How did you learn about NAEYC?
I dug in deep when I was earning my bachelor’ s degree. Great Start to Quality [ Michigan’ s quality recognition and improvement system ] does trainings on NAEYC’ s early learning program standards and developmentally appropriate practice. As a member of MiAEYC, we also look at NAEYC’ s position statements, including the“ Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Educators.”
When I first joined the Affiliate, they recommended we attend a NAEYC conference. And I thought, oh, that’ s over my head. But I attended my first Annual Conference in November 2022 and saw that it was people just like me! Educators, owners, employees, and family child care providers. I did an interview with a NAEYC staff member about what it was like during COVID-19— I never shut my doors during the pandemic because I had essential workers who needed me. There were so many people at the conference and so many sessions. There’ s something for everyone!
You received a scholarship in 2024 from MiAEYC to attend the Public Policy Forum( PPF) in Washington, DC, and you also attended in 2025. What is PPF like?
PPF is so informative. We get to hear from so many different people. I remember that first year, someone talked about advocacy and that it starts where you are: Advocacy starts with your passion and your purpose. It starts with your program, in your home state. I got to meet with one of our state’ s representatives, Republican Tom Barrett. I said,“ Tom, listen. We need you. We need your support! Our whole world depends on you fighting for Michigan children.”( For more on advocacy, see“ Advice for First-Time Advocates.”)
As you know, NAEYC celebrates its centennial this year. What does that milestone mean to you?
NAEYC’ s centennial is more than a celebration of 100 years; it is a testament to a century of advocacy, leadership, and unwavering commitment to children, families, and the early childhood profession. For me, this milestone represents the countless professionals who have dedicated their lives to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality early learning experiences. As someone who began this journey out of necessity and has spent nearly 32 years serving children and families, NAEYC has been a source of inspiration, professional growth, and a reminder that our work matters.
This is a big year for you. What are your hopes for your next steps?
This next chapter is about expanding a vision that has been growing in my heart for nearly 30 years. My hope is to create a place where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn and where families feel supported, respected, and connected to a larger community. As a young mother, I remember the challenges of trying to find quality child care, support, and someone who truly understood the weight of balancing family, work, and life. My desire has always been to be to families what I desperately needed someone to be for me during that season of my life. I hope to continue breaking barriers, advocating for children, and creating spaces where every family feels seen, supported, and empowered. If families walk through our doors and leave feeling that they have a village standing beside them, then I know we are fulfilling our purpose.
Photographs: courtesy of Taunya Sims. Copyright © 2026 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. See permissions and reprints online at NAEYC. org / resources / permissions.
14 Educating Young Children
Fall 2026