2023 Annual Conference

Conference Speakers

Diamond Knights

2023 INA NCS Speaker - Diamond KnightsDiamond Knights is both a professional nanny and newborn care specialist. She has 10 years of experience working with children, from newborn to pre-teen stage, and she has studied psychology, with a concentration in child psychology. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in a large family; as one of five siblings, her ability to speak up and speak out comes naturally. Diamond has used that voice to navigate the childcare industry and push through many types of obstacles, and her ability to advocate for herself and others has helped numerous families, childcare professionals, and friends alike. Diamond had a recent client situation where she came to the realization that as professional caregivers, our livelihoods are constantly at risk in the hands of clients, and negative experiences can hinder us from wanting to advocate for ourselves if we experience being taken advantage of, or being retaliated against. She is eager to join the movement to help others learn how they can step into every work environment equipped with all of the tools they will need to navigate tough situations, or even better, to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Tales from the Trenches: NCS Contract Tips with Diamond Knights and Danielle Bujnak

Diamond Knights is an NCS who, like many of us, had a really tough experience this year with a client family and the agency who placed her, yet simply adding some key ideas to her contract would have made it a much easier experience for her.

Find out more about her experience, and how it illustrates some important clauses that you should consider adding to YOUR contract. We will cover a variety of challenging situations in addition to the pitfalls that Diamond experienced, and you will also learn and have the opportunity to practice important skills for discussing contracts in a productive way with current and potential clients. Most importantly, we will discuss how to explain to a client or agency why you have your own NCS contract, and don’t want to use something they have created.

Please note that every NCS needs to have their own lawyer review their contract, to make sure that it meets their unique individual needs, in their jurisdiction. This presentation does not include any legal advice on specific wordings and their legal meanings. The presentation is intended as a professional development exercise in thinking ahead for potential challenges and practicing professional communication skills.

Meet your 2023 INA Conference Speakers!

Nash Fung

Keynote Speaker

Fuel Your Curiosity. The magic behind innovative thinking

The message is simple yet powerful: “Curiosity Matters”! Because being innovative is born from having the curiosity to: Explore what ifs, welcome new ideas, and take action. In this entertaining keynote weaving magic, engaging stories and interactive exercises, Nash will teach your team how to harness their curiosity to enhance their innovative thinking so they can create more impactful ideas together.

Pauline Thimas

Lindsey Taggart

Annie Duguid

Takita Tunstall

Brooke Weglarz

Lauren Holgate

Tassecia Simpson Little

Angela Johnson

Ryan Jordan

Jennifer Hassett

Franny Wood

Stefanie Hudgins

Wendy Sjaardema

Christine Lasser

Jacqueline Sutton

Chelsea Klassen

Shenandoah Davis

Cynthia Wilkinson

Tamara C. Gardner

Kenda Horst

Rachel Lawrence

Rachael Lubin

Karen Sheean

Elizabeth Agrapidis

Stephanie Bauchum

Danielle Bunjak

Diamond Knights

Janet Rose

Cortney Gibson

Ali Klika

Kim Brown

Courtnee Jones

Carrie Bland

Greta Schraer

Maria Gianfilippo

Kavita Sawh

Sarah Salisbury

Heidi Joline

Aakash Goel

Jill Getto Lee

Sheryl Mays

Reagan Fulton

Alicia Amerson

Danielle Sadler

Michelle LaRowe