I have an extreme enthusiasm for all things early childhood.

I believe in the power of play, getting dirty, climbing trees, star gazing, pretending, and the idea that learning is magical. I strive to make better citizens through encouragement, love, and teaching equality. I specialize in creating content which hits all early learning standards yet engaging, memorable, outside of the box, and most of all FUN!

After several years teaching in progressive education and honing my media skills at the Chicago Children’s Museum, I’m off on a new adventure!

This wild ride began in 2015, while teaching Pre-K. I was approached by a documentary film crew working on a piece about early childhood education. For 8 weeks the Yellow Room was filmed everyday for the feature length documentary No Small Matter.

With the film complete and a Masters in Museum Education under my belt, I now focus my attention on how I can use social media to connect with parents, caregivers, and educators across the globe.

You can follow all my educational adventures through my Youtube channel, NoSmallMatter.com and Chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

 

Workshops & Keynotes

I offer workshops on:

  • Creating authentic observations in classroom settings

  • Using American Sign Language with preschoolers

  • Designing sophisticated spaces for children on a budget

  • Using Visual Thinking Strategies with preschoolers to enhance language development and cognitive skills

  • Developing progressive play space curriculums.

Press

I've been published in the New York Times, Huffington Post, Child Care Exchange on the topic of Children's Rights and in Chicago Parent. I've created curriculum for Art of Ed on the topics of rethinking spaces and fostering progressive early learning environments. I am currently on a speaking tour with No Small Matter. You can hear all about my adventures at Chicago Children's Museum and No Small Matter on Kids Stuff Podcast, HiMama, and Soul Survivor Radio. Recently I've collaborated with attn: on the importance of preschool teachers. In my rare moments of free time I work as a volunteer magician for Open Heart Magic where I attempt to perform magic for children at Chicago area hospitals. 

 

I currently live in Chicago, although I travel frequently with a small stuffed mouse.

We would love to visit you. For information on speaking and workshops, please get in touch. I am so excited to hear from you!