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Mr. Fred George grew up in Albany County, graduating from Laramie High School. He had many great teachers and coaches in Albany County. Mr. George married his high school sweetheart and just celebrated their 32nd anniversary this summer. Mr. George began his career in education in 1993 at Fort Hall Elementary School in Blackfoot, Idaho, where he taught fourth and fifth grades. He later taught and coached at Mountain View Middle School in Blackfoot. In 1998, Mr. George moved to Douglas, Wyoming, where he began serving as an assistant principal and athletic director at Douglas Middle School. He later became the school's principal and served at Douglas Middle School for 14 years. Mr. George then served for 10 years at Central High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming, as both assistant principal and principal. For the past five years, Mr. George has served as the principal of Laramie High School in Wyoming.

Charles Hulme is Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Education at the University of Oxford. Dr. Charles has broad research interests in reading, language and memory processes and their development and is an expert on randomized controlled trials in Education. He has published widely and is in the top 2% for citations of all researchers in the field of Education. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Oslo (2014) and is a member of Academia Europea and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. He was elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 2017.

Andy Roszak, JD, MPA, EMT-Paramedic, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Childhood Preparedness (ICP), where he equips early childhood professionals and child-centered organizations nationwide with practical emergency preparedness training, tools, and resilience strategies. He is also the Founder of Head Start East, a nonprofit organization founded in 2025 to provide high-quality professional development, technical assistance, and events for the early childhood education field. Since 2018, Andy has supported the Region II Head Start Association in advancing preparedness, health, safety, and environmental health initiatives across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. That work will conclude this year after a strong and impactful run. A trusted advisor to leading organizations including Sesame Street in Communities and the U.S. Marine Corps, Andy has delivered training to early childhood professionals in all 50 states and 35 Native American Tribal Nations. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Community and Environmental Health at Old Dominion University. Andy is the author of the award-winning Preparing for the Unexpected book series, developed specifically for early childhood professionals: Preschool Preparedness for an Active Shooter, winner of the 2020 Independent Author Network Book of the Year Award in two categories; Preschool Preparedness for an Emergency; and Recovering and Reopening after a Disaster. With more than twenty years of experience in emergency preparedness across local, regional, state, federal, and nonprofit levels, Andy's previous roles include Senior Director of Emergency Preparedness at Child Care Aware of America, Senior Preparedness Advisor for Super Bowl XLVI, Senior Public Health Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Senior Director of Environmental Health, Pandemic Preparedness, and Catastrophic Response at the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), where he worked closely with the CDC and 3,100 local health departments to strengthen community preparedness for pandemics, disasters, and public health emergencies. Andy began his career in the Chicago area as a firefighter, paramedic, and certified hazardous materials technician. He holds a Juris Doctor and Master of Public Administration from Southern Illinois University, a bachelor's degree in Fire Science Management, and is a graduate of Harvard University's Early Education Leadership Program. He is admitted to practice law in Illinois, the District of Columbia, and before the U.S. Supreme Court. Andy is the proud father of two young daughters and lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his family.

Professor Santa J. Ono is a senior academic leader and internationally recognized scientist whose career centers on leading globally connected research universities and large-scale innovation institutions, with a focus on institutional transformation, research expansion, technology-driven innovation, sustainability, and public engagement. He serves as President of the Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford and Global President of the Ellison Institutes, advancing discovery in health, food security, clean energy, climate, and artificial intelligence. He is developing a major new research campus at Oxford Science Park—more than 2.3 million square feet of laboratory space—and overseeing the recruitment of up to 7,000 scientists, engineers, and clinicians. He directs platforms in AI, robotics, generative biology, and clinical research, and leads education initiatives including the Ellison Scholars Programme and doctoral programs conferred by Oxford University. At Oxford he is Professor of Ophthalmology & Immunology and a Senior Research Fellow at Worcester College. Previously, as President of the University of Michigan, he built a $1.2 billion AI research ecosystem, surpassed $2 billion in annual research expenditures, expanded access through the Go Blue Guarantee and Wolverine Pathways, and helped raise $4.3 billion toward a $6 billion campaign. As President of the University of British Columbia, he led major research expansion and sustainability leadership—UBC rose to the top rank in North America for impact on the UN Sustainable Development Goals—and helped establish the $2 billion Digital Technology Supercluster. Earlier, he served as President of the University of Cincinnati and in senior roles at Emory University. He has published 170 papers, served on numerous editorial boards, consulted for leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, and advised national science panels in the U.S. and Canada. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

