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In addition to being the Founder and Owner of SignShine, Etel is a widely sought-out professional speaker at many conferences, workshops, and events all across the world. Etel draws from her own personal experience as a mother of two children and from her 19 years of experience in research on sign language and parenting. Her vast knowledge of the subjects, coupled with her unmatched passion, allows her to stand out as a truly inspirational speaker.

As an expert in field of sign language and parenting skills, Etel has presented to thousands of parents, educators, and professionals. She regularly speaks to both small and large groups on a number of topics including techniques for sign language and successful parenting. Her informative and engaging talks use case studies, research, and personal stories to interact with and inspire her audience into empowering themselves and their programs with the use of sign language.

Etel’s television appearances include features by NBC Brian Williams Evening News, KTLA Morning Show and Fox 11 Morning News. Etel also regularly publishes articles in professional newsletters, and her work has been profiled by several periodicals and online news agencies, including CNN.com and Yahoo.com. She is an expert contributor on parenting websites, including OpposingViews.com, and is a sign language and special needs expert on SpecialEducationAdvisor.com.

Etel is also the developer of the only Sign and Shine iPhone app as well as the author of SignShine’s curriculum and numerous teaching materials, which she uses in her highly demanded training and consulting.

If you are interested in booking Etel to speak to parents, to lead a group of instructors at your school, or to address another group, email info@signshine.com.

Etel’s most popular speaking topics:

  • The Power of Routine: 3 Power Struggles Parents Can Easily Win
  • How to Get Your Children to Bed by 9 PM: Easy Bedtime Solutions
  • Sign Language: A "Hands-On" Approach to a Positive Teaching Experience
  • Using Sign Language to Empower Children with Autism and Special Needs
  • Don’t Keep your Hands to Yourself! Using Sign Language in Play Therapy as an Empowerment Tool
  • Communication is Key: Reduce Frustration in Your Home, School, or Childcare Center

List of groups Etel has spoken to:

  • The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
  • Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP) Conference and Education Expo
  • Santa Monica College
  • LA Public Libraries & Vendor of LA County Libraries
  • The Air Force
  • Step-by-Step EDU-Play Programs
  • USC Preschool: USC Child Care Programs
  • Nanny and Caregiver Organizations: Nurture & Nanny, LLC
  • The Pump Station

To request Etel to speak at your event, conference, or workshop, please email the following information to info@signshine.com with Speaking Engagement as the subject line. Please allow 3 months of prior notice to ensure her availability.

Your Name, Organization, Address, Phone Number, Speaking Dates (including alternate dates), A few sentences about the event and what you are hoping to learn.
 
 
  Testimonials  
     
 

"Etel is a phenomenal teacher. She inspires parents to sign and makes learning and using sign language easy! Definitely fun and informative, Etel’s SignShine classes allow earlier communication between parent and child, which makes for happy families.[more]

~ Dr. Jenn Berman, Author and Host of "The Love and Sex Show with Dr. Jenn" on SIRIUS/XM Satellite Radio
 
     
 

“Etel…has a ton of energy, creative ideas, and a fabulous way of communicating that really makes you feel like you, too, can do it! She inspires and motivates, and always with a smile.”[more]

~ Anothony Harris, CEO Power Studio
 
     
 

"We recently had Etel Leit from SignShine give a presentation about Baby Sign Language at our branch. What a phenomenal program! Etel had a very relaxed and easy charm. The kids loved her songs, and the program flowed very nicely... I usually have a good-sized crowd for storytimes at the branch, but this was really a full house.”

~ Madigan McGillicuddy, Children Librarian Brentwood Library
 
     
 

"I have been working with the SignShine curriculum and etel for nearly two years. Imagine working with someone who is as passionate as you about children, teaching and sign language as yourself, and you have etel![more]

~ Manette McDermott, PhD, Manhattan Beach, CA