2026 Vermont Caregiver Connections Conference
Keynote Speaker
Anthony (Ant) Toombs Sr. is a trauma counselor and Founding Member, Growth & Expansion Strategist with The Life is Good Playmaker Project (LiGPP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to spread the power of optimism to help kids heal through play. Throughout his 16+ years with The Playmaker Project, Ant has partnered with thousands of childhood professionals across the United States and Haiti to help create more safe, loving and joyful environments for kids to engage, connect, and explore.
Ant (along with the entire LiGPP team) believes that when children grow to see the good in themselves, the good in others and the good in their world – their social, emotional, and cognitive superpowers emerge. However, for the seeds of optimism to take root, they must be nurtured. Sadly, in toxically stressful environments that can result from poverty, violence and illness, the seeds of optimism often die.
Ant has committed his career to growing the good and supporting the childhood professionals, that The LiGPP call Playmakers – those men and women who dedicate their lives to helping kids heal.
- Registration closes on Saturday April 25th at 4:00pm
- Registration Priority will be given to caregivers. FSD staff and other professionals may be placed on the waiting list.
Join Us for This Wonderful Opportunity to Connect
We invite Kin, Foster, and Adoptive Caregivers to join us on May 9th at the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, VT for the 2026 Vermont Caregiver Connection Conference: Joy in the Journey. This conference brings caregivers together to enhance the connection and education essential for building a resilient community while also creating a space to build relationships and strengthen the bonds vital for your well-being and the well-being of the children in your care.
This year we are delighted to welcome Ant Toombs from the Life is Good Playmaker Project as our keynote speaker. Ant will guide us in “The Power of a Playful Mindset”. Additional information regarding breakout sessions and presenters can be found under the agenda tab. Registration closes on Saturday April 25th.
Joy in the Journey!
NOTE: Childcare will not be available onsite for this event. Please contact your Resource Coordinator or Recruitment and Retention Specialist about respite needs. We look forward to seeing everyone in May!