Meet IMPACT:
Trainings That Include Every Child

Early childhood educators face growing challenges. At IMPACT, we bring together expert knowledge and translate it into everyday teaching strategies.  You'll finish each course with ready-to-use solutions that save time and make inclusion feel doable. 
What we offer
Who we serve
Why IMPACT
Who we are

Our Mission

To empower early childhood educators to include children with challenging behaviors and disabilities through high-quality professional development and training.

Our Vision

A future where every educator feels supported, and every child is welcomed.
What we offer

Professional Development & Support for YOU

On-Demand eLearning

Flexible, engaging courses that educators can access anytime, on any device.

In-Person Training

On-site or virtual workshops designed for your staff or organization.

Customized Consultation

Personalized coaching sessions with experts in early childhood education.
Who we serve

Is IMPACT right for you?

  • Educators: Early childhood teachers (infant, toddler, preschool, Pre-K, early elementary), childcare providers, after-school staff
  • Leaders: Program directors, school administrators looking to strengthen staff capacity
  • Specialists: Coaches, early interventionists, QRIS agencies, home visitors
  • Families & Caregivers: Parents, guardians, and anyone supporting inclusive education

Together, We Build Inclusive Classrooms. Let’s Get Started.

Join us in creating a future where inclusion is a reality in every classroom. Whether you’re an individual educator or leading a program, you can start transforming classrooms today:
On-demand and available year-round.
Customizable workshops for your staff or organization.
Boost your skills by meeting 1:1 with experts in ECE.
Still have questions?
Email us!

Results From Real Classrooms

Every detail presented was so helpful. Before, I had limited knowledge about autism and only had an understanding through observing children in my class. But this felt like a crash course that compiled all the important information I need to know to better approach children with autism.
User from Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder
I have gained a lot of inspiration and ideas from this course; it's helped me provide more diversified teaching skills, knowledge and strategies for the classroom.
User from Beyond the Sensory Table: Classroom Strategies
As usual with Impact courses, the education and expertise of the presenters shines through. I also love the emphasis on focusing on the behavior, its root causes and potential solutions; the child is not the problem and this training articulates that very well, while still acknowledging the challenging nature of biting incidents in an ECE program.
User from Bye Bye Biting
Write your awesome label here.

Play to learn more                     

Why We Exist

IMPACT teaches educators how to manage everyday obstacles like supporting children with challenging behaviors and disabilities by offering practical, research-based strategies that work in a group-care setting.
WHY IMPACT

Benefits of Working
with IMPACT

Experts

Our multidisciplinary team includes educators, therapists, and mental health specialists. So you know every element is grounded in best practices and current research in child development, early childhood education, trauma-informed care, and infant and early childhood mental health. 

We’re Built on a Legacy of Inclusion

Northwest Center helped pioneer inclusive education in the U.S., co-authoring the first civil rights legislation for children with disabilities. IMPACT continues that legacy by addressing today’s urgent need for inclusive early learning.
See our decades of history...

Northwest Center History

Northwest Center is a non-profit organization 501-C3 based in Seattle, Washington.
The agency was founded by parents who wouldn’t rest until children with disabilities across the U.S. gained access to public education. IMPACT builds on that legacy of inclusion, drawing on more than 60 years of experience in inclusive early learning and our comprehensive Birth-to-Three Early Intervention program. 

1965

Northwest Center Early Learning Founded

Northwest Center founded by parents who refused to institutionalize their children with disabilities.

1971

House Bill 90 - Education for All

Co-authored and passed House Bill 90: Education for All, the first U.S. civil rights law for children with disabilities.

1975

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Inspired federal legislation: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

2004

Part C: Early Supports for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT)

Began delivering early intervention services

2018

IMPACT Launched

IMPACT (Inclusion Mentorship Program for Increasing Access in Childcare Team) program launched. Why? Instead of building one inclusive school for a handful of children , our goal was to spark a movement. Let’s train and empower educators to bring inclusion to classrooms everywhere.

Meet Our Core Team

While we collaborate with a network of therapists, specialists, and inclusive educators to develop our content, these are the team members you'll see on screen and connect with directly throughout your IMPACT experience.

Amy Bender, MA, IMH-E ®

Senior Director, Early Education Growth Initiatives

Amy brings more than 19 years of experience supporting young children and families through early learning programs, therapeutic services, and specialized preschool settings. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Child Studies, is endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Mentor, and is currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Florida Warrington College of Business (Class of 2027).  As IMPACT's founder and a longtime leader at Northwest Center, Amy partners with educators and program leaders to build inclusive, supportive environments where all children can thrive.

Kristen McLeskey, MS, IMH-E®

Learning & Development Specialist

Kristen has more than 15 years of experience supporting children and families through mental health, early intervention, and early learning services. She holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement. Her areas of expertise include sensory processing, trauma-informed practices, inclusive education, and play-based behavior support. Passionate about helping educators better understand the "why" behind children's behavior, Kristen partners with teachers and program leaders to build confidence in supporting children with disabilities, challenging behaviors, and complex needs. 

Kelsey H. Wasmund, IMH-E®

Instructional Design Specialist

Kelsey brings more than 16 years of experience in early learning, including direct work with infants and toddlers, classroom teaching, consultation, and professional development. She holds a bachelor's degree in Human Development, an Early Childhood Education certification, and an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement. Her areas of expertise include trauma-informed care, inclusion, challenging behavior, and relationship-based practices. Kelsey partners with educators and program leaders to create inclusive environments and translates research and best practices into practical strategies that can be applied immediately in the classroom.

Cheryl Padillo

Administrative Assistant

Cheryl brings more than five years of experience in administrative support and client services within healthcare and nonprofit organizations. She holds a bachelor's degree in Health Studies from the University of Washington Bothell. Her areas of expertise include customer service, program coordination, and administrative operations that help keep services running smoothly and efficiently. As IMPACT's Administrative Assistant, Cheryl supports educators and partners through responsive customer service, technical support, and behind-the-scenes coordination that helps create a seamless experience for every learner.

Every child deserves to belong. Inclusion starts with

you!