My dream of being an actress was transformed with the birth of my first daughter. Instead, I became a failing mother in need of help - desperately. Through the assistance of the amazing childcare providers and early childhood teachers I had the privilege to work alongside, I successfully raised two daughters while obtaining my college degrees. I achieved a B.A. in Theater and M.Ed. in Family Education from the University of Minnesota, in addition to becoming a Licensed Parent Educator and an Achieve Master Trainer.

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Through my ongoing work with providers, I realized that if there is one job more difficult than parenting, it is doing the isolating and often thankless work of raising our next generation in group settings, a.k.a. child care.

 

I truly believe childcare providers are today’s unsung heroes. Providers work long days, attend numerous hours of training each year, and answer busy employed parents’ calls for “HEEEELP!”. 

 

Today’s early childhood champions literally set our youngest on a successful trajectory into home, school, and eventually, work life. With a goal of assisting these heroes, I am dedicated to developing and delivering engaging keynotes, in-person and virtual workshops, live Facebook 'Naptime Nuggets', and other online education focused on decreasing stress, enhancing joy, and bolstering the success of early childhood professionals in their critical work.

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Presenter Bio

Raelene brings boundless energy, extensive expertise, years of experience in early childhood classrooms, and wonderful real-life stories that show the tangible strategies in action!  Raelene Ostberg is the Founder of Thriving Together, an organization dedicated to supporting early childhood educators in their critical work shaping young minds. She has worked for over ten years to deliver transformative learning experiences that are entertaining, fun, engaging, and inspiring.  Raelene is a full-time Keynote Speaker, Achieve/MNCPD Expert Trainer, New York State Training and Technical Assistant Professional, Curriculum Designer, and Trainer Mentor/Observer/Educator.  Raelene obtained her B.A. in Theater and M.Ed. in Family Education from the University of Minnesota.  Since 2012, Raelene has completed training and education on stress and resiliency through Mayo Clinic’s Stress-Free Living Program.

 

Raelene brings boundless energy, years of experience in early childhood classrooms, extensive expertise in reducing stress, and wonderfully entertaining stories that show real-life strategies in action. Her Keynotes, workshops, and online educational experiences help to decrease stress, enhance joy, and bolster the success of early childhood professionals who continue to do the stressful work of educating our youngest. Participants love Raelene’s energy, enthusiasm, and theatrical storytelling that bring proven strategies to life! 

 

Raelene inspires thousands of early childhood educators nationally each year and is passionate to continue the adventure.  She is grateful every day for the opportunity to support the amazing humans who choose to educate and care for our youngest.  After all, these wonderful people are shaping our future, one child at a time.

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