Start Early, where she serves as a subject matter expert around family engagement and provides consultation to early childhood school leaders. Michelle is currently the President of The Illinois Association for Infant Mental Health. She has held key leadership roles in community service organizations as President of The Lambda Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, National Co-Director of the Arts and Chapter Fundraising Chair of the Links, Incorporated and President of The Society, Chicago Chapter for the Arts.

As Program Manager for the Educare Learning Network (ELN) backbone team at Start Early, Caroline supports ELN professional development and learning offerings from inception to implementation, including Intensive Family Engagement offerings such as the Targeted Supports program and the Family Support Core training. She also manages the Educare Practice Advisory Committee Work Group, which focuses on advancing program- and practice-level issues and maintains membership of staff and leaders from across the Network. The work group is currently focused on enhancing Network-wide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging efforts. Caroline holds master's degrees in Public Health and Social Work from the University of Michigan. Her professional background includes youth education, child welfare and direct practice with children and families.

Demi Siskind, Ph.D., conducts research centered on early care and education (ECE) experiences among culturally and linguistically diverse populations, with an emphasis on young children and families whose cultural background originated in Latin American and/or Spanish-speaking countries or who are descendants of persons from those countries. Her research provides implications for advancing equitable early learning experiences through ECE workforce preparation and development. At Start Early, she supports research and evaluation efforts within the Educare Learning Network that lend to Network and ECE field impact. Demi holds a doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies, with a doctoral minor in Educational Research Methodology, from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.