Early Education Keynote Speaker

The HINGE team is dedicated to delivering impactful content to early education business owners and industry stakeholders. While we do this through our own monthly webinars, annual workshops, and conferences, we’re also proud to partner with associations, industry vendors, and multi-site groups to provide unique content to their audiences. With topics including the state of the industry, financial health, succession planning, growth strategy, staff investment, leadership skills, and much more, our team of dynamic speakers could be the perfect fit for your next event. Get to know them below.

Meet Our Speakers

Kathy Ligon is HINGE’s fearless leader — and keeper of some powerful business and growth strategy knowledge. She regularly shares her expertise at early education events, including McCormick’s Leadership Conference, AELL’s National Conference, and the World Forum on Early Care and Education. Kathy’s development and strategization of the Five Pillars of Financial Health is the cornerstone of her teaching.

Sample Speaking Topics include…

  • State of the Industry: What’s Trending in Early Education?

  • The Five Pillars of Purpose-Driven Profit in Child Care

  • Where to Grow Before You Go: Developing Your Succession Plan

“The information was excellent and the presenter was engaging and had a ton of knowledge. I’ll be able to share this information with programs I work with and it will make a difference in their program operations.”

- Anonymous Survey Review

Kathe Petchel is HINGE’s content queen — presenting on a range of early education topics that help owners maximize their education business’ value. Kathe speaks at state, national and international events and is involved with a number of associations including PACCA, VCCA, GCCA, CQEL, COECEA, McCormick, AELL, and the World Forum on Early Care and Education.

Sample Speaking Topics include…

  • 10 Ways to Increase the Value of Your School

  • Growing Your Bench: Be Ready When Opportunity Knocks

  • Secrets to a Happy Exit: 9 Strategies to Implement Now for Your Future

“I really enjoyed and learned from Kathe’s class. She was knowledgeable and kept everyone on their toes. She is extremely personable and perceptive. I will use her information in my business. Well done!”

– Barbara Mullen, Ivy Hill Preschool

Tom Wood is HINGE’s leadership guru. He is the leader of our Leadership Sprints Success Service, a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, and a Certified Mastermind Peer Group Facilitator. Tom’s content engages, educates and inspires attendees to be their very best selves.

Sample Speaking Topics include…

  • Serving and Loving Yourself Well

  • Emotional Intelligence (EI): The Magic is in the Moment

  • Developing Great Habits in Your Personal and Professional Life

“Tom is the perfect blend of vulnerable, knowledgeable, and confident with a twist of humor. He models the leader that we all strive to be and handles his sprints with great individuality and care. His one-liners live on far past his class as team members reflect and implement their lessons.”

- Jennifer Duffield, Dancing Moose Montessori School