ECESeminars

About Us

Christi Leonard

ABOUT ME: I have been a level 5 credentialed ECE TRIS
trainer for 25 years. I have worked 16 years as an early
childhood evaluator (District Child Evaluation Specialist)
with the Kentucky Early Intervention System, KEIS, (First Steps) program in Louisville area.

Prior to that, I worked as a Head Start Disability Coordinator for 7 years. It was there that I got my start training early childhood staff in child development, staff professionalism and behavior management.

EDUCATION: I earned my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Special Education: Learning and Behavior Disorders from Murray State University in 1994. After graduation, I married my husband, Steve, and relocated to his hometown of Louisville. Once settled, I continued my education at the University of Louisville, completing two Master’s degrees—one in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) and the other in Special Education with certification as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI). Currently, I am once again enrolled at the University of Louisville, pursuing certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). While returning to school at this stage in life may seem unconventional, I am deeply committed to addressing the critical need for behavior support services for young children.

FAMILY: Steve and I have been married for 31 years and live on a small farm in Jeffersontown, Kentucky. We began homeschooling our children long before the COVID-19 pandemic—starting when our daughter was in 5th grade and our son in 3rd. Using a combination of home instruction, co-op classes, and dual-enrollment college coursework, we successfully guided both of them through high school. As a result, they each entered the University of Louisville as college sophomores. In May 2025, our daughter Grace, 23, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, and our son Stephen Jr., 21, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance—both from U of L. Today, they are pursuing their next educational paths: Grace is working toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Stephen is training to become a commercial pilot. As a family, we enjoy spending time outdoors, visiting the beach, and sharing our love for animals and Mexican food.

EARLY CHOLDHOO EDUCATOR SEMINARS: I started Early Childhood Educator Seminars 23 years ago, shortly after the birth of my daughter, Grace. I had chosen to stay home with my children but wanted to contribute financially, so I began offering independent training sessions at early childhood centers and various locations throughout the Louisville area. Over the years, my business has grown, and I now host trainings both on-site and at our farm. For programs with at least 10 staff members, I offer on-site training and am proud to be a regular trainer for many high-quality early childhood programs in the Louisville area. I am happy to provide references upon request. If your team is smaller, we can likely still work out an arrangement to get your staff trained.

I genuinely enjoy working with others who share a love for children (especially those with special needs) and a passion for becoming better teachers, parents, coworkers, and individuals. I’m here to support you—please don’t hesitate to call if you have questions about early childhood education or need help finding resources.

Cancellation Policy

The organization reserves the right to cancel training if 10 days notice has been given to the Trainer. If cancellation is less than 10 days prior to the date of the course the organization will pay 30% of the fee, and if cancelled on the day of the course the full fee will be payable.

Early Childhood Educators Seminar

About Us

The organization reserves the right to cancel training if 10 days notice has been given to the Trainer. If cancellation is less than 10 days prior to the date of the course the organization will pay 30% of the fee, and if cancelled on the day of the course the full fee will be payable.