YCL Early Childhood Experts
Dr. Scott Mesh
Director, Young Child Learning
Dr. Mesh, a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience, is the CEO of Los Niños Services and Director of Young Child Learning. He is the author of "Early Childhood Assessment: A Practical Guide to Psychological and Developmental Evaluations in the Early Intervention Program." Dr. Mesh has been working with young children and families since 1999. He coaches educational leaders, staff, and organizations in growth, leadership, culture building, hiring/retention, and is a consultant for Topgrading.com.
Website: scottmesh.com | LinkedIn: Scott Mesh | Email: [email protected]
Dr. Andrea Adelman
Clinical Assistant Professor, Florida International University,
Dr. Andrea Adelman is a clinical assistant professor and director of the Early Childhood Education Program at Florida International University. With a doctorate in early childhood special education, her expertise includes teacher preparation, culturally responsive instruction, classroom management, and emotional intelligence. She has 20 years of teaching experience across various levels and has led professional development for in-service teachers. Dr. Adelman is the PI of a research grant examining the impact of emotional intelligence curricula on student outcomes in low-income learning centers.
LinkedIn: Andrea Adelman | Email: [email protected]
Sharon Burnett, MS.Ed
Founder, CelebrateSEL
Sharon Burnett, with extensive expertise in early childhood education, pioneers innovative curriculum solutions. Founder of Friendship Developmental Learning Center, she empowers educators globally with tailored programs for Infants, Toddlers, Pre-K, and Kindergarten. Her company, CELEBRATE Successful Early Learning, offers dynamic big books, digital e-Stories, and music, prioritizing FUN and SUCCESS. Sharon collaborates with school districts, Head Start agencies, and Child Care organizations to enhance best practices, enriching the foundational years for our youngest learners.
Website: www.celebratesel.com | LinkedIn: Sharon Burnett | Email: [email protected]
Joanie Calem
Joanie Calem is a music educator, autism parent, singer/songwriter, storyteller, and inclusion advocate. In her music classroom, she creates welcoming spaces that highlight the uniqueness of all students, believing bullying fades when differences are valued. As an inclusion advocate, Joanie presents professional development workshops for educators and administrators on supporting individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder, ACES, and other non-apparent disabilities. She is dedicated to fostering understanding and inclusivity in educational settings.
Website: www.joaniecalem.com | LinkedIn: Joanie Calem | Email: [email protected]
Rosaly Correa, MA.Ed
CEO, Edúcate y Educarás, LLC.
Rosaly Correa has over 16 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, having worked as a teacher, director, and administrator. She holds a Master's in Education and a Bachelor's in Business Education, and is pursuing a doctorate in Teaching, Curriculum, and Learning Environments. Certified as a Coach, Speaker, and Trainer by Maxwell Leadership, Rosaly provides professional development workshops and teaches the Child Development Associate (CDA) course. She also developed the Virtual Early Childhood Educator Certification and is an active NAEYC member.
Website: https://educate-e.com | LinkedIn: Rosaly Correa | Email: [email protected]
Dr. Diane Craft
Professor Emerita, SUNY Cortland
Diane is a lifelong advocate for physical education, earned her doctorate in adapted physical education and taught at SUNY Cortland. Since 1998, she has focused on early childhood education, co-authoring four books and delivering over 335 presentations nationwide on active play for young children. She also consults with the CDC as an expert on early childhood physical activity.
Website: www.ActivePlayBooks.com | LinkedIn: Diane Craft | Email: [email protected]
Dina David, MS
Senior Associate Faculty, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Dina is a seasoned communication scholar and educator, brings over two decades of expertise to her role as Senior Associate Faculty at IUPUI's Communication department. With a Bachelor's Degree in English Linguistics and Literature and a Master's in Telecommunication Arts, she offers innovative courses in communication theory, speech, cross-cultural communication, and global communication strategies. Her engaging teaching style inspires critical thinking and creativity, fostering diversity and intercultural understanding in today’s interconnected world.
