A Legacy of Leadership: Celebrating Sue Stoner's Transformative Impact on Minnesota's Early Childhood Education Community
Sue Stoner and Linda Vukelich at MNAFEE Conference 2024.
March 31, 2026
For nearly four decades, one name has been synonymous with excellence, dedication, and unwavering commitment in Minnesota's early childhood education landscape: Sue Stoner. As MNAFEE prepares to honor Sue's extraordinary contributions, we reflect on a career that has shaped not just an organization, but an entire field of professionals devoted to supporting young children and their families.
Sue's journey with MNAFEE began at the very inception of the organization's annual conference in 1986. While many professionals come and go, Sue has been a constant presence—a guiding force who has helped transform what started as a gathering of early childhood educators into one of Minnesota's most vital professional development resources. Her role as co-chair of the conference planning committee for multiple years represents just a fraction of her contributions; Sue's true impact lies in the vision, passion, and relentless dedication she has brought to every aspect of the conference experience.
"Sue Stoner has devoted her entire career to the field of family and early education as a pioneer in the beginning of ECFE and one of its most exemplary leaders since it began over 50 years ago," shares Betty Cooke, a longtime colleague. This pioneering spirit has been the hallmark of Sue's work—always looking forward, always seeking ways to better serve the educators who, in turn, serve Minnesota's youngest learners and their families.
What sets Sue apart is her comprehensive understanding of what quality professional development truly means. Sarah Holmboe, who has worked alongside Sue as co-chair of the MNAFEE Conference Planning Committee since 2020, observed this immediately: "From my first day as co-chair with Sue, it was apparent how passionate she was about early education and providing early childhood educators and leaders in our state with high-quality professional development, validation of their important work, and the opportunity to network and support one another."
This passion has translated into conferences that go beyond traditional workshop formats. Under Sue's leadership, the annual conference has consistently featured relevant topics that encompass emerging trends in early learning while creating meaningful hands-on experiences. She has understood, perhaps better than most, that early childhood educators need more than theory—they need practical tools, supportive communities, and validation of the profound importance of their work.
Kate Anderson from Mahtomedi speaks to Sue's distinctive approach: "It was a pleasure to work with Sue during her tenure on the MNAFEE Conference Committee. She was passionate about providing relevant topics encompassing the trends in Early Learning, while creating hands-on experiences. Sue's wealth of knowledge and passion about the developmental stages of children and the importance of creating a village for the caregivers is unwavering."
That phrase—"creating a village"—captures something essential about Sue's philosophy. She has always recognized that supporting early childhood development requires a holistic approach, one that encompasses not just children, but the entire network of caregivers, educators, and families that surrounds them. Through the annual conference, she has worked tirelessly to build that village, creating spaces where professionals can learn, connect, and draw strength from one another.
Sue's commitment extends well beyond the planning stages. Year after year, conference attendees have encountered Sue onsite, present every single day, ready to help attendees and answer questions. This hands-on approach reflects her deep belief that leadership means showing up—not just in title, but in presence and action. Whether guiding a first-time attendee to the right workshop or troubleshooting an unexpected challenge, Sue has been there, embodying the welcoming and supportive spirit that defines MNAFEE at its best.
Her influence as a mentor cannot be overstated. Multiple colleagues have spoken of how Sue's guidance shaped their own trajectories in early childhood education. Kate Anderson reflects, "Sue has been a mentor for me as I began my trajectory in Early Learning and I valued our time together!" Sarah Holmboe echoes this sentiment: "I am appreciative of her mentorship, support both personally and professionally, and for her many years of hard work serving MNAFEE."
Through mentorship, Sue has ensured that her legacy extends far beyond her own direct contributions. She has cultivated the next generation of leaders, passing on not just knowledge and skills, but a deep commitment to the values that make early childhood education such vital work.
Betty Cooke perhaps summarizes Sue's impact most powerfully: "One of Sue's most significant contributions to our work in early childhood and parent and family education is the many years she has chaired the MNAFEE Annual Conference. The annual conference has been and continues to be a vital resource to those of us in Minnesota working with young children and their parents and families. Through the conference, Sue has led the way in promoting our professional development, which contributes to the quality of the work we do every day with families."
As we celebrate Sue Stoner's remarkable career, we recognize that her contributions extend into every corner of Minnesota's early childhood education community. The professionals she has mentored, the conferences she has shaped, the standards of excellence she has established—these legacies will continue to benefit children, families, and educators for generations to come.
Thank you, Sue, for your unwavering dedication, your visionary leadership, and your profound impact on our field. You have truly made Minnesota a better place for young children and the families who love them.