Jani Kozlowski, MA is a passionate early childhood professional with a disability, a child of a parent with a disability, and a mother of a son with a disability. This collection of unique perspectives frames her work as an author, presenter, research investigator and consultant. Jani provides professional development and technical assistance for state leaders, educators and other practitioners. She currently leads initiatives focused on early childhood inclusion at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Jani is the author of Every Child Can Fly: An Early Childhood Educator's Guide to Inclusion and companion guide for families, Empowering Your Child to Fly: A Families' Guide to Early Childhood Inclusion. Jani has been an early childhood inclusion advocate for over thirty years. Website: https://www.everychildcanfly.com Newsletter: https://everychildcanfly.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janikozlowski/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janikozlowskiconsulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janikozlowski/

Brian Boyd, Ph.D., is the William C. Friday Distinguished Professor in Education and Director of the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A special educator by training, Dr. Boyd's research focuses on the development and implementation of evidence-based practices that bridge school, home, and community contexts. His scholarship also includes a significant focus on the development of rigorous outcome measures for autistic children, ensuring that progress can be accurately captured across diverse settings. Dr. Boyd's recent work addresses critical gaps in equity, specifically examining risk and cultural resilience for Black autistic children and their families. He currently serves as President of the International Society for Autism Research. His research program has been continuously funded by federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). He also serves on multiple scientific advisory boards dedicated to improving outcomes for historically underserved and under-researched communities.

Dr. Peter Moss is an Emeritus Professor at the Thomas Coram Research Unit, UCL Institute of Education, University College London. His research and writing interests cover early childhood education, education and democracy, and the relationship between employment, care and gender. Much of his work has been cross-national, especially covering Europe and the Anglosphere. He is co-founder of the International Network on Leave Policies and (with Gunilla Dahlberg) was the initial editor for the Contesting Early Childhood book series. He has published widely, his most recent books being Early Childhood in the Anglosphere: Systemic failings and transformative possibilities (with Linda Mitchell; 2024, UCL Press) and Care Leaves and Care Time for All: Towards caring democracies, economies and worlds (with Andrea Doucet; April 2026, Policy Press).

Erin Klauk is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Wyoming and Co-Director of the UW Science Initiative Roadshow and Community Engagement Program.  With a background in the earth sciences and geoscience education, Erin is passionate about connecting people of all ages with Earth science through hands-on, place-based learning.  Before joining the university, she spent nearly two decades as a high school Earth science teacher, developing engaging, NGSS-aligned lessons and mentoring students in scientific thinking.  Erin's career in education began as a Yellowstone National Park ranger, where she first discovered the power of sharing science through storytelling and exploration.  Outside of work, she enjoys skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. Dr. Jessica (Jessie) Marcolini is the Director of the Science and Math Teacher Center (SMTC) within the College of Education at the University of Wyoming. The SMTC is devoted to excellence in preK-20 science and mathematics teaching and learning and facilitates professional development that supports educators in Wyoming and across the United States. Jessie earned her Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Florida Gulf Coast University where she investigated the impacts of K-12 STEM professional development on teachers' sense of self efficacy. Her major research and teaching interest include STEM Education, Faculty/Teacher Professional Development, Sustainability, and Environmental Education. Dr. Karagh Brummond is the Co-Director of the UW Top-Tier Science Initiative's Roadshow & Community Engagement Program and an Assistant Instructional Professor in the Honors College at the University of Wyoming. She holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Wyoming and currently teaches Neuroscience and Law. In her engagement role, Karagh helps to lead statewide STEM engagement efforts, partnering with K-12 schools and communities to deliver hands-on STEM learning throughout the state of Wyoming.