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Daniela Fenu Foerch
Clinical Assistant Professor, Florida International University
Dr. Daniela Fenu Foerch is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education at Florida International University. Dr. Foerch has experience teaching face-to-face, hybrid, and fully online courses using various platforms. She is the graduate program director for the Early Childhood Program and recently launched a fully online MS in Early Childhood Education. Her research focuses on nurturing Emotional Intelligence in young children and their families who are at risk. Dr. Foerch is the Principal Investigator for the WeFEEL Emotional Intelligence Program at FIU.
LinkedIn: Daniela Foerch | Email: [email protected]
Sheneatha Frison
School Outreach Coordinator, Brooklyn Public Library
Sheneatha Frison, an accomplished singer, actor, songwriter and educator, provides impactful programs for children and storytelling and early literacy training for adults. With over 15 years of school outreach experience, she collaborates with the Brooklyn Public Library as a co-producer and co-host on a podcast and children's video series. Sheneatha's engaging workshops empower educators and caregivers with tools to build strong reading foundations for children, using a fun and humorous approach. Her expertise spans performance and early childhood development.
LinkedIn: Sheneatha Frison | Email: [email protected]
Susan Frizsell
Founder, FabFriz
Susan Frizsell is an award-winning educator, named Teacher of the Year for Region 8 in North Carolina. With experience teaching Pre-K through middle school art, she believes in the power of engagement for true learning. Susan served as the curriculum coordinator for the Nashville Public Library’s Bringing Books to Life program, developing impactful literacy programs. As the founder of FabFriz Education, she offers dynamic school visits and professional development, inspiring students and educators by making learning exciting and fun.
Website: https://www.fabfriz.com | LinkedIn: Susan Frizsell | Email: [email protected]
Diane Goyette, MA
Founder, Early Childhood Specialties LLC
Diane Goyette is a Child Development Specialist, Trainer, Consultant, and Speaker with over 35 years of experience in early childhood education. As owner of Early Childhood Specialties, she is on a mission to support the adults who care for and teach young children, offering keynotes, training and consulting, and children’s presentations and products. She is passionate about building adults’ emotional intelligence and supporting children's social-emotional development, especially for those who exhibit challenging behaviors.
Website: www.earlychildhoodspecialties.com | LinkedIn: Diane Goyette | Email: [email protected]
Dr. Kelly Gfroerer
Executive Director, Positive Discipline Association
Kelly Gfroerer is the Executive Director of the Positive Discipline Association, with over two decades of experience as a teacher, school counselor, and educational consultant. A Licensed Professional Counselor with a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision, Kelly is a certified Positive Discipline Trainer and frequent speaker on the subject. She co-authored Positive Discipline Tools for Teachers and Positive Discipline Tool Cards for Teachers, along with peer-reviewed journal articles. Her research focuses on Adlerian Psychology, parenting, and parent education outcomes. Kelly also serves as Vice President of the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology.
Website: https://www.positivediscipline.com | Email: [email protected]
Constant Hine, MA.Ed
Founder, Horizons In Learning LLC
With over 40 years of experience in early childhood education, Constant Hine excels as a teacher, coach, consultant, keynote speaker, and author. Holding an MA in Teaching/ECE from Nova University, FL, she founded Horizons In Learning LLC. Based in Denver, Constant specializes in transformational coaching, leadership, and resilience. Her expertise lies in embedding reflective practices for sustaining resilience and fostering deep, sustainable change. Her latest book, "Daily Reflections for Educators, Coaches, Leaders, and Life" (Redleaf Press, 2024), equips change agents across fields with self-awareness and mindful decision-making skills.
Website: www.ConstantHine.com | LinkedIn: Constant Hine | Email: [email protected]
Dr. Destiny Huff
Licensed Professional Counselor, Destiny Huff Consulting
Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC, CPCS is a late-diagnosed Autistic-ADHD military spouse, doctoral candidate, and mother of two neurodivergent boys. She runs a private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapist (TF-CBT) in the Mental Health field. She also runs Destiny Huff Consulting. She is a Neuroaffirming Special Education Parent Advocate and IEP Coach who helps parents advocate for their neurodivergent learners at the IEP table and provides training on Autism, ADHD, and neuro-affirming practices to organizations.
