Journey Conference

In the spirit of love and kindness, this highly interactive workshop invites participants to explore how early childhood educators can foster a sense of belonging for all children through inclusive practices around gender expression.

Participants will engage in meaningful discussions to critically analyze social constructs of gender, learn how preschool-age children develop their understanding of gender, and reflect on how care-centered teaching can challenge bias.

Together, we will co-create strategies to nurture every child’s authentic self, ensuring that classrooms are spaces where kindness and belonging thrive.

Shaun-Adrián Choflá serves as a core faculty member in the Child Development and Education Department at Butte College in "Way Up There," California, and as the executive director of Empathy Therapy, a statewide tele-mental health practice he co-founded.

He is currently pursuing licensure as both a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), with a trauma-informed focus, and plans to continue working with children and families, particularly those impacted by systemic oppression.

Dr. Choflá's work emphasizes creating spaces that promote understanding, acceptance and the well-being of all children. As a practitioner and scholar of anti-bias education and equity pedagogy, he aims to bring awareness of cisgender-related bias to early childhood educators and expand related lines of research. He lives in Chico with his husband of over 24 years and their dog, Fog.

Unleash your creativity and discover the power of art as a tool for self-expression and connection! In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore various artistic techniques to channel emotions, tell personal stories and create meaningful works of art.  

The workshop will provide a supportive space to experiment with color, texture and form, all while tapping into the heart's inspiration. It is perfect for anyone looking to relax, recharge, and rediscover the joy of creating from the heart.

Join us for a journey that celebrates the intersection of art and emotion, where creativity becomes a reflection of the soul. 

Phyllis DeMotta is a dedicated educator and leader with a passion for empowering students and professionals in the field of education. She serves as an Instructor at De Anza College, where she inspires and mentors future educators to achieve their full potential.

In her role as the success coordinator for the California Apprenticeship Initiative grant, Phyllis works tirelessly to support student success and create pathways for meaningful careers. Her leadership ensures that program participants receive the guidance and resources they need to thrive in their educational and professional journeys.

As the regional coordinator for the Santa Clara County California Early Childhood Mentor Program (CECMP), Phyllis is a champion for early childhood education. She collaborates with mentors and mentees to strengthen the skills and knowledge of early educators, fostering high-quality learning environments for young children.

Phyllis is deeply committed to education, equity, and community impact, making her a respected and influential figure in the field.

Dare to explore the uncharted territories of your inner self, fueled by love and practiced with kindness. Through the power of language, let's dismantle limitations, uncover your authentic identity, and unleash a surge of self-assurance. Together, we will reveal the uncharted territories of your identity.

This journey will forge unwavering self-belief, ignite powerful team synergy, and ultimately drive exceptional performance.

Javette Johnson is CEO of JJ Enterprise Solution and a veteran of the U.S. Army. She is a public servant and a small business owner, an educator and advocate who assists federal agencies with meeting their goals through equitable access to small business opportunities. Her civil service experience includes federal contracting with the Defense Department, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.

Her most important and proudest accomplishment is being a mother of four children. She holds a bachelor's degree in Legal Studies and Criminal Justice, a master's degree in Forensic Science, and advanced degrees in Business and Project Management.

In this workshop, we will delve into the concept of discipline and our role as early childhood educators in guiding young children. Together, we’ll explore how “love and kindness” can – and should – serve as the foundation for effective guidance.

By focusing on nurturing connections, we’ll uncover strategies to approach moments of discipline with empathy and compassion. We'll aim to have participants leave feeling inspired and equipped to positively impact the children in their care by showing up with love and kindness, even during challenging situations where guidance is most essential.

Ashley Kipple is an instructor of Child Development and Education at De Anza College. Born and raised in the South Bay, Ashley is proud to be a De Anza alum, having started her own higher educational journey at the college. She holds a B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development and an M.A. in Educational Psychology.

With over a decade of experience teaching young children, Ashley specialized in high-quality, constructivist, Reggio-inspired approaches, focusing on developing emergent curricula that honored children’s natural curiosity and creativity.

For the past seven years, she has found joy as a college instructor, empowering students of all ages to strive toward a shared vision: ensuring that all children receive the love and support they need to thrive.

Join us in exploring how kindness and trauma-informed strategies intersect to create inclusive and loving early childhood classrooms. This session invites participants to reflect on the impact of personal experiences and how understanding trauma triggers and responses can shape behavior, communication and relationships in educational settings.

Through engaging discussions and kindness-centered activities, attendees will learn practical approaches to meet the diverse needs of all learners. By integrating trauma-informed care with acts of kindness, educators and community members can foster nurturing environments that promote student well-being, resilience and a sense of belonging.

Jila Maleksalehi has more than 15 years of teaching and curriculum design experience. Her career in education began teaching TK-8 and coaching volleyball at middle, high school and college levels. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management and has been teaching Child and Adolescent Development at De Anza College and San José State University. In addition, Maleksalehi works in the Teacher Education Master of Arts in Teaching and Credential Program at San José State.  

Maleksalehi specializes in the art of teaching. She believes in preparing teachers for the field of child development and education through evidence-based approaches to learning. She utilizes Universal Design for Learning and active learning strategies to enhance anything she has the opportunity to teach and share with others. Beyond the classroom, Maleksalehi also has a strong passion and focus on equity, diversity and social justice.

This workshop will introduce the topic of "heart-brain coherence," which can reduce stress and help you feel positive, focused, calm yet energized and more.  

Next we will practice “heart-focused breathing,” which brings us into the state of heart-brain coherence.  As we learn to maintain this state of well-being, we are able to respond in a positive manner to the situations occurring around us.  

The final part of the presentation will cover ways in which we can apply this technique while working with children.

Zana Wilkie earned her bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Chico State University. Her experience with young children includes working as a preschool teacher, a director and having a family day care in her home. She took a short break from teaching while returning to Pacific Oaks College and earning a master’s degree in Human Development.

After the birth of her first son, Zana began working in a parent education preschool (Wilson Preschool) and later a family literacy program (Even Start).  She continued to work with families while her children were growing up. Since 2014, she has taught in the De Anza College the Child Development and Education program, where she enjoys offering the knowledge gained through experience raising children and teaching child development courses.

Now that her children – two boys and one girl – are grown, Zana is enjoying experiencing the early years again as a grandmother of a two-year-old toddler.