Early Childhood Summit 2026
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It Takes A Village
Welcome to the 2026 Early childhood summit
Meet the Author Event
Join us the evening before the summit for a Meet the Author event at Chapter One Bookstore (252 W. Main Street, Hamilton) on Friday, April 10th from 5:00–7:00 PM. This free, family-friendly community event offers the opportunity to meet Kristin Van Marter Souers and other leaders in early learning and trauma-informed practices. Appetizers and beverages will be served.
Agenda
Doors Open at 9:15 AM
- 9:15 AM – 10:00 AM Check-In, Networking, & Expo Tent Exploration
- 9:15 AM – 9:45 AM Energizing Yoga In The Parlor (Optional)
- 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Welcome & Grounding Activity
- 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM Keynote Speaker, Kristin Van Martyr Souers
- 10 Things Our Brain Needs
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 1st Breakout Session
- The Brain Architecture Game
- The Caring Trap & Path to Restoration
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Lunch, Share a Meal & a Real Conversation with Someone New
- 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM 2nd Breakout Session
- The Brain Architecture Game
- Circle of Security – Understanding the Roadmap of Children’s Behavior
- 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM Raffle Drawing & Recognition
- 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM Music & The Brain Activity
- 3:30 PM – 4:20 PM Advocacy, Reflection & Next Steps
- 4:20 PM Closing Remarks
- 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM Movement Activity in the Parlor (Optional)
Key Note: 10 things our brain needs to be healthy
Let’s face it, stressed brains don’t teach well, and stressed brains don’t learn well. We are all impacted by stress in one way or another—and stress can affect success! Taking care of our health and wellness has to be at the forefront.
In this engaging, relevant, and practical session, learn from award winning author and consultant, Kristin Souers (Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for creating a trauma-sensitive classroom – ASCD, 2016 and Relationship, Regulation, and Responsibility: Trauma Invested Practices for Fostering Resilient Learners-ASCD, 2019, 10 Things our Brains Need to be Healthy, 2024 and The Fostering Resilience Workbook, 2025 ) about the importance of taking care of ourselves and others.
In this keynote, attendees will learn practical skills for how to help ourselves and others so we can be focused, regulated, and successful in our day to day lives. You will be introduced to the latest research on why we need to support ourselves and our students in taking care of our brain health. You will get facts, tips and strategies for how to do this in your setting. We will empower folks to reinforce what the brain needs in order to be at its best!
Speaker Bios:
Kristin Van Marter Souers, MA, LMHC
Kristin Van Marter Souers, MA LMHC, has dedicated herself to the improvement of people’s lives. She is an award-winning author of Fostering Resilient Learners (ASCD, 2016) and Relationship, Responsibility, and Regulation: Trauma-Invested Practices for Fostering Resilient Learners (ASCD, 2019). She recently published her first children’s book, “10 Things Our Brains Need” and new Fostering Resilience Workbook. As an independent consultant, Kristin now provides critical professional development, consultation, education, and training services to schools, school districts, health care providers, businesses, and other community organizations. Visit her website.
Katlynn Souers
Katlynn Souers is passionate about mental health and the importance of strong education for today’s youth. With extensive experience working with children, she’s seen how dedicated educators can change lives. A 2019 graduate of Montana State University in Applied Psychology and Hispanic Studies, Katlynn continued her education in trauma-informed practices alongside Kristin. She helped design instructional resources for 10 Things Our Brains Need and now works in Fort Collins, CO, as a referral coordinator for an addiction recovery and mental health program, connecting people nationwide with the care they need.
Melissa Winger
Melissa Winger, a Montana native, is committed to strengthening early childhood systems. A trained Marriage and Family Therapist, she specializes in healing intergenerational trauma, fostering secure connections, and empowering parents. She co-founded a local early childhood coalition and play space, leading parenting classes and community programs. Now, she trains and manages parent peer support groups statewide, blending mental health expertise with systems building. As a mother of three, she is deeply engaged in early childhood both personally and professionally, advancing grassroots advocacy and policy efforts for Montana’s families.
Brooke Hathaway Angst
Brooke holds a B.A. in Psychology and Spanish from Texas A&M University and a M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from Concordia University. She spent years teaching high-needs students in central Texas and later worked as a training consultant for school districts nationwide, while also managing advocacy programs for at-risk youth. Brooke is a certified TBRI Practitioner and Educator and a HOPE training facilitator. Since moving to the Bitterroot Valley in 2020, she has supported local schools and nonprofits through advocacy and training. She is passionate about equipping educators, families, and organizations to meet the emotional and developmental needs of young children.
Sarah Bernhardt, LMHC
Sarah Bernhardt is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor practicing in Nebraska and Montana with 17+ years of experience. She specializes in trauma, grief, and attachment-focused care across the lifespan. Trained early in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), she has worked extensively in infant and early childhood mental health as a trainer, mentor, facilitator, and program manager. Her approach integrates person-centered, developmental, trauma-informed, somatic, and neurobiological methods, with specialties in EMDR, attachment therapies, play therapy, and grief counseling. She moved to Montana in 2022 and enjoys time with her family and being outdoors.
Partnerships
