Finding My Voice: A Journey Into Early Childhood Advocacy

Some stories begin with a single moment—one child, one experience, one spark that shifts everything. For me, that moment happened in my kindergarten classroom years ago. I had a student who wasn’t quite ready for the pace and expectations of school. What she needed wasn’t a stricter routine or a firmer push, but a softer beginning and time to grow at her own rhythm.

That child changed the way I viewed education and early childhood advocacy. I realized that teaching isn’t just about routines or assessments—it’s about truly seeing a child and meeting them where they are. That belief has guided me ever since.

Today, more than three decades later, that spark has grown into XYZ Childhood Training LLC, the company I founded in 2013 to provide high-quality professional development for educators working with children from birth through age eight—what I lovingly call the eXceptional Years Zone (XYZ).

We are an approved training organization with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) in Washington, D.C. Our work includes pre-service training, partnerships with Zero to Three’s The Growing Brain series, the National Pyramid Model modules, and a wide range of courses in child development, curriculum, special needs, health and safety, professionalism, and more. Every training blends research-based knowledge with practical strategies educators can use immediately.

A decade after launching, our organization became an accredited provider with the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), allowing us to offer CEUs and self-paced online courses—another milestone in a journey that started with one child who needed something gentler.

The Road Wasn’t Always Smooth

My work today may center on using my voice, but that wasn’t always easy. As a child, I struggled with a stutter that made speaking in front of others feel overwhelming. I found safety in books—stories that gave me the confidence I couldn’t always find in my own words.

Something changed when I started talking about children. When I spoke on their behalf—about their needs, their experiences, their potential—the fear slowly began to fade. Advocacy became healing. Each time I stood in front of others, I carried with me the little girl I once was, offering her the compassion and confidence she needed.

The Moment Everything Shifted

In 2016, at a conference, I learned that young children—especially Black boys—were being suspended and expelled at higher rates than any other age group. Some were only three or four years old. The reality devastated me. It also lit a fire.

In 2017, I gathered my courage and presented my first poster session at the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). My topic was “The Importance of Fostering a Positive Self-Image in Young African American Males through Literature and Imagery.” Standing there, sharing research that had shaken and inspired me, I knew this work mattered.

That presentation led to writing opportunities with Child Care Exchange Magazine, and in 2018, I returned to NAEYC—this time presenting to a room of more than 100 educators. In 2019, I turned my research into an approved training for early educators in Maryland, helping expand the conversation and encourage change.

A single moment had become a movement in my life—one grounded in advocacy, equity, and the belief that every child deserves a fair and joyful beginning.

Carrying the Work Forward

One of the most meaningful full-circle moments in my career came in 2021, when XYZ Childhood Training partnered with Johns Hopkins University School of Education – IDEALS to bring fully funded professional development to Baltimore early educators. The initiative, Baltimore’s Children of Promise, focused on representation in children’s literature—something deeply personal to me.

Participants received eight high-quality children’s books, along with materials to support a love of reading in their classrooms. I couldn’t help but think of my younger self, finding comfort in stories. Now, those same stories were helping educators inspire and uplift the next generation.

Representation remains central in all of my work. I intentionally highlight a diverse range of theorists, psychologists, and researchers, ensuring that the professional development we offer reflects multiple cultures and perspectives. When educators see a full and authentic picture of the world, they are better equipped to help children do the same.

This commitment helps prevent cultural erasure and fosters learning environments where each child’s identity is honored and celebrated.

Looking Ahead - Early Childhood Advocacy

My journey—from a shy child who struggled to speak to a woman using her voice to advocate for young children—has shaped everything I do. XYZ Childhood Training LLC is more than a business; it’s the legacy I hope to leave in early childhood education. One that champions children, empowers educators, and strengthens communities through knowledge, compassion, and representation.

If you’re looking to elevate your teaching practice or enrich your early childhood program, I’d love to connect. Together, we can help build brighter beginnings for the leaders of tomorrow.