Mission: The Oklahoma Association for the Education of Young Children’s mission is to connect professionals, build leadership, and support those committed to the needs, rights, quality care, education, and well-being of young children and their families. 

Check out our Events tab!

2022 Governing Board:

OKAEYC HISTORY

President:  Dr. Mansur Choudry

President-Elect:  Tammy Lawson

Past President:  Collette Sawyer

Vice-President -- Chapters:  Caitlin Walker

Vice-President -- Membership:  Jana Cornelius

Treasurer:  Misty Glynn

Secretary:  Brianna Mellott 

Historian:  Dr. Lori Beasley

Member-at-Large Conference Co-chairs:  Sarah Albahadily & Carina Amrine

Member-at-Large Public Policy:  Stephanie Lippert

Member-at-Large – Public Relations: Melonie Ardoin

SECA Representative:  Kelly Ramsey, M.S.

Representative to OKDHS Child Care Advisory Council: Stephanie Lippert

Representative to Advisory Board Head Start State Collaboration Office:

Gina Richardson

Awards & Scholarships Committee Chair: Gay Synder

Nominating Committee: 

NAEYC Accreditation Advisory Committee Chair: 

OKAEYC Business Manager: Dr. Susan Tabor

The Week of the Young Child™ (WOYC) is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The purpose of the Week of the Young Child™ is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. Visit the NAEYC WOYC website to learn more.

MEMBERSHIP

Who are OKAEYC members?

OKAEYC members are a network of professionals who want to make a difference for young children. They want to learn more about early childhood and connect with other early childhood professionals. The board and membership reflect Oklahoma’s diversity with representation from many cultural and ethnic orientations; urban, suburban, and rural perspectives; a full range of early care and education professions; as well as parents, advocates and individuals concerned with quality education for Oklahoma’s children.

Becoming a member is easy!

You have 3 options to choose from:

1. Join NAEYC, OKAEYC, and SECA

2. Join NAEYC and OKAEYC

3. Join SECA and OKAEYC

Step one: Choose one or more national associations you would like to join.

• National Association for the Education of Young Children

• Southern Early Childhood Association

Step two: Once you choose the national membership you want to purchase. Choose OKAEYC as your state affiliate.

Step three: You are now an OKAEYC Member…

Enjoy the benefits of membership!     Member Benefits

BOARD MEMBERSHIP

Service on the OKAEYC Board is a chance to help drive the decisions of our highly-respected national and state associations. Holding an office on the state board is also an opportunity to work with other leaders in the state, guide OKAEYC strategic goals, and influence programs, training, and issues in the state. Board service is a chance to grow personally and professionally, to develop skills, gain unique experience, and make lasting connections with a team of other passionate and motivated professionals.  

​

For more information about Executive Board members, see below:

I hold a Ph.D. in Special Education from Oklahoma State University. A degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, and Masters in Special Education from the University of Central Oklahoma and am a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst).  I am a member of NAEYC, DISES, Ex-Vice President Early Childhood Association of Oklahoma, Council of Exceptional Children, Autism Society of America, Southern Early Childhood Association, and Association of Professional Behavior Analysts. I am also the Trainer for the First Start and the Master Consultant/Educator with the Council of Early Childhood and Professional Development for children and adults with special needs and Autism Spectrum Disorders.

I graduated in 2012 with my Bachelor’s in Education from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR.  After I graduated I traveled to 11 countries in 11 months with a non-profit organization.  We taught English, did manual labor – you name it, we did it!  After I returned from overseas I taught 7th grade English in a high poverty/low socioeconomic school for 2 years.  I moved to Tulsa in 2016 and started working in Early Childhood.  I am passionate about being an advocate for children.  Other hobbies include: spending time with my fiancé, Michael, watching sports/attending sports, playing with my 2 dogs, and spending time with family & friends.

I 

I have more than 35 years of experience in the early childhood field, working in public school, NAEYC accredited early childhood organizations, and state agencies. I have a B.S. in Early Childhood Education, B.S. in Elementary Special Education with a concentration on Mild and Moderate Disabilities and Speech Impairments, and an M.Ed. in Education Administration.