Our family curriculum content advisors and developers are experts in family education, family engagement, education, early childhood, literacy, math, science, social emotional learning, dual language learners, media, and parenting. We are a community of learners who are passionate about, families, children, education and changing the opportunity gap.
Dr. Marquis Nuby
PediatricianDr. Marquis Nuby received his medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University. He has been in practice for more than 18 years. As a pediatrician, his goal is for children to grow up healthy, happy, and safe. Having participated in Head Start as a child, he believes very strongly in the importance of parent involvement and early intervention.
Dr. Luis Rosado
Professor and Director for Center of Billingual EducationDr. Luis A. Rosado is a Professor of Bilingual Education and the Director of the Center for Bilingual and ESL Education at the University of Texas at Arlington. With more than 30 years of experience in bilingual education, he is a recognized author and expert in parent involvement and teacher education. Dr. Rosado contributes knowledge about the similarities and differences between English and Spanish literacies.
Dr. Jane Moore
Reading Specialist and PrincipalDr. Jane Moore has almost 40 years of experience as a teacher, intervention specialist, consultant, and administrator in a large urban school district. With a Doctorate in Supervision, Curriculum, Instruction and a Masters in Early Childhood Education, she shares her expertise for building language during the early years.
Lucy Livingston
Former Elementary Principal and Head Start DirectorLucy Livingston is a retired elementary school principal with experience as the former Director of the Kansas City, Kansas Head Start Programs and numerous administrative roles in Dallas ISD. She co-authored a book titled "Home Start for Parents" and is especially passionate about serving children with learning disabilities.
Dr. Carol Hagen
Director of Child Development LaboratoryDr. Carol Hagen is the Director of the University of North Texas Child Development Laboratory which serves as a research center and training site for students in the fields of early childhood education, child development, and play therapy. She has expertise in curriculum and management for diverse early education settings as well as emergent literacy.
Dinah Chancellor
Math ConsultantDinah Chancellor is a professional development consultant and mathematics author. Her passion is teaching children to use reasoning and creativity to solve problems. Among many accomplishments, Dinah is a former District Instructional Coordinator, developed the “Calendar Math” column for NCTM’s Teaching Children Mathematics, and has presented at the state and national level. Most recently, Dinah has served on the writing team for the revision of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills in Mathematics.
Dr. Shirline Potts
Educational Consultant and Former PrincipalDr. Shirline Potts holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish, a Master of Education, and her Doctorate. With 35 years of working in education, Dr. Potts has been a teacher, teacher mentor, curriculum supervisor, principal, principal coach, clinical professor of educational administration, and a student teacher supervisor. Nurturing the professional growth and proficiency of educators continues to be her most important goal.
Dr. Happy Carrico
Literacy Specialist and PrincipalDr. Happy Carrico holds degrees from University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University, including a Ph.D. in Reading and Educational Leadership. Her 25 years of experience in education have included teaching first grade and Reading Recovery, directing curriculum and instruction for a school district, authoring professional books, and now serving as principal of an International Baccalaureate Elementary school.
George Christ
Math ConsultantGeorge Christ teaches adults about how children learn mathematics. His primary goal is to help people understand developmentally appropriate math instruction, allowing children to use their mathematics understanding to solve problems. His experience includes teaching at the elementary, secondary, and college levels, serving as an elementary mathematics consultant for a state agency, and providing elementary mathematics leadership for a school district.
Michelle King
Educational ConsultantAfter graduating from The University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a minor in Education, Michelle King began her classroom experience at the middle school level. Her professional experience includes Dean of Instruction/Associate Principal, Mathematics Curriculum Director, and Director of Staff Development. Having been both a content area curriculum director and a campus administrator, she knows firsthand the impact of professional learning on individuals and groups of teachers or administrators.
Debbie Whitt Jarzombek
Literacy ConsultantDebbie Whitt Jarzombek’s administrative and teaching career in public schools spans thirty years and includes roles as curriculum director, literacy coordinator, principal supervisor, elementary principal, Reading Recovery teacher, middle school reading teacher, elementary classroom teacher, ESL teacher, and college education department instructor. Debbie currently works with school districts to implement research-based effective literacy practices and has authored many of the ReadyRosie literacy activities.
