Who Should Attend?

AELL Board President. EIS Chair.

Alix Hall,  is a teacher, small business owner, and educational consultant with thirty+ years’ experience in the field of early childhood education. She has taught and directed child development programs for more than 35 years. She has been with Discovery Tree and Arista Schools as a co-owner since 1979. Ms. Hall holds Bachelor’s and Master Studies degrees in Early Childhood Education. In addition to her work directly involving children and child development programs, since 1986, Ms. Hall has served as an adjunct instructor and guest lecturer for Los Rios Community College District, teaching in the Education Department – classes in: Human Development, Child Development, & Early Childhood Education.

Founder, Tym the Trainer

Tym Smith, has been in the Early Care and Education profession for over 35 years. His career started as an After-School Teacher. He then taught Private Kindergarten, been a Director of a center with over 250 children, and has worked as a Multi-Unit Manager for one of the largest Early Care and Education providers in Texas, before becoming an owner. Tym studied Early Childhood Education at Texas Baptist University. Tym owned Early Care and Education for 14 years, a private preschool and after school program with locations in Coppell, Southlake, Arlington, Flower Mound, and North Richland Hills.

AELL Board Member. Past EIS Chair.

Mary Hornbeck, began her career in early care and education when, at the age of 21, she became the owner of Special Beginnings Early Learning Center in Lenexa, Kansas. She expanded her business multiple times, operating four programs that serve over 350 families. In addition to leading high-quality early education programs, Mary is a national speaker, trainer, and consultant and is a partner in Good 4 the Soul, LLC in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where she hosts beach retreats and training events for leaders and their teams; especially those in the early care and education field

Please note that the schedule is subject to change and stay tuned for session details!

Please note that all suite types are subject to availability in our room block at the time of registration.

Designated Broker. Co-Founder. Investor. Author. Husband. Father.

Grafton Milne, SIOR, CCIM, is Co-Founder and Designated Broker of Menlo Group Commercial Real Estate. He helps oversee the company’s sales, recruiting, training and expansion efforts.

Grafton is among the Valley’s top advisors for child care properties, including charter schools, private schools and preschools. To further help child care owners, Grafton compiled knowledge gained throughout his career as a child care real estate advisor into his book, “Childcare Center Success: How to Maximize Profits and Minimize Mistakes.” The book outlines tips for starting and running a successful child care center and is available on Amazon.

Chief Executive Officer, Blanco CPA + Advisors

Michael A. Blanco, CPA, is the CEO of Blanco CPA + Advisors, a boutique accounting and advisory firm serving business owners, real estate investors, dentists, and early childhood education organizations nationwide. With nearly two decades of experience, Michael specializes in financial strategy, tax planning, and operational advisory services designed to help organizations improve profitability, strengthen cash flow, and scale sustainably.

Chief Executive Officer, Discovery Kidzone

Rachel Supalla, is an Inc. 5000 CEO, 8-Figure Founder, bestselling author, TEDx Speaker, and the creator of Playful Leadership™. She built Discovery Kidzone from her Montana home into a thriving multi-million-dollar education network and later founded Vision Tree Leadership, where she equips executives through her M.A.G.I.C. Leadership™ framework to scale with soul, sell with strength, or stay unstoppable. Blending strategy with play, Rachel challenges high-performing leaders to dismantle the hustle trap, protect culture, and build businesses that create both freedom and legacy. Rooted in Montana life with her husband Eric, four children, and her favorite role—Gigi to her grandson Zeke—Rachel embodies the harmony of bold leadership and joyful living.

Ronald McGuckin, Ronald V. McGuckin & Associates

Ronald McGuckin, has gained a national reputation as “The Child Care Lawyer”. Each year he and his team train thousands of child care professionals on a variety of issues, including personnel/human resources, administration, policies and procedures, confidentiality, and other management and legal issues that promote best program and business practices in early education.

