UPCOMING EVENTS

Webinar: From Formation to Peak Performance: Leading Teams through the 5 Stages of Group Development

Wednesday October 29, 2025, 1-2 PM 
Presenter: Kathe Petchel

Are you ready to unlock the secret to a high-performing, collaborative team? Join Kathe Petchel from Hinge Advisors and a 41-year multi-site owner for a dynamic and engaging session where we dive into Bruce Tuckman’s groundbreaking research on the 5 Stages of Group Development: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning! Whether you’re leading a brand-new team or managing a seasoned group of educators, understanding these stages is key to helping your team navigate challenges and grow stronger together. 

In this interactive session, Kathe will guide you through each stage, offering practical strategies to empower your staff at every step. From managing the chaos of the "storming" phase to building a high-functioning, "performing" team, you’ll walk away with actionable tools to transform your group dynamics. She will emphasize the need to keep communication open and educate your team on the stages so that when the storm hits (and it will!), the team navigates it together.

But that’s not all! We’ll also tackle real-life scenarios for each stage, specific to the childcare environment, giving you insights you can apply immediately. Expect lively discussions, a few laughs, and plenty of "aha!" moments as we explore how to turn group challenges into opportunities for growth and success. 

This presentation ensures a balance of theory, practical strategies, and hands-on activities to keep the session engaging and informative. Don’t miss out on this exciting journey through team development—it’s time to lead your group to the next level! 

Our Presenter

Kathe Petchel
Bright Beginnings Founder and HINGE Advisors Business Development Specialist 

Kathe Petchel has worked in early childhood education for 43 years. A graduate of Penn State University, Kathe earned her B.S. in elementary education with a specialty in early childhood education. After teaching kindergarten and first grade in public schools, she opened her first childcare center in 1984. She is a multi-site childcare owner with three preschools (Bright Beginnings) serving more than 400 families in Charlottesville, Virginia. She is a board member of the Virginia Child Care Association and is Outdoor Classroom certified. 

Kathe serves on the Business Development team at Hinge Early Education Advisors educating owners on the essential operations and financial best practices necessary for thriving and high-quality early education programs. Much of her time is spent researching and presenting relevant content designed to support owners and administrators as they navigate today’s challenges. 

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