Jennifer Negron M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language PathologistJennifer Negron is a speech pathologist with more than 15 years of experience providing therapy for young children in homes and in public schools. With a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Tech University, Jennifer contributes her expertise as a ReadyRosie author and consultant on speech and language development.
Dr. Becky A. Bailey
Creator of Conscious Discipline™Dr. Becky Bailey is an author, educator, and the founder of Conscious Discipline, a company dedicated to creating positive, brain-smart environments for children, families, schools, and businesses.
Watch one of Elizabeth K. Schwartz, MA, LCAT, MT-BC's videos.
Elizabeth K. Schwartz, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Co-Founder; Education and Training Director Raising Harmony: Music Therapy for Young ChildrenElizabeth K. Schwartz, MA, LCAT, MT-BC has been practicing music therapy in New York for over 25 years. She is internationally recognized as an expert in early childhood music therapy and is the author of "Music, Therapy, and Early Childhood: A Developmental Approach" and "You and Me Makes We: A Developmental Songbook."
Karen Nemeth, Ed.M.
Author, Consultant and founder of www.LanguageCastle.comLanguage Castle, LLC began in 2008 with the birth of Karen's first book, "Many Languages, One Classroom: Teaching English and Dual Language Learners." Language Castle, LLC was started by Karen after years of experience as a college professor, childcare and preschool agency grant and project manager, and as an education specialist for the New Jersey Department of Education. Her passion for improving outcomes for young children, especially those under the age of 6 who are dual language learners, has motivated her to get involved, to make connections within and across organizations, and to share as much information as possible with the field.
Luis Hernandez
Early Childhood Education Specialist/ Educador en el Campo de la Educación Temprana TTAS/Western Kentucky UniversityLuis A. Hernandez, T/TAS Early Childhood Education Specialist, holds an M.A. in Bilingual/Multicultural Education from the University of San Francisco. Luis brings solid expertise to his position based on his work history in Head Start, childcare, Pre-K programs, college and universities, childcare resource and referral administration, and professional development design. Luis’ work focuses on a wide range of early childhood education and professional development topics. His expertise includes early literacy, dual language learning, adult learning practices, changing demographics and diversity, and ECE management and partnership topics.
Michael Levine
Founder and Executive Director Joan Ganz Cooney CenterMichael H. Levine is the founding executive director of the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop. The Center conducts research, builds multi-sector alliances, and catalyzes industry and policy reforms needed to advance high-quality media experiences for all children. Levine also serves on the executive team at Sesame Workshop where he focuses on educational impact and philanthropic partnerships for the global non-profit.
Dr. Susan Neuman
Professor of Childhood Education and Literacy Development, NYUDr. Susan B. Neuman is a specialist in early literacy development whose research and teaching interests include early childhood policy, curriculum, and early reading instruction for children who live in poverty. In her role as the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, Neuman established the Early Reading First program, developed the Early Childhood Educator Professional Development Program, and was responsible for all activities in Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Act. She has written more than 100 articles, and authored and edited eleven books, including the three-volume Handbook of Early Literacy Research (Guilford Press), Changing the Odds for Children at Risk (Teachers College Press, 2009), Educating the Other America (Brookes, 2008), Multimedia and Literacy Development (Taylor & Francis, 2008), and Giving Our Children a Fighting Chance: Poverty, Literacy, and the Development of Information Capital (Teachers College Press, 2012). Her most recent book is All About Words: Increasing Vocabulary in the Common Core Classroom, Pre-K Through Grade 2 (Teachers College Press, 2013). She received her doctorate from University of the Pacific, Stockton, California.
Tamara Kaldor, M.S.
