Two Devereux Center for Resilient Children National Trainers named "Exceptional Leaders" by Exchange magazine

Devereux is proud to announce that two colleagues from the Devereux Center for Resilient Children (DCRC), Nefertiti Bruce Poyner and Karen Cairone, have been named as “Exceptional Leaders” in the field of Early Childhood Education by Exchange magazine.  Exchange, a respected and well-read publication covering topics related to early child care and education, launched The Exchange Leadership Initiative in November of 2014 in an effort to recognize emerging leadership in the field of field of early child care and education.  Profiles of Ms. Poyner and Ms. Cairone can be found in the May/June issue of Exchange magazine.

Ms. Poyner and Ms. Cairone were among a very distinguished group of only 49 early to mid-career professionals selected by members of Exchange’s Emerging Leaders Review Team.  Candidates were measured using five criteria, which included demonstrated leadership, knowledge and experience, and demonstrated initiative.  “DCRC, and Devereux are very fortunate to count Nefertiti and Karen among our ranks.  We have a talented team at the Devereux Center for Resilient Children, and we continue to be proud of the wonderful work that Nefertiti and Karen do to advance the field, and the lives of young children and their families,” said Paul LeBuffe, Director of the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. 

Karen Cairone, M.Ed., worked at DCRC beginning in 1999 as an Early Childhood Specialist.  She is currently a consultant for DCRC. She is the co-writer and co-producer of the Facing the Challenge DVDs, Classroom Moments DVD and accompanying training. Karen is also a co-author for DCRC’s 2011 award winning publication, Socially Strong, Emotionally Secure:  50 Activities to Promote Resilience in Young Children.  Most recently she has co-authored Promoting Resilience in Preschoolers: A Strategy Guide for Early Childhood Professionals and Promoting Resilience For Now and Forever: A Family Guide for Promoting the Social and Emotional Health of Preschool Children. 

Nefertiti Bruce Poyner, M.Ed., is an Early Childhood Specialist and National Trainer for DCRC. She has worked for the Devereux Center for Resilient Children for over 10 years. Most recently she has co-authored two resources, Building Your Bounce: Simple Strategies for a Resilient You and the award winning Socially Strong, Emotionally Secure: 50 Activities to Promote Resilience in Young Children.

Nefertiti Bruce, M.Ed.

Karen Cairone, M.Ed.

Listen to the latest episode of the Devereux Center for Effective Schools’ podcast featuring Ryan Farmer Ph.D., HSP, who discusses ineffective/low-value practices in the field of school psychology. Dr. Farmer is a clinical assistant professor and director of the Psychological Services Center at the University of Memphis. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music/Audible.

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Watch our latest Fireside Chat, in which Devereux President and CEO Carl E. Clark II connects with executive directors in our New England states – Nadyia Abbas, M.A., CAGS, LMHC, LADC-I (Massachusetts and Rhode Island); Dan Bailey, M.A. (Connecticut/The Glenholme School); and John Lopez, M.S., M.S.Ed. (New York) – to better understand how these centers: 1) foster an environment where everyone belongs, and 2) help families/caregivers feel like Devereux is an extension of their own families.

Pride Month, celebrated in June, is a time to honor and uplift the voices of those within the LGBTQ+ community, promote inclusion and allyship, and recognize the challenges that remain for many LGBTQ+ youth and adults as they strive to live life as their authentic selves.