Website: https://www.destinyhuffconsulting.com/ | LinkedIn: Destiny Huff | Email: [email protected]
Dr. Melissa Jackson
Assistant Professor, Hunter College
Dr. Melissa Jackson has over 18 years of experience working with young children with disabilities, their families, and professionals in New York City. She has held roles as a teacher assistant, lead teacher, Program Director, and Director of Faculty Development in both public and private schools. An Assistant Professor at Hunter College, Dr. Jackson also served as an adjunct in the Early Childhood Development and Learning program for 10 years. Her research interests include self-efficacy in practitioners, evidence-based supports for children with special needs, emergency response skills for children with autism, and professional development for educators.
LinkedIn: Melissa Jackson | Email: [email protected]
Andy Kleiman, MS.Ed
Special Education Teacher, Association to Benefit Children
Andy Kleiman was a comedian with aspirations of hosting The Tonight Show until he met an autistic young adult who changed his life. He left the entertainment industry for the well respected (and even better compensated) teaching industry and never looked back. Now this former comedian and current teacher works with students all across New York where he uses his background in comedy to influence his interactions with neurodivergent children. Andy is a student and teacher of the DIR/Floortime model and holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education from City College of New York.
LinkedIn: Andy Kleiman | Email: [email protected]
Tommaso Lana
Founder, Embodied Learning
Tommaso specializes in emphasizing sensory perception, movement, and imagination in young children's learning experiences. With expertise in experiential pedagogy, psychomotor education, and kinesthetic didactics, he offers workshops for educators to explore supporting, observing, and assessing child-centered learning in their classrooms. Tommaso mentors schools and organization leaders, helping them adopt innovative approaches and curricula to meet children's evolving and challenging needs. His "Embodied Learning" PD programs focus on acknowledging learning as a cognitive, physical, and emotional act.
Website: www.embodiedlearning.co | LinkedIn: Tommaso Lana | Email: [email protected]
Sue Lawrence, MA, M.Ed
Psychology Professor, Ursinus College
Sue Lawrence, an experienced psychology instructor with expertise in trauma, loss, and grief, leads student research groups focusing on childhood bereavement and school support services. Her work has been presented at ADEC and APA conferences. She authored books like "The Grieving Child in the Classroom" and founded the nonprofit Traces of Love Association, offering grief support services and educational programs in the community.
Website: www.tracesoflove.org | LinkedIn: Sue Lawrence | Email: [email protected]
Monica Levy
Founder, LeapSmart
Monica develops programs integrating intellect, creativity, and emotional awareness for preschoolers. Her Leapsmart programs have been enjoyed by thousands of children in New York, Boston, and Connecticut. A certified NYSAEYC trainer since 2013, Monica presents on integrating movement into classrooms and handling challenging behaviors. As an educational consultant, she coaches educators on maximizing learning and engagement. Monica also delivers keynote speeches and coaches educators in CLASS best practices.
Website: https://www.leapsmart.org | LinkedIn: Monica Levy | Email: [email protected]
Dawn Mastoridis
Director, Queens Community House
Dawn has 25 years of leadership experience; she began her career directing Early Intervention Programs then went on to direct ACCES-VR funded programs. At QCCN, Dawn manages 80+ licensed family-based childcare providers, overseeing NYC DOE EarlyLearn and 3K services. She also serves as a Parent Trainer and Behavior Interventionist for Blue Sea Educational Consulting. Dawn offers private consulting on contract applications, program development, marketing, recruitment, training, grant writing, RFPs, compliance, policies, and corrective action plans.
