Meet our special guest Rachel P. Bonsignore (pronounced Bon-Sen-Your) who is Director, Liftoff Western New York. As Liftoff’s first Director, Rachel leads all aspects of Liftoff’s strategic and impact agendas. For the past 30 years, Rachel has prioritized community engagement and policy change advocacy to improve the lives of children and families in the region and has actively contributed to national, state, and regional alliances.

Before joining Liftoff, Rachel previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Community Health Initiatives at The Children’s Agenda in Rochester, N.Y. where she worked on advancing effective policies and programs for the health, education, and success of children.

Rachel is recognized by the American Heart Association’s Voices for Healthy Kids as a ‘National Mover and Shaker,’ she received the Rochester Business Journal’s ‘Forty Under 40’ award and is the recipient of Dickinson College’s 1783 Award for distinguished service and professional accomplishment. Rachel is graduate of Dickinson College with a degree in Environmental Policy and completed a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from St. John Fisher University.

Most proudly, Rachel has spent the past few years focusing on early childhood development in her own household with daughters Vivian (age 8) and Claire (age 5).

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students.

Tune in for rich discussions that elevate the art of teaching.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students. Let’s keep exploring, creating, and inspiring together.

Tune in for rich discussions that fuels your passion, honors your impact, and reminds you why you chose the best profession on earth.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students. Let’s keep exploring, creating, and inspiring together.

Tune in for rich discussions that fuels your passion, honors your impact, and reminds you why you chose the best profession on earth.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students. Let’s keep exploring, creating, and inspiring together.

Tune in for rich discussions that fuels your passion, honors your impact, and reminds you why you chose the best profession on earth.

Meet our special guest Sheryl Bates. Sheryl has dedicated her career to supporting young children, families, and the early childhood professionals who care for them. She believes every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment where they can learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

As the Owner and Director of Fruits of Labor, Sheryl provides professional development and training to childcare providers across New York State. Over the years, she has developed strong relationships with both center-based and home-based childcare providers, gaining a deep appreciation for the important work they do each day. She understands the unique challenges family childcare programs face and is committed to providing practical, meaningful training that educators can immediately apply in their programs.

With experience in both the classroom and leadership, Sheryl enjoys helping educators build their knowledge, strengthen their practice, and grow professionally. She believes that when we invest in those who care for young children, we create better outcomes for children, families, and communities.

Sheryl values collaboration, lifelong learning, and building strong partnerships with families and fellow educators. Whether she is leading training, coaching providers, or working alongside early childhood professionals, her goal is to encourage, support, and inspire others while helping raise the quality of early childhood education throughout New York State.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students.

Tune in for rich discussions that elevate the art of teaching.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students.

Tune in for rich discussions that elevate the art of teaching.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students.

Tune in for rich discussions that elevate the art of teaching.

Meet our special guest is Christina Fecio. Christina is an educational consultant and author who has dedicated her career to nurturing the well-being of children and the adults who care for them.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students.

Tune in for rich discussions that elevate the art of teaching.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students.

Tune in for rich discussions that elevate the art of teaching.

Meet our special guest is Gerald Smith. Gerald has over 20 years of experience working with young children, their families, and early childhood professionals. He has experience as a teacher, director, coach, and adjunct professor. He believes deeply in understanding how adverse experiences affect children and recognizes the transformative impact that trauma-informed care, protective factors, and developmental screenings can have on ensuring their success.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation.

Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students.

Tune in for rich discussions that elevate the art of teaching.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation. Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students. Tune in for rich discussions that elevate the art of teaching.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation. Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students. Tune in for rich discussions that elevate the art of teaching.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation. Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students. Tune in for rich discussions that elevate the art of teaching.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation. Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students. Tune in for rich discussions that elevate the art of teaching.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation. Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students. Tune in for rich discussions that elevate the art of teaching.

Join a community of passionate teachers as we collaborate on insights, celebrate our achievements, and address the challenges that come with the vocation. Together, we strengthen our teaching practices and enhance the learning journey for our students. Tune in for rich discussions that elevate the art of teaching.