Well to Lead: ECE Leadership Summit
Early childhood leaders give so much of themselves every day—this is your invitation to pause and be poured into.
Join us for a restorative, empowering experience designed to help you prioritize your well-being while strengthening your leadership impact. Because when leaders are well, everyone thrives.
Come reflect, reset, and gain practical tools to support not only yourself—but the educators, children, and families you serve.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s time to refill yours.
Schedule at a Glance
Enjoy a day curated so that each moment and experience flows into the next and each speaker guides you into intentional leadership.
Meet the Speakers
Maisah Williams-Foote
Maisah Williams-Foote is a seasoned early childhood education (ECE) leader with more than 30 years of experience in early childhood development, nonprofit leadership, Head Start programming, organizational strategy, and systems change. She is passionate about advancing equitable access to quality education while addressing systemic barriers related to racial, environmental, economic, and emotional wellness.
Currently serving as Director of Strategy Execution and Integration at the Council for Professional Recognition, Maisah leads enterprise strategic planning, facilitates cross-functional alignment, and supports executive leadership in advancing organizational impact, innovation, and influence across the early childhood sector.
Maisah also serves as President of the Georgia Association for the Education of Young Children (GAEYC) Board of Directors and as a member of the LENA Advisory Council. Prior to her current role, she served as a federal Contract Program Manager supporting the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start (OHS), where she managed the Customer Service Improvement Project (CSIP) contract with BCT Partners and ICF International. During her time with OHS, she was appointed to the inaugural DEI Commission and coordinated the Region’s Designation Renewal System (DRS) process.
In addition to her leadership in the ECE sector, Maisah is the founder of ReRise Collective, a faith-centered community supporting women navigating mental, emotional, and life challenges while holding onto hope in God. She is also the Principal Consultant for Early Lead, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the wellness, leadership development, organizational growth, and change management capacity of early childhood leaders and organizations.
Dr. LaShunda Morris
Dr. LaShunda Morris serves as the Affiliate Director for the Georgia Association for the Education of Young Children (GAEYC), bringing an extensive and diverse background in educational leadership and organizational management to the role. Dr. Morris earned her Doctorate in Curriculum Studies from Georgia Southern University in December 2025. Her pivotal scholarly research explores how cultivating a Sense of Belonging serves as a vital retention tool for educators, offering new solutions to the current challenges facing the teacher workforce.
With a career that spans elementary instruction, secondary mathematics, and higher education, Dr. Morris possesses a comprehensive understanding of the Georgia educational landscape. Her professional journey is marked by a unique blend of pedagogical excellence and administrative rigor, including previous service as the GAEYC Executive Board Secretary and a deep-rooted commitment to community advocacy. As a researcher and leader, Dr. Morris is dedicated to advancing the mission of GAEYC by promoting advocacy and developing strategies that empower and retain high-quality educators across the state.
Dr. Cindy Shackelford
Dr. Shackelford is from Birmingham, Alabama and serves as the head of the CHD/ECE program at Jefferson State Community College. She is also a Dissertation Chair of ECE/ELE Research, Professor for Curriculum and Instruction, Board of Directors for the Alabama School Readiness Alliance Board, Alabama Department of Education CTE Advisory Council, Board of Directors for I-3 Academy, Parker High School ECE Advisory Board, Alabama Department of Education Family Consumer Science Advisory Board, and was one of the writers for the Alabama Department of Education Courses of Study with a focus on Career and Technical Education in ECE. Dr. Shackelford holds two doctorates in education and has served in all levels of education from preschool to post-secondary education from teaching to administration. She considers it a great honor to serve as a NAEYC Commissioner for Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs. This marks her 30th year in the field of education. She is married with four girls and is a foster mom. In her free time when she has it, she enjoys walking, reading, and journaling.
Dr. Delton DeVose
Delton W. DeVose, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Supervisor, counselor educator, and Executive Clinical Director with more than 25 years of experience in behavioral health, leadership development, and counselor education. He has served in clinical leadership roles across community mental health, private practice, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Dr. DeVose has taught graduate-level counseling courses at several universities and specializes in leadership wellness, communication, emotional health, counselor development, and trauma-informed care. He is the developer of the INSIGHT Framework, a practical model designed to strengthen self-awareness, communication, emotional regulation, and relational effectiveness in both professional and personal settings.
Dr. Dina Walker-DeVose
Dr. Dina Walker-DeVose is an Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Science and Assistant Dean of Engagement and Belonging at Georgia Southern University. The entirety of her work focuses on belonging, intercultural competence, empathy-centered leadership, and student and organizational engagement. Dr. Walker-DeVose is a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and regularly facilitates professional development workshops focused on cultural understanding, communication, and workplace climate. She is also actively engaged in leadership within the Georgia Association for the Education of Young Children (GAEYC), supporting early childhood professionals across the state.
Laura White
Laura White is the Director of Operations at Quality Care for Children (QCC), where she leads work across three regions and 48 counties in Georgia. She serves as Vice President of Professional Development on the GAEYC Board and as a member of the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA) Board. With experience as both a classroom teacher and a coach, Laura brings a dual perspective to leadership — one rooted in relationship, reciprocity, and the belief that when educators feel seen, children are better served.
About the VenueWelcome to The Harp Center
(Located at Peachtree United Methodist Church)
The Harp Center is an open, airy space designed for connection, creativity, and a breath of fresh air. Featuring a mix of versatile seating options and seamless indoor/outdoor spaces, it’s built to help you unwind and focus.
A quick note on the vibe: While we’re meeting at a church, leave your expectations of a traditional, stuffy summit at the door. This is an inviting, collaborative environment—not a lecture hall.
The Details
Dress Code:Strictly casual. Leave the suits and ties at home. Come in whatever makes you comfortable and ready to move.
The Atmosphere: The space features beautiful, expansive windows that flood the room with natural light. It’s an incredible energy booster. Come relaxed, come comfortable, and come ready to be filled with great ideas and community. We can’t wait to see you there!
Stay for a little while…
We are excited to extend a special invitation to our early childhood leaders across Georgia to join us for the
2026 GAEYC ECE Leadership Summit.
To support our non-Metro Atlanta attendees, GAEYC has secured a hotel block at The Colee Hotel at a special nightly rate of $179.00. Even if you are in the City, you are invited to a lush and inviting getaway!
In addition, GAEYC will cover parking costs for summit attendees staying within the hotel block to help reduce travel-related expenses and make participation more accessible.
We hope this support allows leaders from across the state to gather, connect, learn, and invest in their leadership and well-being together.
We look forward to welcoming you to Atlanta for this impactful experience.
Email info@gaeyc.net for additional hotel accommodations information.
