Partnering, Empowering, Elevating
We co-create strategies with leaders and teams to strengthen workforce sustainability, improve organizational health, and ultimately enhance outcomes for young children. What sets us apart is our human-centered approach to leadership, we’ve been there.
At the heart of our work is a deep love and respect for the Early Childhood Education workforce and the children and families they serve. We approach every partnership with empathy - listening first, honoring lived experiences, and recognizing the real pressures EC educators and leaders face everyday. Our consultations are collaborative, practical, and grounded in real-world early learning environments.
Our story
Kinetic Leadership Support LLC is a consulting firm specializing exclusively in the early childhood education sector. We provide hands-on, customized consulting services to ECE programs at all stages of development — from newly established childcare centers seeking accreditation to large multi-site organizations looking to scale their leadership infrastructure.
KLS was founded on the belief that the quality of early childhood centers/providers is directly tied to the quality of their leadership and staff. With over 50+ years of combined experience in early childhood education and federal program administration, KLS helps organizations develop confident leaders, build high-performing teams, and create inclusive, nurturing environments where young children thrive by offering targeted, research-backed consulting services. Our vision is to support centers/providers, using sustainable strategies to improve quality, compliance, and team culture.
Pictured L to R: Lesley Sanchez, Shirley Wells, Kathleen Kilgore
KLS
Mission
& Vision
Mission
To provide solution driven experiences, in collaboration with EC professionals, through coordination of training, coaching, and organizational support for Early Childhood Providers to achieve improved outcomes for children and their families
Vision
We envision every childcare provider is led by skilled, confident, and inspired professionals who deliver excellence in care and education. We aim to support programs using sustainable strategies to improve quality, compliance, and team culture.
KLS provides a full continuum of consulting services designed to meet clients where they are and
move them toward their goals.
Leadership Coaching
& Development
One-on-one and group coaching for early childhood directors, assistant directors, education coordinators, and other program leaders. Coaching is grounded in reflective practice, adult learning theory, and leadership development frameworks. Engagements typically range from 3 to 12 months and include goal setting, structured reflection, observation and feedback, and resources tailored to each leader's growth edge.
Staff Professional Development & Training
Custom-designed and facilitated training sessions, workshops, and professional learning communities (PLCs) for early childhood educators and program staff. Topics include developmentally appropriate practice, classroom management, curriculum implementation, infant-toddler development, family engagement, equity and anti-bias education, and more. Typically services will be delivered in person, but will cater to the needs of the clients.
Program Quality Assessments
Comprehensive program assessments using validated tools (e.g., CLASS, ECERS scales, Head Start Program Performance Standards self-assessments) paired with observational data, staff interviews, and document review. Assessment reports include prioritized recommendations, a quality improvement roadmap, and optional ongoing consulting support.
Organization & Strategic Consulting
Support for ECE organizations undergoing growth, transition, or strategic planning. Services include organizational health assessments, leadership team retreats, succession planning, policy and procedure development.
Organizational Retreats
Engaging keynote presentations and workshop facilitation for ECE conferences, staff professional development days, board retreats, and community gatherings. Topics include inspirational leadership in early childhood, building resilient ECE teams, adult learning, and equity-centered leadership.
Our Core Values
Excellence
Delivering research-informed, high-quality consulting at every engagement, integrity in leadership, quality in compliance.
Equity
Centering culturally responsive, non-biased practices and equitable access to quality ECE.
Relationships
Building trusted, long-term partnerships with clients and the field, dignity for staff.
Child Centeredness
Keeping the wellbeing of young children at the heart of every decision.
Continuous Learning
Modeling the growth mindset we foster in the leaders and staff we serve, development over discipline, and always putting children first.
Here’s why you can trust KLS Consulting:
We are committed to helping organizations develop confident leaders, build high-performing teams, and create inclusive, nurturing environments where young children thrive by offering targeted, research-backed consulting services with experience based strategies.
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50+ years of combined hands-on experience
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Federal program administration background
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Director-level leadership experience
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Deep understanding of staff culture
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Ability to mentor with wisdom and empathy
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Experience-based!
Our Experience
Kathleen Kilgore
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Pre-K/Kindergarten teacher in a private center for 8 years.
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32 years as Education Manager and Child Development Specialist in Head Start/Early Head Start programs
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Devoted to my family and community where I serve as a volunteer
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Certificate in Child Care and Social Work, Associates Degree in Education and in Early Childhood Development and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services with a concentration in Child Development Services.
“If we don’t teach our children social skills like compassion, empathy, and building relationships, our communities will not prosper.”
Lesley Sanchez
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Assistant Teacher at a private daycare in Maryland
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5 years as a 4/5 year old teacher and Director at a private childcare center in Virginia
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10 years as an Infant/Toddler teacher, Family & Community Services Manager and Education Manager in a Head Start/Early Head Start program
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Infant/Toddler Behavior Consultant with the Infant/Toddler Specialist Network (ITSN)
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Ready Region Southside Family Coordinator
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Associate Degree in General Studies and Education, Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education
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CLASS certified in the Infant, Toddler, and Pre-K CLASS tools
“Every child should have the chance to succeed both academically and emotionally, no matter their socio-economic status or race/ethnicity”.
Shirley Wells
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7 years operating a family day home
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14+ years as a Preschool Teacher, 7 years Program Manager, and 7 years as Director all in a Head Start/Early Head Start program
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A proud mother of two and grandmother of five—affectionately known as “GG” since September 2025
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Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.
"I believe that Early Childhood Educators shape not only young minds, but future generations. I am passionate about sharing the wisdom, experiences, and lessons I have gained over decades to uplift, encourage, and empower others in the early childhood field.