Websites: www.queenschildcare.org, www.blueseaeducation.com | LinkedIn: Dawn Mastoridis
Emails: [email protected], [email protected]
Karen Nemeth, Ed.M
Founder, Language Castle LLC
Karen is a leading expert in early childhood education, specializing in supporting multilingual learners. With over a dozen published books and numerous articles, her expertise encompasses a deep understanding of effective strategies for teaching young multilingual children. She has played pivotal roles in national organizations like NAEYC and NABE, advocating for the needs of diverse learners. Karen's dynamic presentations, both nationally and internationally, showcase her wealth of knowledge and passion for empowering educators in this critical field.
Website: www.languagecastle.com | LinkedIn: Karen Nemeth | Email: [email protected]
Trevor Newton, M.Ed, ECSE
Founder & Owner, Teach and Direct LLC
Trevor Newton, a preschool teacher with a Master's in Early Childhood Special Education, has over 14 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. He specializes in training educators with research-backed strategies and practical tools to enhance classroom achievement. Trevor emphasizes collaborative leadership, play-based learning, and social-emotional development. His expertise has impacted educators nationwide, helping them create enriching learning environments. He has presented at the 2024 NAEYC Annual Conference and the 2023 & 2024 Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference, and serves as a trainer for school districts and early childhood programs.
Website: www.TrevorTNewton.com | LinkedIn: Trevor Newton | Email: [email protected]
Dr. Patty O’ Grady
Professor (Retired), University of Tampa
Dr. Patty O’Grady, with a dual Ph.D. in developmental psychology/special education from the University of Maryland College Park, boasts over 50 years of expertise as an educator, psychologist, and researcher. Her acclaimed work, "Positive Psychology in the Elementary Classroom," and numerous publications attest to her authority. Specializing in the neuroscience of positive psychology, Dr. O’Grady offers training and consultation globally, emphasizing whole child development. Her services cater to individuals, schools, districts, and non-profit agencies, facilitating the integration of positive psychology principles into educational practices.
Website: Pscyhology Today | LinkedIn: Patty O' Grady | Email: [email protected]
Angela Bayer-Persico, M.Ed
Director, Young Child Learning
Dr. Mesh, a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience, is the CEO of Los Niños Services and Director of Young Child Learning. He is the author of "Early Childhood Assessment: A Practical Guide to Psychological and Developmental Evaluations in the Early Intervention Program." Dr. Mesh has been working with young children and families since 1999. He coaches educational leaders, staff, and organizations in growth, leadership, culture building, hiring/retention, and is a consultant for Topgrading.com.
Website: www.WOAconsulting.com | LinkedIn: Angela Bayer-Persico | Email: [email protected]
Dr. Ashley Lewis Presser
Senior Research Scientist, Education Development Center
Dr. Ashley Lewis Presser's work focuses on early childhood STEM, specifically developing and testing STEM interventions and the use of technology in early childhood settings. She is the Principal Investigator for an NSF-funded project aimed at designing data collection and analysis activities for preK students (ages 4-5), using hands-on materials and a digital tool to collect and display data. The project aims to build foundational math skills like counting and categorizing, fostering early mathematics competencies for young children.
LinkedIn: Ashley Lewis Presser | Email: [email protected]
Brandie Rosen
Founder, Teaching Untangled
Brandie Rosen, a seasoned educator with 30 years of experience, excels in training teachers nationally and internationally. She specializes in classroom management, social skills, behavior interventions, IEP development, and fostering collaborative school-wide teams. Brandie's expertise has led to award-winning district-wide programs and the mentorship of thousands of teachers. She is dedicated to coaching and supporting educators to create classrooms that fulfill their dreams.
Website: https://teachinguntangled.com/ | LinkedIn: Brandie Rosen | Email: [email protected]
Judy Ross, MS.Ed
Early Childhood Educator, Upside Preschool; Territorial Early Childhood Center
Judy is an award-winning early childhood educator with 37 years of experience. She currently works with preschool and kindergarten children and teaches a popular summer STEAM class for 5-10-year-olds in Prescott, AZ. Judy holds multiple degrees, including an M.S. in Education. She has received several awards, such as the Beth A. Lake Award, and presents workshops on purposeful play, Language Arts, STEAM, 21st Century Skills, and building supportive teaching relationships.
