Join experts Cheryl Priest, Ed.D. and Alex Henry, M.A.

Purposeful Gatherings – Early Childhood is born from the dream that we have for all who work to make the world a beautiful place of growth and flourishing for young children and for all who spend their days supporting them. A dream where inspirational ideas, practices and environments become an essential part of your daily work!

We believe that…

• Young children will flourish when those who educate and support them are inspired, refreshed, and respected. When you, the essential change agent, are yourself encouraged to grow with curiosity and are joyfully nurtured.
• Through each interaction, Purposeful Gatherings – Early Childhood (EC) helps you grow creativity in your work, increase your well-being, and deepen the roots of your network with the focus towards altering human capability.
• Come gather on purpose with us! You are a spark that will fuel this fire, a seed that will sprout an essential bloom within our community. This is a place where you belong!

Come, gather – on purpose – with us!

Gather – Coming together with a specific purpose.
Purposeful – With intention, motivation, aspiration, desire, hope.

Cheryl and Alex handcraft new adventures that challenge me to stretch my thinking, open my heart, and engage the world in a different way. It feels artful, immersive, personal, and thought-provoking, all at the same time. As a result, I find myself viewing the world through a more beautiful and sensitive lens when reflecting on life’s journey with young children.

Chris Whitmire

A retreat experience to cultivate meaningful connections, expand your network, and foster collaborations with fellow early childhood professionals and experts that will build and grow well beyond your 1st gathering.

We are connecting a community of early childhood professionals who seek DELIGHT in their daily life. Those who are ready to build community with like minded and like spirited individuals who want MORE – who want to be inspired and who also want to inspire. If you feel a tug within your soul as you read this, we invite you to join us!

Purposeful Gatherings – Early Childhood (EC) launched in the fall of 2023 with an intimate gathering in Boyne City, MI that welcomed over 55 professionals from across Michigan and as far away as Alaska. We were joined by friend Roberta Pucci, an Italian consultant and atelierista for a day of creative reflection and growth. Following the theme of Harvesting Seeds for Change and Transformation, we came together to fuse character strengths and atelier experiences to consider ways to network and grow in the next season.

When you join us at any Purposeful Gathering you will quickly realize that this is not your typical workshop or training. We dare say that it will be a day of indulgence as you identify and then connect your own professional goals with a culture of sparking joy in your daily work and life.

Purposeful Gatherings EC takes place each fall in intimate and creative venues around Michigan. Gatherings beyond Michigan will launch in the near future – Contact us if you’re interested in a collaboration. Participation in a Purposeful Gatherings event includes:

Welcome kit mailed directly to you (with early bird registration only)
Admission to the gathering and all that happens inside
Joy filled time with your hosts Dr. Cheryl Priest and Alex Henry, along with their special guests
MiRegistry training credit (professionals working in Michigan) or pd certificate (all others)
All day beverages & snacks (we love to graze!) and light lunch (in-person only)
A cozy and flourishing atmosphere
Collaboration and opportunities for lifelong friendships with like minded professionals
Special surprises and personal touches throughout the event
Access to our uplifting virtual community The Cottage Club @Cozy & Flourish

Today made me realize not to be so hard on myself and to be present more. A wonderful presenter that made everyone feel so welcomed and wanted.

Marisol del rio

Growing out of these gatherings will be a thriving community that engages in an ongoing way as YOU seek the kinds of inspiration that can change the landscape of early childhood and the daily work of the early childhood professional. The activities of the community and future events will grow out of YOUR ideas.

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2024 Gatherings

Friday, January 19 11am-2pm EST (Virtual Retreat on Zoom) Reflections of Wonder & Joy – A Cozy Time to Restore and Replenish
Saturday, September 21 10am-3pm (Camp Linden, Linden, MI) My Backyard – Anywhere! featuring Suzanne Gabli and the teachers of the Reggio Inspired and Nature Based Building Blocks Preschool including a special option to tour the center in Highland, MI on Friday night! More details coming soon!

You’ve inspired me to dream big and that through my everyday actions I can build habits that, given time, will allow me to achieve any dream that I can see. 

Kodie hale

Are you a person, organization or business that shares this same vision for the profession? Do you want to help infuse joy, mindfulness, and curiosity into the lives and work of those who have dedicated their careers to young children? Sponsor a Purposeful Gatherings event! There are 3 beautiful ways that you can partner in this movement and nurture our professionals.