Associate Director Technology in Early Childhood (TEC) Center Erikson InstituteTamara Kaldor, M.S., is the Associate Director for the Technology in Early Childhood (TEC) Center at Erikson Institute. Tamara is a child development expert with over a decade of experience teaching and consulting with parents, educators, and leading international organizations to integrate technology to support the social-emotional and learning needs of ALL children. She has seen how technology helps kids of all abilities share their voice and what they know in order to advance in their development. Her goal is to help educators and therapists thoughtfully integrate technology into their classrooms and children’s programs so that all children are active participants and learners. She does this by finding creative ways to include technology meaningfully to help children play, relate, and learn. This has made Tamara a sought-after speaker in the area of tech integration. She has been invited to deliver workshops on digital citizenship, developmental differences, integrating technology into the classroom and lesson plans, and navigating the digital world responsibly throughout Chicago, the U.S., and internationally. Tamara has collaborated with such organizations as UNICEF, UNESCO, International Society for Technology and Education (ISTE), NAEYC, the Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning (ICDL), Illinois Computer Educators (ICE), and Common Sense Media.
Dr. Clarissa Plair
Reading Director and Literacy ConsultantClarissa Plair received her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas in Arlington. Other graduate studies have included Reading Recovery training and superintendent certification. Her successful career has included work as a principal and director of the Reading Language Arts Department for Dallas ISD.
Antonio Sacre
Children’s Book Author and Award-Winning StorytellerAntonio Sacre is a Cuban-Irish-American children’s book author and storyteller. His tales of growing up bilingually have inspired children worldwide to gather their own family stories and become storytellers themselves. His stories have been published in award-winning books and audio recordings. His Professional Developments and Keynote addresses have helped educators teach writing to students from pre-Kindergarten through graduate school. Now his stories are being developed for film and television.
Vanessa Levin
Early Childhood SpecialistVanessa Levin has worked extensively with programs that serve English Language Learners and at-risk populations for more than two decades. She served as a teacher, mentor, curriculum writer, specialist, and professional development consultant. She is the creator of the website “Pre-K Pages” where she shares tips, ideas, and activities for the classroom. She is also the author of A Fabulous First Year and Beyond. Vanessa is a passionate advocate for high-quality early childhood education.
Lisa Muratore
Educator and Founder of Sound StepsLisa Muratore holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, Piano Performance, and Music Theory, a Master of Music Education, and a Master of Theology. She is the founder and certified Master Teacher of SoundSteps, a Kindermusik studio. Before teaching Kindermusik full-time, Lisa taught music in public and private elementary schools in Dallas. Lisa enjoys educating parents on child development and music and has served as a consultant to many Dallas preschools.
Jennifer Burchfiel
Instructional CoordinatorJennifer Burchfiel holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and is certified as a Gifted and Talented Instructor. In her 25 years in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, instructional specialist, and curriculum coordinator. Within these roles she has trained teachers, developed parent podcasts, and written curriculum and assessments.
Carrie Saunders
Math SpecialistCarrie Saunders received her Masters of Elementary Administration from Texas A & M Commerce. Her experience includes positions as Math Consultant for Region X and District Math Specialist. She served on the revision team for the new math TEKS and is a freelance writer for Archipelago. Her passion is identifying and capturing the needs of all students and teachers.
Kathey Ignacio
Literacy/ Writing ConsultantKatherine Ignacio holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master’s in Education, and is certified in Gifted and Talented as well as ESL. She is an Educational Consultant with more than forty years’ experience as a classroom teacher, curriculum specialist, teacher trainer, and presenter. Her experience includes curriculum design, teacher training, and presentations at state and national conferences. Before retiring, Kathey loved mentoring young teachers in implementing successful writing programs.
Holly Linders
Kindergarten TeacherHolly Linders graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and has taught Kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 4th grade ESL. Her mission as an educator has been to instill a love for learning in her students and to connect students' passions to the concepts she is teaching. She carries this passion over in raising her 4 young children.
Silvia Peña
Family AdvisorFamilies are at the heart of everything we do. Our content is co-created with real families. Our Family Advisors like Silvia Peña and her family help us construct our family curriculum in real-time by providing expertise, ideas, and strategies for including diverse perspectives that inspire all families to enjoy learning together.
