Building Blocks
a Foundational Conference for Caregivers
2.22.2025 AT 9 AM
10624 METROMONT PKWY
CHARLOTTE, NC
WHAT TO EXPECT
This year’s conference will tackle crucial topics such as anti-racism, destigmatizing neurodiversity, working with LGBTQ families & allergy awareness. All sessions will be charged with high emotional equity, high value connections and engagement where attendees can feel safe on their journey toward greater self-awareness, and become equipped with practical tools for every day but important topics. Registration and breakfast are from 8:15am-9am. Once you arrive you can expect amazingly curated gift bags, FREE childcare, vegan and gluten free pastries from Troutman Baking Co., and coffee from CHNO Coffee . We will have a “Chill” room for introverts and neurodivergent people to refuel and yes…INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAYS and vendors!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
SPONSORS COMING SOON
MEET OUR SPEAKERS
Sally Colon-Petree
Women Like Us
Sally Colón-Petree, our afternoon Keynote speaker, is a Puerto Rican filmmaker based in Los Angeles since 1996. She founded Dream On Productions in 2004, a female-led company known for socially conscious projects. Her work has earned her two Telly Awards in 2004.
Sally’s directorial debut, the documentary “Women Like Us,” premiered in over 100 theaters and is available on major streaming platforms. Her upcoming screenplay, “Shattered Glass House,” inspired by her personal story, is set to begin production in spring 2025.
In addition to her filmmaking career, Sally is a Certified Transformation Coach and founded “Girls Empowered,” a mentoring program for teenage girls in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Lucretia Carter Berry
Brownicity: Many Hues One Humanity
Lucretia Carter Berry, PhD is the founder of Brownicity, an agency committed to making important, scholarly-informed, antiracism education accessible, and the director of it’s online membership platform, which currently hosts over twelve thousand enrollments. With the tagline Many Hues, One Humanity, Brownicity’s mission is to foster education designed to inspire a culture of justice and true belonging for all.
A former college professor, Lucretia designed Brownicity’s flagship course and study guide, What LIES Between Us – Fostering First Steps Toward Racial Healing (2016) and authored Hues of You – An Activity Book for Learning About the Skin You Are In (2022). She is a Curriculum Specialist for Community School of Davidson (NC), a contributor for (In)courage.me, and a TED and Q-Ideas speaker. She is married to Nathan; they have three daughters and two aussiedoodles.
Lucretia earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and MA in English from Iowa State University, and her BA from South Carolina State University.
Emily Reiner
Topic: To be Announced
It’s so good to meet you! I’m Emily Reiner, a professional counselor, Air Force veteran, prior nanny, and author with a passion for exploring all things wellness and self-love. On a personal note, I love exploring nature, being creative, fantasy, and trying new hobbies… buying all the supplies for the new hobby… then finding new hobbies.
On the professional side, I began my counseling career in 2018 and have spent the following years exploring how “wellness” shows up in our lives. As a nanny and Registered Play Therapist, I worked with kiddos and caregivers to support their journey towards self-awareness, self-advocacy, and self-love.
I work with my clients to help them discover their whole self, have compassion and nurture their tender pieces, and make space for joy by capitalizing on the integrative tapestry of wellness. My work emphasizes compassion and the integration of diverse elements of wellness to create a fulfilling and balanced life.
Lucy Suerez-Vintimilla
Bilingual Support for Families & Professionals in the World of Autism
At Aventura Consciente, we see neurodiversity as a fundamental aspect of what makes us human. We believe that every person, no matter their neurological wiring, has the right to be respected, accepted, and empowered to live their best life. When you donate, you’re helping us sustain crucial services and support for autistic individuals and those who love and care for them. Together, by celebrating neurodiversity and cultivating acceptance, we can build a world that welcomes and includes everyone, embracing our differences as strengths. Your donation will directly impact autistic individuals and their families, connecting them with vital resources, nurturing understanding and acceptance of autism.
We’re on a mission to empower parents and educators with the tools they need to truly understand, connect with, and support autistic children and young adults. Our approach revolves around the Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) method, a groundbreaking caregiver-adult-based approach that taps into the power of dynamic intelligence, developed by the brilliant Dr. Steven Gutstein.
Meet your host, Leigh Roberson
Leigh Roberson is the founder and CEO of Family First Household Staffing Agency, bringing over 15 years of experience as a nanny, Newborn Care Specialist, and agency owner. With a global perspective, Leigh is dedicated to connecting families with trustworthy, experienced household staff while fostering a supportive community for caregivers. As a member of the International Nanny Association and a four-time co-host of International Nanny Training Day, she has spoken at various workshops and conferences, including Nannypalooza and the International Nanny Association Conference.
In 2020, Family First successfully hosted Building Blocks: A Foundational Conference for Caregivers online, and we are thrilled to bring this event back in person with over 250 professionals, including nannies, parents, therapists, and educators, to explore essential themes in caregiving and personal development.
Meet your MC, Jameka Haynes
Jameka Haynes is a dedicated servant leader with over 24 years of experience in luxury retail, including 17 years as Store Director at Saks 5th Avenue Outlet. Transitioning to the non-profit sector, she served as Membership Coordinator at Lowe’s YMCA and later as Fundraising Director for several YMCAs in the region. Now an entrepreneur and Humanity Empowerment Coach, Jameka founded BOLD Conversations Consulting to help individuals and organizations embrace their authentic voices.
A passionate Diversity & Inclusion Champion, she created and chaired The Mayor’s Diversity & Inclusion Taskforce in Mooresville. Jameka is active in her community, managing social media for Troutman Baking Company, mentoring youth, and facilitating empowerment sessions. She also holds board positions with Shades of Love LKN and Iredell Health Foundation, among others. Above all, Jameka treasures her roles as a wife to Dr. Eduardo Haynes and mother to Jayden and Maxwell.
BATHROOM AND BUBBLES BREAK
Play More Charlotte believes that play is a right and a physiological need, and not only for children! Too many adults are unable to prioritize play because they’re too busy fighting systems of oppression to survive. Play More Charlotte creates opportunities for adults to release the expectations of “being a grown-up” and explore a more playful version of adulthood. You deserve to play more! Play More Charlotte is bringing their ball pit and bubble guns with them for all of us to experience a little bit of fun!
GET EXCITED!
Special Thanks to our Giveaway Donors
COMING SOON!