We are SO excited for this year’s RISE Conference! 
This year, we’ll be focusing on growing as educators and caregivers as we teach, guide, and love on our most spirited children . Get ready for amazing speakers, practical tools, encouragement, laughter, endless knowledge, and 6 continuing education hours !
You do NOT want to miss this incredible day of learning and connection!
Grab your spot TODAY by following the registration link below
https://thetemple.churchcenter.com/registr.../events/3548616
Meet our Speakers
We are excited to welcome Robin McCutcheon to our Preschool Conference!
Robin is a community servant and advocate for the human spirit who believes in living life in color. Throughout her career in public education, educational consulting, higher education, and behavioral health, she has shared a message of judgment-free living rooted in unconditional love for others.
After serving as President and CEO of Samaritan Counseling and Wellness Center, Robin "retired" in 2026—but not for long! Today, she serves as the Executive Director of Mental Health America of Southeast Texas and continues to invest in the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Whether she's serving alongside local organizations, spending time with family, or keeping up with her trusty sidekick Foster, Robin's greatest joy is helping others discover and live out their purpose.
Robin is a community servant and advocate for the human spirit who believes in living life in color. Throughout her career in public education, educational consulting, higher education, and behavioral health, she has shared a message of judgment-free living rooted in unconditional love for others.
After serving as President and CEO of Samaritan Counseling and Wellness Center, Robin "retired" in 2026—but not for long! Today, she serves as the Executive Director of Mental Health America of Southeast Texas and continues to invest in the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Whether she's serving alongside local organizations, spending time with family, or keeping up with her trusty sidekick Foster, Robin's greatest joy is helping others discover and live out their purpose.
We are honored to welcome Julie O’Malley as one of our Preschool Conference speakers!
Julie serves as the Executive Director of the Shorkey Center in Beaumont, where she is dedicated to supporting children through innovative educational programming and compassionate leadership.
With more than 25 years of experience in early childhood and special education, Julie has built her career around empowering children, strengthening families, and creating inclusive learning environments that encourage growth, confidence, and independence.
Her combination of advanced academic training and decades of hands-on experience has given her a deep understanding of educational development, specialized instruction, and program leadership.
We are excited for Julie to share her knowledge, experience, and passion with us at this year's conference!
Julie serves as the Executive Director of the Shorkey Center in Beaumont, where she is dedicated to supporting children through innovative educational programming and compassionate leadership.
With more than 25 years of experience in early childhood and special education, Julie has built her career around empowering children, strengthening families, and creating inclusive learning environments that encourage growth, confidence, and independence.
Her combination of advanced academic training and decades of hands-on experience has given her a deep understanding of educational development, specialized instruction, and program leadership.
We are excited for Julie to share her knowledge, experience, and passion with us at this year's conference!
We're excited to welcome Madison Hardisty, Wellness Program Director at the Samaritan Counseling and Wellness Center of Southeast Texas, to this year's Preschool Conference.
With a background in Applied Behavior Analysis, Madison spent the early years of her career serving individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Today, her work is focused on expanding access to mental and behavioral health resources throughout Southeast Texas and advocating for the well-being of individuals and families in our community.
Madison is passionate about helping people find the support they need to reach their full potential, and we know her insights will encourage and equip those who serve children and families every day.
With a background in Applied Behavior Analysis, Madison spent the early years of her career serving individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Today, her work is focused on expanding access to mental and behavioral health resources throughout Southeast Texas and advocating for the well-being of individuals and families in our community.
Madison is passionate about helping people find the support they need to reach their full potential, and we know her insights will encourage and equip those who serve children and families every day.
Dr. Robin Pearson is the owner of Platypus Learning, a professional development organization that supports professionals serving children with special needs in preschool settings, schools, and gymnastics.
She is Program Director for CASA of Southeast Texas and a clinician for USA Gymnastics. Her background includes Special Education, Early Childhood Intervention, and pediatric rehabilitation. Dr. Pearson earned her doctorate from Creighton University, where she studied social-emotional learning in a diverse preschool setting, and completed a fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles focused on mental health for children ages 0–3.
Through her love of gymnastics and movement, Robin brings energy and fun to “Moving with the Spirited Child.”
She is Program Director for CASA of Southeast Texas and a clinician for USA Gymnastics. Her background includes Special Education, Early Childhood Intervention, and pediatric rehabilitation. Dr. Pearson earned her doctorate from Creighton University, where she studied social-emotional learning in a diverse preschool setting, and completed a fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles focused on mental health for children ages 0–3.
Through her love of gymnastics and movement, Robin brings energy and fun to “Moving with the Spirited Child.”
A Prayer for Preschool Leaders:
Lord, strengthen the hands that hold little ones, the voices that teach ABC's and tell Bible stories, and the hearts that faithfully show up week after week.
Encourage those who are tired.
Equip those who feel inadequate.
Remind every leader that the seeds they plant today can bear fruit for eternity.
Amen.
Encourage those who are tired.
Equip those who feel inadequate.
Remind every leader that the seeds they plant today can bear fruit for eternity.
Amen.