Vision Tree Leadership, Discovery Kidzone

Jen Gaudioso, is the Chief Operations Officer for Discovery Kidzone and Vision Tree Leadership, where she has helped drive an extraordinary 470% growth. With more than two decades in the childcare industry—including 18 years running her own program and serving as VP of Operations for a childcare tech start-up—Jen now oversees a multi-site, national company remotely from across the country. Her expertise in leadership, systems, and strategy allows Discovery Kidzone and Vision Tree to scale while maintaining culture, excellence, and innovation.

AELL Board Member. Past EIS Chair.

Mary Hornbeck, began her career in early care and education when, at the age of 21, she became the owner of Special Beginnings Early Learning Center in Lenexa, Kansas. She expanded her business multiple times, operating four programs that serve over 350 families. In addition to leading high-quality early education programs, Mary is a national speaker, trainer, and consultant and is a partner in Good 4 the Soul, LLC in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where she hosts beach retreats and training events for leaders and their teams; especially those in the early care and education field.

Founder, Virtual Vanguard

Brittney Luther, has been in early care and education since 1997, growing up in the industry where her family owned two child care centers. Today, she is the proud multi-site owner of Young Sprouts Creative Learning Centers in Texas. Brittney is also the founder of Virtual Vanguard, a Virtual Assistant placement service supporting the ECE industry. She believes in helping leaders spend more time in their zone of genius and less time buried in administrative tasks. Brittney holds both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an MBA from Western Governors University. She serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors, contributing her expertise to advance the mission of strengthening leaders in early education.

Founder, Tym the Trainer

Tym Smith,  has been in the Early Care and Education profession for over 35 years. His career started as an After-School Teacher. He then taught Private Kindergarten, been a Director of a center with over 250 children, and has worked as a Multi-Unit Manager for one of the largest Early Care and Education providers in Texas, before becoming an owner. Tym studied Early Childhood Education at Texas Baptist University. Tym owned Early Care and Education for 14 years, a private preschool and after school program with locations in Coppell, Southlake, Arlington, Flower Mound, and North Richland Hills.

Owner and President, Thrive. Wealth Management Strategies.

Erica Sylvia, is the Owner and President of Thrive, where she is dedicated to helping business owners make smarter decisions about their benefit programs. As a financial advisor with over a decade of experience guiding business owners in their finances, she brings a unique perspective that balances quality, cost control, and integration. With a passion for helping people navigate the ever-changing and constantly challenging world of benefits and finances, Erica’s clients can expect honesty and dedicated service from her and her team. A New England native now enjoying an active outdoor lifestyle in coastal Orange County, Erica also serves on the board of trustees for Olive Crest, supporting at-risk children and families. At home, she’s happily surrounded by a lively mix of rescue animals.

Co-founder, Preschool Marketing Group

Tiffany Torres, is the co-founder of Preschool Marketing Group and a recognized leader in early childhood education marketing. She has 25 years of experience in the field, with 14 years focused specifically on helping preschools and childcare centers. Tiffany has introduced innovative marketing frameworks that guide centers away from outdated tactics and toward approaches that reflect their mission and values. Her work spans both single-location preschools and organizations with more than 40 campuses. With a warm and practical presentation style, Tiffany equips center leaders with clear, actionable strategies that build enrollment, strengthen community trust, and support lasting growth.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Hidden away on one of the most pristine and famous beaches in all of Mexico, this AAA Five Diamond Resort, Secrets Maroma Beach, is the quintessential setting for relaxation and romance. Unwind in one of the many private, secluded nooks throughout the sprawling, manicured grounds or refresh at the stunning 13,000 square foot Secrets Spa by Pevonia® through a combination of hydrotherapy and indigenous treatments. Experience the ultimate in pampering at this Unlimited-Luxury^®, adults-only paradise offering countless indulgences, delicious gourmet fare, breathtaking views and outstanding entertainment.

FLIGHTS

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is just 35 minutes away from the Secrets Maroma resort.

TRANSPORTATION

Shuttle transportation is provided for all attendees to and from the Cancun International Airport and the Secrets Maroma resort.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Participation in this event requires booking of the training nights through AELL. No exceptions will be made. Extended nights can be booked through membership programs.