Anni K. Reinking, Ed.D., IECMH is the Founder and CEO of Reinking Education Consulting, LLC. An educator, leader, author, and speaker, Dr. Reinking has dedicated nearly two decades to advancing equitable, relationship-centered practices in education, early childhood systems, and community-based services. Her career began with an international teaching experience in Mombasa, Kenya, where she taught art and English to orphaned boys living on the streets. Upon returning to the United States, she served students and families across the South Side of Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Central Illinois. Throughout her career in education, she taught learners ranging from pre-kindergarten through graduate school, developing a deep understanding of child development, adult learning, and systems change. After transitioning from the classroom, Dr. Reinking expanded her impact through research, leadership development, and organizational consulting. She currently serves as Vice President of Prevention Services at Children's Home Association of Illinois, where she oversees programs focused on maternal and infant health, early childhood development, family support, and community-based prevention services. Through her professional and volunteer leadership roles, Dr. Reinking has provided consultation, coaching, keynote presentations, and professional development for educators, early childhood professionals, nonprofit leaders, and organizations across the country. Her work centers on equity, inclusion, belonging, trauma-informed practice, and creating systems that support children and families from the very beginning. In addition to her leadership and consulting work, Dr. Reinking is a bestselling author, podcast host, and sought-after speaker who is passionate about helping individuals and organizations create meaningful and lasting change.
Laycee Thigpen, M.S.Ed. is a Lead Consultant with Reinking Education Consulting, where she partners with schools, organizations, churches, and communities to create more equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive environments. With a strong foundation in early childhood education, Laycee spent eight years as a classroom teacher in childcare and Head Start programs throughout Southern Illinois. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where she developed a passion for advancing equity and improving outcomes for children, families, and educators. Throughout her career, Laycee has worked in a variety of educational and leadership roles. She has instructed pre-service and in-service teachers, coached apprentices pursuing their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, designed and directed summer programming for children, and facilitated professional development focused on equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Laycee’s work is centered on helping organizations recognize and address biases, dismantle inequitable practices, and create environments where all individuals feel valued and supported. She is particularly passionate about developing racially inclusive learning environments for young children and equipping educators with practical strategies to foster belonging and challenge stereotypes. Currently, Laycee serves as a Research Assistant at Georgia Institute of Technology, where she continues to expand her expertise in educational research, equity-focused practices, and systems-level change. Through her consulting, training, and research, she remains committed to helping organizations translate equity principles into meaningful action and sustainable impact.
Sue Krummel, M.Div. is a consultant, educator, minister, and recognized leader within the Presbyterian Church, bringing more than 40 years of experience helping congregations, organizations, and governing bodies navigate change, build healthier systems, and lead with purpose. Throughout her career, she has guided communities in discovering new directions and innovative ways to bring hope, healing, and transformation to a complex and changing world. Sue earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement. She later received her Master of Divinity degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where she was honored with an award for outstanding scholarship and leadership. Her professional development includes extensive training through the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, a Certificate in Executive Leadership from McCormick Theological Seminary, and years of experience teaching and mentoring interim and transitional pastors. As a respected denominational leader and sought-after preacher, Sue is widely recognized for her ability to bring calm to troubled systems, foster meaningful dialogue, and help groups move through conflict toward clarity and shared purpose. Known for her thoughtful leadership and commitment to honest, compassionate communication, Sue has built a reputation as a trusted guide during times of uncertainty and transition. In 2021, she became a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), further expanding her work in helping individuals and organizations strengthen cultural competence, advance equity and inclusion, and build meaningful connections across differences. Through consulting, leadership development, facilitation, and preaching, Sue continues to help organizations and communities create healthier relationships, navigate change effectively, and foster environments where all people can thrive.
