Dr. Tisha Shipley is an experienced, well-known, and loved early childhood educator and leader known for her heart, authentic voice, drive for better, and commitment to innovative practice. With a career spanning classroom teaching, program leadership, and higher education, Tisha brings a grounded, real-world perspective to professional learning. She is passionate about supporting educators through honest dialogue, reflective practice, and strategies that honor both research and the realities of today’s early childhood settings. Tisha’s work consistently centers on empowering educators, strengthening leadership capacity, and improving outcomes for children and families.

Background

Dr. Shipley earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and her Master’s degree in Elementary Education/Administration from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, followed by a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Northcentral University in Prescott, Arizona.

Dr. Shipley began her career teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Gifted and Talented students before serving as a principal in Moore, Oklahoma. She later transitioned to higher education, where she discovered her passion for preparing future educators.

With more than two decades of experience in teaching, leadership, and faculty development, Dr. Shipley has dedicated her career to supporting educators and advancing best practices that positively impact young children and their families. She has presented at national, state, and local conferences, contributed to numerous education-focused publications, and authored the children’s book Rider’s Magic Mark.

In addition to her professional work, Dr. Shipley has organized and hosted numerous early childhood conferences and co-hosts two education podcasts—Early Childhood Chatter and unEDited Chatter.

Fun Facts

Tisha loves to travel with her husband, her middle school sweetheart. She enjoys spending time with her family, being the proud “boy aunt,” shopping, dining out, and relaxing with a good Netflix show.

Dr. Stephanie Heald is a respected early childhood education leader, professor, and Founder of One to the First Power, with extensive experience in leadership, continued program development, innovation, and professional learning. Stephanie is known for bridging research and practice in ways that are practical, innovative, engaging, and deeply human. Her work focuses on leadership development, curriculum alignment, and building systems that support educators while keeping children and families at the center. Through consulting, presentations, and the unEDited Chatter podcast, Stephanie brings clarity, connection, and purpose to conversations shaping the future of early childhood education.

Background 

Dr. Heald holds a Ph.D. in Education, an M.S. in Education, a B.A. in Elementary Education, and an A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education. She earned dual advanced Building and District-Level Educational Leadership Certificates from St. John’s University, where she was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi. In addition, she co-created a thriving virtual learning community that connects more than 50,000 educators worldwide, providing dynamic tools and resources to inspire professional growth.

Fun Facts

Steph loves travel, coffee, carbs, her boys' sports events, Dallas Cowboys football, baby giggles, puppy noses, and shopping!

She was once an ESPN Fantasy Football analyst.