Dr. Sexton earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Boston University, a master degree in special education from Bank Street College, and a doctorate from Appalachian State University. Dr. Sexton has worked in the field of early childhood education for 25 years, including 20 years in leadership positions. Dr. Sexton served as the Director of FIPP Early Head Start, a national program of excellence. She has conducted training events nationally and internationally, including Birth to Three Early Head Start Institute, Zero to Three National Training Institute, Division of Early Childhood International Conference, the Inclusion Institute, and Regional Head Start Conferences. Dr. Sexton has authored several articles. She regularly consults with early childhood programs across the country in the areas of natural learning environments, capacity-building family support practices, interest-based child learning opportunities, and professional development coaching.