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2026 Nominees
The Team
Debbie Shultz
Secretary
Amanda Greenfield
Conference Co-Chair
Tearsa Leeming-Turner
Conference Co-Chair
Debbie has been working in Early Childhood Education for over 24 years. She currently serves as a board member for the Southern Hills Outreach Foundation and as a member of the Board of Trustees at Southern Hills United Methodist Church. In addition, she is a PDS Specialist for the CDA Council of Professional Recognition and an Educator for CECPD.
With nearly 20 years of experience in the field of early childhood education, serving in a variety of roles that reflect her commitment to supporting children, families, and educators. She began her career as a Family Child Care Home Provider and went on to serve as a Family Advocate for Head Start and as a Special Education Paraprofessional in the public school system. The majority of her professional experience has been within Military Child and Youth Programs, where she has held leadership positions, including Child Development Center Director for the United States Air Force and School-Age Program Assistant Director for the United States Army. Currently, Ms. Greenfield serves as an adjunct instructor at Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City and as Director of the Scholars for Excellence in Child Care program at Redlands Community College. She holds a Master of Science in Family and Child Studies with a specialization in Infant Child Specialist from the University of Central Oklahoma.
With a strong background in leadership and event planning, I am confident in my ability to serve as an effective and engaged Conference Co-Chair. I have hands-on experience organizing a wide range of events, including monthly programming at the Primrose School of Midtown, where I supported the planning and execution of family and community-centered activities. I also played a key role in organizing our annual fundraiser, coordinating logistics, managing communication, and helping ensure the event’s success. In addition, I have led National Honor Society fundraisers and banquets, overseeing event details from start to finish and collaborating with team members to meet fundraising and engagement goals. These roles have strengthened my ability to manage multiple moving parts, stay organized under pressure, and create events that are meaningful, inclusive, and impactful. I bring a collaborative spirit, a strong attention to detail, and a deep commitment to creating purposeful experiences that reflect the needs and values of our community. As Co-Chair, I will help ensure this conference runs smoothly while creating space for inspiration, connection, and growth.
Dr. Marla Pankratz
President Elect
Andrew Norton
Treasurer
Jana Cornelius
Accreditation Advisory Chair
Sarah Albahadily
SECA Representative
Marla is running for President-Elect and currently serves as Conference Chair, where she has played a key role in organizing professional development and networking opportunities for early childhood educators. She recently earned her Ph.D. in Early Education in July 2025, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and expertise in the field. With a passion for supporting educators and children, Marla aims to lead initiatives that strengthen professional development, advocacy, and community engagement within the early childhood education community. Her knowledge, leadership skills, and dedication position her to make a meaningful impact as President-Elect.
Jana is running for Accreditation Advisory Chair, bringing her extensive experience and commitment to supporting quality Early Childhood Education. In 2025, she hosted two accreditation workshops for Family Child Care Homes and Centers, demonstrating her dedication to helping programs achieve and maintain high standards. With more than 35 years of experience in the field, Jana has worked in public schools, NAEYC-accredited early childhood organizations, and state agencies. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education, a B.S. in Elementary Special Education with a concentration in Mild and Moderate Disabilities and Speech Impairments, and an M.Ed. in Education Administration. Her expertise and leadership make her a valuable resource and mentor in the early childhood community.
Sarah is running for her second term as SECA Representative and is eager to continue strengthening connections and advocating for Early Childhood Education. She has served as Conference Chair and helped organize key events, including the SECA Leadership Summit tour, the OKAEYC Conference, and the 2025 Awards Banquet. With a background in both teaching and school administration, Sarah has many years of experience in education. She is passionate about mentoring teachers and staff, equipping them to better support children and families. Known for her leadership, energy, and strong ethical standards, she is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the communities she serves.
Andrew is applying for the position of Treasurer and brings over a decade of experience in early care and education, as well as IT and facilities management. He currently serves as Senior Director of IT and Facilities at Sunbeam Family Services in Oklahoma City, where he focuses on streamlining operations and enhancing service delivery. Previously, Andrew worked with the State of Oklahoma and in child development, gaining valuable expertise in systems integration and policy. He holds a degree in Human Environmental Sciences from the University of Central Oklahoma and has served on various committees and boards in the nonprofit sector. His commitment to continuous improvement and community impact is evident in all aspects of his work.