This leadership experience was created to honor the impactful work and vision of Vanessa Rich, a dedicated leader and fierce advocate for Head Start. Vanessa believed in fully immersing herself in the mission, famously saying, "In Head Start, we don't just stand on the porch, we come all the way into the house." Inspired by her passion, we come together to strengthen our commitment to expanding opportunities for children and families. This experience is a space to grow as leaders, embrace bold advocacy, and carry forward the spirit of dedication, heart, and action that Vanessa embodied. Now, it’s our turn to lead with purpose, ensuring that we, too, are always living all the way in.
BE THE CHANGE – A Leadership Framework
Join us at the 2025 Illinois Head Start Association Vanessa Rich Leadership Experience for BE THE CHANGE, an inspiring and action-oriented session grounded in a powerful leadership framework designed to meet the moment. This engaging presentation offers a dynamic blend of strategy, heart, and clarity—perfect for leaders navigating today’s complex and demanding environment.
We’re thrilled to be guided through the Vanessa Rich Leadership Experience by Paul Behrman, a nationally recognized consultant and keynote speaker known for his heart-forward approach to self-regulated leadership, emotional intelligence, and culture-building in Head Start communities. Paul brings not only deep expertise but also lived experience and contagious energy that sets the tone for meaningful connection and learning.
About Paul Behrman
Paul Behrman is a consultant, trainer and administrator with expertise in leadership, management, and organizational development. For more than 20 years, he served as Director for Champlain Valley Head Start in Vermont, and as Chair for Vermont Head Start Association. Paul has served in consultant and mentor roles at the federal and state level, provided guidance and expertise for the federal Office of Head Start in Washington, DC, participated in national workgroups with National Head Start Association, worked as an attorney on behalf of low-income clients, and provided pro bono work. He was also a Gubernatorial Appointee on the Vermont Blue Ribbon Commission on Financing High Quality, Affordable Child Care. Paul was a Johnson & Johnson Management Program Fellow at Anderson School of Management at UCLA. Paul received a Juris Doctorate degree from UCLA School of Law, and B.A. degree in English and Communication from State University of New York at Albany.
UNIQUE EMAIL ADDRESSES REQUIRED: When completing a registration please enter the unique email address of the person attending the training, not the email of the person completing the registration. A unique email address is required for each attendee in order to access the training event AND materials.
VRLE Registration Rate (does NOT include lodging - participants MUST book reservation separately)
Registration rates include the following:
Special Registration Discounts - Take advantage of team pricing!
Now it’s even easier to share the learning with your colleagues. Groups of three (3) or more attendees (from the same member agency) receive a $50.00 discount* on individual registration price.
*To receive team rates, you must submit a minimum of 3 registrations from the same member agency/program together. All attendees must be from the same member agency/program and register together in one transaction.
**We encourage everyone to register as a team to take advantage of the team member rate and register as a team. However, no adjustments and/or refunds will be given to any one who registers separately as an individual member rate if part of a team agency/program.
Substitutions - Registration substitutions are always welcome for in-person events. To request a substitution, you must email IHSA and include in your email the names and affiliations of both parties involved in the substitution.
Cancelations - The IHSA Team does our best to fill all spots for Professional Development events. Our conference and event registration forms continue to include IHSA’s no cancellation clause, a standing policy -- "Cancellation Policy: once registrations have been submitted online—there are NO cancellations. Name changes will be accepted up to 72 hours before the event." This is done as a notification for viewer acknowledgment - before he or she chooses to manually click the submit button. However strict the policy may seem at times, we always still allow for agencies to send a replacement, if needed (instead of the original registrant).
Refunds - Refund requests submitted to IHSA event are subject to the discretion of the IHSA, and full refunds are not guaranteed. However, IHSA will consider the following factors for refunds to registration for in-person events:
Email cancellations requests for in-person events to the IHSA for consideration.
**NOTE - Please remember that cancelling or changing your registration will not automatically cancel your hotel and travel arrangements, if applicable. Individuals are solely responsible for canceling their own hotel and travel reservations. IHSA takes no responsibility for any damages, costs, or losses should you cancel or change your registration.
PAYMENT METHOD
Online registration does NOT require a credit card payment. Just choose the "Pay via invoice" option at checkout and your agency can pay by mail at a later date. To utilize this option, please select the "PAY VIA INVOICE" option. If you have questions about the registration process, please contact our office.
Paying by Check?
Make checks payable to: "IHSA"
Mail to:
IHSA
3435 Liberty Drive
Springfield, IL 62704
Paying by Credit Card or other electronic payment?