2025 Spring Institute

About our keynote: Curtis Campogni is the founder of Speak4MC, a company dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations through tools inspired by Motivational Interviewing and the C.A.P.E. approach, which stands for Cognitive Empathy, Adaptability, Purpose-driven Choices, and Enthusiasm. With a diverse background that includes roles in public speaking, staff development, and leadership, Curtis has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive positive change. His work in child welfare, early childhood development, and leadership training has made a significant impact on countless lives.Curtis holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Baker College and is a certified Motivational Interviewing instructor. His career has been marked by accolades such as the Eckerd Connects “Employee Engagement” award and the “Outstanding Performance” award. He is also the author of C.A.P.E. Conversations: How Superheroes Communicate with Children, a book that reflects his passion for effective communication and empathy.Curtis is deeply committed to helping others grow and thrive, whether through his workshops, keynote speeches, or online content. His approach is rooted in real-world experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those in the fields of child welfare, early education, and leadership. KEYNOTE: The C.A.P.E. Approach: Enhancing Communication in Early Childhood Care Child: Who is that?Parent: That’s Dr. Strange! He’s Daddy’s favorite!Child: Why?Parent: Well, he can travel back and forth in time, helps people, and wears a nifty cape.This simple exchange inspired the C.A.P.E. approach, a method designed to help parents and early care professionals communicate more effectively with children. C.A.P.E., which stands for Choices, Avoiding Arguments, Patience, and Empathy, is grounded in the evidence-based practice of Motivational Interviewing.In this workshop, we will explore practical tools and strategies to enhance your communication with children, whether in a home or care setting. Drawing on real-world examples from child welfare and early learning environments, participants will learn how aligning their communication style with the C.A.P.E. principles can foster confidence, independence, and positive behavior in children. This session is tailored to meet the unique challenges of early care professionals and parents, ensuring the techniques are applicable across a range of age groups and settings. BREAKOUT SESSION: Shifting Perspectives: Using Cognitive Empathy to Inspire Change Working in early childhood care means helping others grow and thrive, but it’s not without its challenges. Whether you’re engaging with children, parents, or colleagues, you may encounter difficult attitudes and beliefs that can feel overwhelming. How do you navigate these challenges while maintaining your commitment to providing quality care?This keynote will delve into how attitudes are formed and explore strategies to inspire positive change through cognitive empathy. By understanding the perspectives of others, you can create more effective communication and foster collaboration, even in the most challenging situations. This session will provide evidence-based tools and techniques, including Motivational Interviewing and the Stages of Change model, to help you invite new perspectives, spark meaningful conversations, and influence change. The presentation will include interactive elements, such as breakout sessions and group discussions, tailored to engage early care professionals and empower them to create a lasting impact.