Erika Simon
Family AdvisorFamilies are at the heart of everything we do. Our content is co-created with real families. Our Family Advisors like Erika Simon and her family help us co-construct our family curriculum in real-time by providing expertise, ideas, and strategies for including diverse perspectives that inspire all families to enjoy learning together.
Skye Mergerson
Family AdvisorFamilies are at the heart of everything we do. Our content is co-created with real families. Our Family Advisors like Skye Mergerson and her family help us co-construct our family curriculum in real-time by providing expertise, ideas, and strategies for including diverse perspectives that inspire all families to enjoy learning together.
Jamee Glass
Family AdvisorFamilies are at the heart of everything we do. Our content is co-created with real families. Our Family Advisors like Jamee Glass and her family help us co-construct our family curriculum in real-time by providing expertise, ideas, and strategies for including diverse perspectives that inspire all families to enjoy learning together.
Cynthia Eagle
Family AdvisorFamilies are at the heart of everything we do. Our content is co-created with real families. Our Family Advisors like Cynthia Eagle and her family help us co-construct our family curriculum in real-time by providing expertise, ideas, and strategies for including diverse perspectives that inspire all families to enjoy learning together.
Cheylon Brown
Family AdvisorFamilies are at the heart of everything we do. Our content is co-created with real families. Our Family Advisors like Cheylon Brown her family help us co-construct our family curriculum in real-time by providing expertise, ideas, and strategies for including diverse perspectives that inspire all families to enjoy learning together.
Jamie Lath
Family AdvisorFamilies are at the heart of everything we do. Our content is co-created with real families. Our Family Advisors like Jamie Lath and his family help us co-construct our family curriculum in real-time by providing expertise, ideas, and strategies for including diverse perspectives that inspire all families to enjoy learning together.
B.J. Garcia
Family AdvisorFamilies are at the heart of everything we do. Our content is co-created with real families. Our Family Advisors like B.J. Garcia and his family help us co-construct our family curriculum in real-time by providing expertise, ideas, and strategies for including diverse perspectives that inspire all families to enjoy learning together.
Derwin Guerra
Family AdvisorFamilies are at the heart of everything we do. Our content is co-created with real families. Our Family Advisors like Derwin Guerra and his family help us co-construct our family curriculum in real-time by providing expertise, ideas, and strategies for including diverse perspectives that inspire all families to enjoy learning together.
Abdulrahman Habib
Family AdvisorFamilies are at the heart of everything we do. Our content is co-created with real families. Our Family Advisors like Abdulrahman Habib and his family help us co-construct our family curriculum in real-time by providing expertise, ideas, and strategies for including diverse perspectives that inspire all families to enjoy learning together.
Juana Rodriguez-Vazquez
Family AdvisorFamilies are at the heart of everything we do. Our content is co-created with real families. Our Family Advisors like Juana Rodriguez-Vazquez and her family help us co-construct our family curriculum in real time by providing expertise, ideas, and strategies for including diverse perspectives that inspire all families to enjoy learning together.
Colleen Anderson
Executive Director of Content DevelopmentColleen Anderson has worked in the family engagement field for the past twelve years. In 2008, she co-founded the Family Engagement Institute (FEI) at Foothill College (CA). FEI developed cutting-edge programs in family literacy, family math, digital literacy, family leadership, and school readiness. In addition, FEI created family engagement tools and professional development courses for educators to build their capacity to engage families. FEI partnered with schools to deliver on-site parenting classes to families. Before co-founding FEI, she coordinated the Mountain View Even Start Family Literacy program and the Cal-Safe Child Development Center. Prior to working in the family engagement field, Colleen was a corporate business executive and consultant in training development, management, and operations. She is passionate about building relationships with families and educators to ensure every family and child has the opportunity for success.
Melissa Nast
Director of Math DevelopmentWith more than 20 years’ experience in math education, Melissa Nast has authored books, written assessments and curriculum, and delivered Professional Development training. While earning her degree in Education at Texas A&M, Melissa discovered her passion for teaching mathematics through problem solving. As Director of Math Development, she shares this passion by showing parents simple ways to incorporate math talk in everyday life.