"Meet the Helpers" As Director of Programs, Sarah Goehring supports educators and caregivers learning from the life and work of Fred Rogers. Sarah serves as the Director of the Fred Rogers Scholars Program for undergraduate students at Saint Vincent College, supports communities of learning for children's helpers, and assists with programmatic and event coordination for the Institute. Prior to her current role, Sarah joined the Institute as a Fred Rogers Scholar and work-study student while earning a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Saint Vincent College. She then earned an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Vincent College while working as a Graduate Assistant at the Institute. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys baking and spending time with her husband and son. Kenzee's role as a program associate allows her to celebrate and convey Fred Rogers' values and long-lasting impact on our neighborhood and beyond. Her involvement in Educators' Neighborhood inspires educators to connect in the spirit of empathy, kindness, and community. Kenzee engages in the study of archival material through various speaking and research opportunities. She also collaborates with undergraduate students in the Fred Rogers Scholars program as they embody Fred's important values through community outreach efforts. Before her role as a program associate, she worked at the Fred Rogers Institute as a work-study while obtaining her B.A. in English with a secondary education certification at Saint Vincent College. She was a Fred Rogers Scholar as well. She acquired her M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from SVC during the fall of 2025. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her border collie, Winston, and read.

Alisha was born and raised in Wyoming and graduated from the University of Wyoming with a BA in Psychology and Communications. Alisha then moved to Boise, Idaho where she spent most of her career as Development and Marketing Director for Saint Alphonsus Hospital. After 10 years in Boise, she returned to Wyoming to be the Executive Director of the Wyoming Medical Center Foundation.  Alisha focused on capital projects such as building a new tower for the hospital and wellness center as well as specific programs such as providing support for cancer patients and a hospitality house for out of town patients. In 2017, Alisha became the Executive Director of the Child Development Center. The CDC serves over 700 children with early intervention therapies, preschool services, and free development screenings for the community. In 2024, Alisha received her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction as well as her Early Childhood Special Education Endorsement from the University of Wyoming. Alisha has sat on Wyoming's Early Intervention Council, the Wyoming State Bar Board of Professional Responsibility, Wyoming's Charter for Plans of Safe Care, and Wyoming's Department of Family Services Steering Committee. She leads a staff of 120 and through her leadership has a 90% staff satisfaction rating. The CDC has excelled under her leadership by opening an outpatient clinic for children birth to twenty-one years of age, a pediatric audiology clinic, and a quick care clinic. The CDC has received number one preschool and development center from Oil City News and the Casper Star Tribune, the State of Wyoming's Model Program for Inclusion, and won the Daniels Fund Salute to Excellence Award. In her spare time Alisha enjoys spending time with her husband Mike and two boys, Max, and Micky, in Wyoming's great outdoors.

Heather Bernt-Santy, author of "Using Schema Play Theory to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood" has been living her commitment to children, their families and their teachers for over 30 years. You may know Heather from her work as the host of the popular early care and education podcast "That Early Childhood Nerd," but she also loves her work as a speaker, consultant, writer and professor. She has held just about every position possible in the field of early care and education: teacher, director, family child care provider, education director—you name it, she's probably tried it! Heather is an enthusiastic believer in children's right to play and of the research that tells us play IS right.  Amy Reyes has been serving in the Early Childhood space in Wyoming for many years and plays an important role in bridging gaps in ECE across the United States. She is an expert in Early Learning, with specializations in Social Emotional Learning specifically digital tech wellness, Outdoor Learning and Early Literacy. She has over 26 years of combined experience in child development and early childhood education, with expertise in leadership, strategic planning, inclusion models and transformational change. Amy spent her career as a Head Start Director also spending a good portion of her career as a kindergarten teacher. Amy holds degrees in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education, Outdoor Learning and Education, Child Development, and Organizational Leadership with a minor in law. Amy currently works as the State of Wyoming's State Early Learning and Literacy Specialist with the Wyoming Department of Education.  Amy is an advocate for outdoor learning and emotional intelligence regarding digital tech addiction. She has integrated outdoor learning into over 200 classrooms across her home state of Wyoming with the Get Wild Wyoming Initiative. Amy is an early childhood speaker and motivator who firmly believes children learn best in outdoor learning settings where they are able to self regulate through natural colors, shapes, sounds, feelings and most importantly disconnected from devices.

Barbara Bocedi is a professional language interpreter. Her training is in classical studies with a secondary school certificate in Italian, Latin, and Greek. Ms. Bocedi has a higher-education diploma in English-German to Italian translation. She has over 25 years as a translator, interpreter and teacher of English, German and Italian to foreigners, instructor of private classes and business courses. In addition to being a translator with Italian agency, Ms. Bocedi worked at IBM and then as a translator/localizer in the software industry in Dublin. She started a freelance business in 2001 and moved back to Italy. Currently, Ms. Bocedi passionately manages her language business, carrying out translation and proofreading from English to Italian and vice-versa, and from German into Italian, in various fields; Ms. Bocedi is also a business and consecutive interpreter and teaches English and German, as well as Italian.