LinkedIn: Judy Ross | Email: [email protected]
Jennifer Samboy, LMSW
Service Coordination Supervisor, Los Niños Services
Jennifer Samboy, LMSW, supervises the Service Coordination Department at Los Niños Services, overseeing 20 coordinators serving 800 families. With over 10 years in the Early Intervention Program, she specializes in autism and special needs. Bilingual in Spanish and based in NYC, Jennifer excels in guiding families through special needs evaluations and services. Her expertise with young parents, immigrants, and domestic violence survivors has contributed to Los Niños winning multiple Best Place to Work awards.
LinkedIn: Jennifer Samboy | Email Address: [email protected]
Paula Simpson, MHA
Founder, Bridges of Possibilities
Paula is the founder of Bridges of Possibilities, MY Kid Counts, and camp HYPE, and owner of We Rock the Spectrum-Merrillville. A registered occupational therapist with 24 years of experience, Paula specializes in pediatric and geriatric therapy. She is also the author of Sensory Integration, “Now that Makes Sense!” and a columnist for the Autism Digest. Paula holds a Bachelor's in Occupational Therapy and a Master's in Health Administration. She enjoys volunteering, family time, and nature
Website: www.briddgesofpossibilities.com | Email: [email protected]
Dr. Rick Solomon, M.D.
Founder, The PLAY Project
Dr. Richard Solomon, M.D., served as Medical Director of The Ann Arbor Center for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics for 25 years. A recognized expert in autism science and intervention, he founded The PLAY Project, an evidence-based, parent-implemented autism intervention model. Dr. Solomon authored Autism: The Potential Within and The PLAY Project Parent Guide. He has numerous publications, fellowships, faculty positions, and volunteer roles. Dr. Solomon is married with two adult children and four grandchildren.
Website: https://playproject.org/ | LinkedIn: Rick Solomon | Email: [email protected]
Cindy Terebush
Early Childhood Education Consultant, HelpingKidsAchieve.com
Cindy Terebush is a professional development facilitator and keynote speaker known nationwide for her expertise in early childhood education, particularly in providing practical strategies for teachers and caregivers. As an Early Childhood Specialist and educational consultant, she offers invaluable insights into effective teaching methods. Cindy authored "Teach the Whole Preschooler" and co-hosts the podcast "How Preschool Teachers Do It." She also instructs college courses and provides specialized services for The Institute for Families at Rutgers School of Social Work, emphasizing her commitment to advancing the field.
Website: www.helpingkidsachieve.com | LinkedIn: Cindy Terebush | Email: [email protected]
Cheryl Smith Turner, Ed.S., M.Ed.
Founder, REACH TEACHING LEARNING SOLUTIONS
Cheryl Smith Turner is the founder of REACH TLS, LLC, an educational consulting firm in Atlanta, Georgia. She provides educators with tools and strategies for creating a positive learning climate. A nationally certified trainer for child guidance, she is also a featured presenter and a state-approved trainer in Georgia. Cheryl's content covers social learning, emotional intelligence, child guidance, and leadership. Known for her high-energy, interactive style, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her grandkids.
Website: reachtls.com | LinkedIn: Cheryl Turner | Email: [email protected]
Dr. Jessica Mercer Young
Principal Research Scientist, Education Development Center
Dr. Jessica Mercer Young has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education as a researcher and practitioner. Formerly a preschool teacher, she focuses on providing equitable learning opportunities, especially for underrepresented populations. She leads research on interventions to improve teaching and learning for children from under-resourced communities, with an emphasis on mathematics, family math, mastery motivation, and growth mindset. Dr. Young designs programs that support both young children and teachers in mathematics learning and teaching.
LinkedIn: Jessica Mercer Young | Email: [email protected]
Ariel S. Zitrin, Esq., ODCP
Founder, AZ Law & Consulting, PLLC