Candis Grover
Director of Literacy and Spanish DevelopmentCandis Grover has a Masters of Education in Reading from TAMU-Commerce including coursework in Math Education from Bank Street College of Education. She has worked with dual language learners for more than 18 years as a bilingual teacher, district facilitator, writer, and consultant. Candis joined the ReadyRosie team as a content creator and developer in 2012. Her passion is to learn and communicate current research in meaningful ways that help families recognize and build upon their strengths.
Teddi Fulenwider
Director of Professional Development and LearningTeddi Fulenwider has a Masters in Early Education and over 33 years working in the education field. Her experience ranges from classroom teacher, literacy coach and trainer, PreK-2nd grade ELA curriculum developer, author and facilitator of early literacy professional development, adjunct professor for Texas Woman's University, literacy consultant, and coach for teachers in PreK-4th grade. She is passionate about equipping teachers and parents to work together to help all children become lifelong readers and writers. Teddi co-authored ReadyRosie’s professional development workshops.
Yazmín Vázquez
Content DeveloperYazmín Vázquez was born and raised in Monterrey, México. She moved to Denton to attend the University of North Texas and received a BA in Music with a double Major in Spanish and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Bilingual Education. Yazmín also attended the University of Salamanca in Spain and completed a Masters Degree in Spanish Language and Culture. Her experience as a translator/interpreter started while working for the local Early Childhood Intervention Program, ensuring that Spanish speaking families of young children with developmental delays would have the resources and support they needed to reach their goals in their home language. In 2007, Yazmín joined the Denton ISD Head Start program team as a Dual Language Teacher. While still teaching, she joined ReadyRosie in 2012 as video talent before becoming a regular contributor to their Spanish Development Team.
Ana Blagojevic
Content Developer and Special ProjectsAna Blagojevic has spent the last 10 years developing educational programs and partnerships with immigrant communities. Prior to ReadyRosie, she worked at the non-profit Mano en Mano | Hand in Hand where she led social services, advocacy, and literacy initiatives for migrant families. During that time she co-developed and implemented the program “Comienza en Casa | It Starts at Home,” which received national recognition for its innovative use of technology to support family engagement. She's passionate about leveraging technology as a tool to support learning, strengthen home-school relationships, and build stronger communities.
Daniela Emmerich
Content DeveloperDaniela Emmerich was born and raised in Venezuela. She became a Clinical Psychologist and worked as a School Psychologist for 5 years. She has been working as a dual language and bilingual teacher in TX since 2011.
Shannon Johst
Content DeveloperShannon Johst has made the field of child development her passion for the past fifteen years. She has a BA degree in Early Childhood Education and has professional experience in a variety of different capacities. Shannon has worked with children and parents as well as educators and is currently a trainer and coach for Preschool GLAD(R). Preschool GLAD(R) is a professional development program that supports oral language and literacy skills in early childhood classrooms. Shannon is committed to working with teachers and families in helping young children to be successful in school and in life.
Sabrina Johnson
Content DeveloperSabrina Johnson graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 2004 with a degree in Spanish Literature. In 2009 she earned her Masters degree in General Education from Texas A&M. She worked as a bilingual kindergarten teacher for 10 years and served as a curriculum writer and lead teacher for Mesquite ISD.
Rose Gioia-Fine
Education and Family Engagement Innovation ConsultantRose Gioia-Fine has been an educator and instructional leader for over 30 years. She has served families in a variety of capacities including home visitor, classroom teacher, family development specialist, Family Literacy coordinator, and regional director of Early Childhood and Family Support services in Allegheny County, PA. As a Regional Director, Rose was responsible for the oversight and delivery of Head Start, Even Start/Family Literacy and Family Support services for over 3000 families. In 2012, Ms. Gioia-Fine was chosen to be the Family Engagement/Family Literacy content lead for the federally funded Striving Readers grant in Pennsylvania. In 2011 she was recognized as the Pennsylvania Outstanding Adult Educator of the year and in 2005 she was recognized by The National Center for Disease Control for her leadership in fostering partnerships and developing resources advancing the wellness of thousands of Pennsylvania children and families. Rose is a certified instructor of the Cornell Family Development Credential and Temple University Strength-based Family Worker credential and co-authored the ReadyRosie family workshops. Her practical approach of establishing respectful relationships, building on individual and family strengths, garnering community resources, and applying strategies grounded in a strong evidence base has produced significant outcomes and made a positive difference in the lives of many.
