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Makayla Buchanan: Makayla Buchanan is chief of staff at The Children’s Movement of Florida, where she leads strategic initiatives to support children in their first five years. With nearly a decade of nonprofit leadership, she’s held roles including director of early learning & literacy at the Florida Chamber Foundation and CEO of the Clay Education Foundation, driving impactful programs, research, and advocacy across the state. A certified nonprofit professional and accomplished facilitator, Makayla has coached leaders, built coalitions, and helped shape education policy. She serves on multiple boards, holds numerous honors, and is pursuing a PhD in Public Policy. A Florida native and daughter of educators, she’s passionate about unlocking opportunity through education and enjoys life with her husband and daughter.
Love to Learn Event
Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Today!
Registration opens Monday, September 22, 2025!
Join us for a breakfast event dedicated to exploring the future of our workforce by focusing on our youngest members - children! This event will highlight the importance of quality early childhood education and its transformative impact on society and the economy. We will delve into the insights from the book "Love to Learn: The Transformative Power of Care and Connection in Early Education" to understand how nurturing care and meaningful connections in early education can shape the future.
Each attendee will receive a copy of the book signed by author Isabelle Hau, our
Keynote Speaker and host of a Question-and-Answer session.
Featuring a Keynote Address with Author Isabelle Hau!
Isabelle Hau has built her career at the intersection of learning, innovation, and impact—leading philanthropic investments in global education, advising AI companies, and currently directing one of the most future-focused education initiatives in the world: the Stanford Accelerator for Learning. She doesn’t just talk about the future of learning—she helps build it. Her work bridges cutting-edge science, real-world practice, and ethical AI innovation in ways that are both deeply human and globally relevant.
In her recent book, Love to Learn, she argues that learning is, at its core, a relational act. From the earliest years onward, it is love, care, and connection that unlock human potential. That insight drives everything she does: reimagining learning not merely as a transfer of knowledge, but as a profoundly human experience—one where relationships are the foundation, and where technology must serve, not replace, what makes us most alive.
Interactive Panel Discussions with the Following Speakers:
Sunil Gunderia: Sunil is a recognized EdTech industry leader who led the development of My Math Academy and My Reading Academy, adaptive products that integrate learning science, behavioral research, and AI to tailor education for each child. The development of these patented products resulted in Age of Learning receiving an SIIA CODiE Award as the most Innovative edtech company. He leads the company’s advocacy and policy work aimed at bringing innovative solutions to learners everywhere. He has been with the company for over 10 years and previously served as Chief Strategy Officer and oversaw the launch of the school business. Sunil serves on the board of Children's Institute, a nonprofit that supports the underserved children and families in Los Angeles.
Dr. Donna Housman: Dr. Donna Housman, a psychologist with over 30 years in child development and early education, founded the Housman Institute to promote emotional, cognitive, and social learning through her ECSEL model. She has trained thousands of educators and families, and her ECSELent Adventures™ book series helps children build emotional intelligence through relatable stories. Grounded in neuroscience and early childhood research, her work emphasizes prevention over repair and empowers caregivers to foster healthy brain development. A respected speaker, author, and board member, Dr. Housman’s contributions span national conferences, media outlets, and influential organizations in the field of early learning.
For questions, please contact Serena Dramis at serena.dramis@elcpalmbeach.org.
Please note that photographs, audio, and/or video at this or any ELCPBC event may be used on the ELCPBC website or ELCPBC social media pages at ELCPBC’s discretion for any purposes deemed appropriate by ELCPBC. By registering for this or any ELCPBC event, you are giving your permission to have your voice recorded and/or photograph taken and utilized by ELCPBC. You acknowledge that your participation in this event is voluntary, and neither you nor your organization will receive compensation for the use of photographs, audio, and/or video.
Pursuant to F.S. 196.411 (3), "A copy of the official registration and financial information of Early Learning Coalition Palm Beach County may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling Toll-Free 1-800-435-7352 within the State of Florida, or at www.freshfromflorida.com/division-offices/consumer-services. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State."