Dr. Tracy Spies is the Fisher Family Professor in Literacy Education at the University of Wyoming. Prior to her appointment at the University of Wyoming she was a Professor of Multilingual Education at the University of Nevada Las Vegas and the Co-Director of the Gayle A. Zeiter Literacy Development Center. Before beginning her journey in academia, she worked as a bilingual teacher in kindergarten, second and fourth grades. She served in administrative roles as a literacy coordinator, assistant principal, and principal. She centers her work in teacher preparation and research around the question, What does meaningful access really mean? This question keeps her inquiries and educator preparation focused on creating high quality language environments for multilingual learners with a concentrated focus on multilingual learners with disabilities. She recently designed and implemented a 50/50 dual language STEAM curriculum for 4- and 5-year-olds focused on building children's language and literacy skills in science across English and Spanish

Rosalba is a highly experienced pedagogist with over 29 years dedicated to early childhood education and pedagogical research. Holding a degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Psychology, she began her career as an educator in 1994. Her deep interest led her to explore and research the innovative Reggio Emilia approach, including direct visits to its renowned schools. As the former owner of a private nursery school that also served as a learning lab, Rosalba pioneered a new approach to early learning in her community, advocating for the rights of both children and educators. She has shared her expertise as an Early Childhood Education professor at a college and has served as a pedagogical consultant for over two decades, guiding various educational institutions. In this capacity, she also develops comprehensive modules, offering educators structured series for deeper knowledge development and access to valuable resources. Rosalba embraces modern professional learning, developing online workshops, webinars, and contributing to podcasts for various agencies and organizations. These virtual spaces offer a wide community of educators, artists, chefs, families, and researchers opportunities for professional development and collaboration. She continues to present at workshops and conferences, both in person and virtually. Passionate about intentional material use, Rosalba advocates for thoughtful engagement with resources, drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach to foster deeper connections with the environment. She emphasizes shifting from a culture of consumption to one of creative resourcefulness, promoting resilience and sustainability in early learning. Viewing children as future citizens, Rosalba champions educational practices that empower them to explore and grow, fostering their development as responsible contributors to society. Her expertise also extends to food pedagogies, collaborating with chefs to develop workshops for educators, families, and children, and contributing a chapter to "Beautiful Stuff in Nature" on the journey of a tomato. Currently, Rosalba continues her work as a consultant, speaker, and pedagogical companion, actively writing blogs and contributing to the Pedagogist Network Ontario. She is also a certified Play Worker and volunteers as chair of the York Region Nature Collaborative, connecting educators with outdoor learning experiences. Her extensive background and innovative methods consistently contribute to the advancement of early childhood education. For updates and current events, visit www.acorncollaborative.com or connect on social media: @acorncollaborative (IG) and Rosalba Bortolotti (FB, LinkedIn).

Dr. Demet Gulaldi is a child development specialist with over 33 years of experience, particularly in working with children with special needs and their families. She graduated from Hacettepe University in Ankara. Turkiye and began her professional journey in Istanbul after growing up and studying in Ankara. Midway through her career, she received the prestigious Humphrey Fellowship and completed postgraduate studies in the United States in the field of early intervention. Her areas of focus include early childhood development, early intervention, developmental assessments, and family guidance. She has conducted research in attachment theory, especially on mother-child interaction and positive parenting. She also works with families individually using the evidence-based VIPP (Video-feedback Intervention to Promote Positive Parenting) method.  Currently, she is an Assistant Professor at Üsküdar University, Department of Child Development in Istanbul. She teaches undergraduate and graduate-level courses in early intervention, child development, and developmental theories, while continuing her research in the areas of attachment and parent-child relationships. She leads the Child Development and Early Childhood Studies Center at Uskudar university. She is recently studying on investigation fatherhood and child development perspective form fathers. Her recent research explores fatherhood and child development from the perspective of fathers.  In addition to her academic work, Dr. Gülaldi is actively involved with non-governmental organizations and currently serves as a consultant to UNICEF Türkiye, where she contributes to the development of national strategies on early childhood and early intervention programs. She is a member of the Executive Committee of the Council of International Fellowship (CIF) and a member of the Humphrey Fellowship Association Türkiye.