Brenda Hill
ReadyRosie Film Coach and Content DeveloperWith over 25 years in education, Brenda Hill has a Masters in Education from Lamar University and continues to study at the Teaching College, Columbia University through the Reading and Writing Project. Her experience ranges from classroom teacher, Reading and Math interventionist, Literacy Coach, Reading Specialist, and administrator. Brenda writes reading and writing curriculum and assessments. She writes and delivers professional development in reading, writing, and science. Her passion is supporting students, teachers, and families as they unlock the mystery of reading.
Chris Shade
Creative Advisor and TrainerChris Shade has spent his entire career working on and with campuses receiving Title I funds as a teacher, principal, consultant, and currently as the Coordinator of Federal & State Programs for Denton ISD in Denton, TX. In addition to working with ReadyRosie as a presenter and creative advisor, he is often a keynote speaker and staff developer on a host of topics.
Keri Daskam
Content DeveloperKeri Daskam has worked for more than 15 years in educational technology, content development, grant writing, technical writing, and editing. She believes in supporting teachers with high-quality resources and has three children who have all been raised on ReadyRosie activities.
Perla McBeain
Film Coach and Family RecruiterPerla has a BA in Early Childhood Education and a Montessori Teacher Certification. She's been an educator for 27 years and has worked as a teacher, tutor, translator, administrator, curriculum writer, coach, and professor for the Early Childhood BA in Mexico. Perla has worked with bilingual students and families since 2001 and enjoys helping children and families make sense of reading and writing. Perla has a passion for music and singing and has been an Early Childhood music teacher for 15 years. She hopes to inspire a life-long love for learning in children and families.
Irasema Gonzalez
Profesora de Educación Infantil, UTRGVDr. Irasema Salinas-Gonzalez is an Assistant Professor at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) where she teaches courses in early care and early childhood education. She has been working in the area of early childhood education and bilingual education for the past 27 years in both public schools and higher education. Her work focuses on language and literacy development of young dual language learners through play, the development of cognitive skills of dual language learners through play-based learning and creating engaging classroom environments for young dual language learners. Dr. Salinas-Gonzalez has provided many workshops to early childhood teachers and parents of dual language learners in various states.
Jeanine O'Nan Brownell
Assistant Director of Programming, Erikson Institute's Early Math CollaborativeJeanine O’Nan Brownell works with Erikson’s Early Math Collaborative. She is an early childhood teacher with experience in preschool to third-grade classrooms, and has worked as a mentor to new teachers, an instructional coach, and an author of early mathematics curriculum. Currently she is working with the Chicago Public Schools Department of Mathematics to develop a district-wide program of professional learning for PreK-5th Grade Teacher Leaders. She earned her master’s degree at Erikson Institute.
Chip Donohue
Director, Technology in Early Childhood Center, Erikson InstituteChip Donohue, PhD, is Dean of Distance Learning and Continuing Education and Director of the TEC Center at Erikson Institute in Chicago. He is a Senior Fellow and Member of the Advisory Board of the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media at Saint Vincent College, where he co-chaired the working group that revised the 2012 NAEYC & Fred Rogers Center Joint Position Statement on Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8. Chip is the editor of two books, Technology and Digital Media in the Early Years: Tools for Teaching and Learning (2015) and Family Engagement in the Digital Age: Early Childhood Educators as Media Mentors (2017), co-published by Routledge/NAEYC. In 2012 he received the Bammy Award and Educators Voice Award as Innovator of the Year from the Academy of Education Arts & Sciences. In 2015, he was honored as a children’s media Emerging Pioneer at the KAPi (Kids At Play International) Awards.