Julie Alley Intervention Specialist/ Instructional Coach Port Huron Area School District
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A., Public Administration, University of Michigan - Flint B.S., Child Development and Elementary Education, Michigan State University
Professional Experiences o Elementary teaching certificate, ZA, BR and ES (Administration) endorsements o Kindergarten, pre-first, first, and second grade teacher with the Corunna School District o Taught for 7 years at Corunna Public School District o Interim Principal at Nellie Reed Elementary at Corunna Public Schools from February to June 2012 o Intervention Specialist (70%) and Instructional Coach (30%) at a Focus School in the Port Huron School District
Research Interests o Curriculum development in lower elementary grades o Acquisition of pre-literacy skills o Connection between parent interaction and literacy acquisition o The impact of play on pre-literacy acquisition
Contact Information Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Tammy Arakelian Grants Manager Learning Care Group
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A., Early Childhood Education, Eastern Michigan University B.A., English, William Tyndale College A.A., Early Childhood Education, William Tyndale College
Professional Experiences o Grant sourcing, writing, coordinating, reconciling, and managing on a national, state, and local level o Work with early learning programs and government agencies in relation to State Pre-k and Quality Rating and Improvement Systems in various states around the nation o Curriculum development and implementation support in early learning programs around the nation with a focus on children ages birth to five
Research Interests o Nature Integration in early learning programs o Public Policy, with specific focus on aligning with Developmentally Appropriate Practices o Language and Literacy development
Contact Information Email: [email protected] Phone: 248-231-1557
Janie Ashcraft Winn Kindergarten Teacher Utica Community School District
Education Ph.D., Candidate, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A.T., Saginaw Valley State University B.S., Social Science, Michigan State University
Professional Experiences o Full-time kindergarten teacher
Dissertation Focus o Children’s peer relationships, friendships and the elements of peer rejection o Children's perspectives relative to peer relationships
Contact Information Email: [email protected]
Ashley N. Blake Ph.D. Graduate/Research Assistant Human Development and Child Studies of Oakland University
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.S., Child Development, Central Michigan University B.S., Child Development and Early Childhood Education, Central Michigan University
Professional Experiences o Full-time graduate assistant here at Oakland University. o Early childhood educator for over 10 years. o Graduate assistant at Central Michigan University o Director of a summer camp geared specifically for children on the autism spectrum o Board member for the Great Lakes Bay Autism Center o Early Intervention Specialist- Applied behavioral analysis
Research Interests o Autism spectrum disorder o Early intervention treatments and outcomes o Barriers that early childhood educators experience when including children with autism In the early childhood learning environment o Applied behavioral analysis
Contact Information Email: [email protected]
LaCretia Brown Family Specialist Children’s Outreach
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.S., Administration, Central Michigan University B.A., Early Childhood Education, University of Detroit - Mercy
Professional Experiences o Family Specialist with Children’s Outreach o Lead mentor with the QRIS Great Start Collaborative and Children’s Outreach.
Research Interests o Sibling relationships o Multicultural education for young children
Contact Information Email: [email protected] Julie Burns-Ross Ph.D. Graduate/Research Assistant Human Development and Child Studies
Education Ph.D., Candidate, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University Ed.S., Educational Administration and Leadership, Oakland University M.A.T., Elementary Education, Wayne State University B.A., French Language and Literature, Oakland University Endorsement: Early Childhood Education (ZA), Oakland University French Language and Culture Certification, Sorbonne University and Alliance Française, Paris, France
Professional Experiences o Ph.D. Graduate/Research Assistant within the Early Childhood Department at Oakland University o Early childhood French teacher at Detroit Country Day School in Bloomfield Hills o Dean of the early childhood building of Detroit Country Day School o International Studies include: Te Whariki Bi-Cultural Curriculum of New Zealand and Reggio Emilia Approach of Italy
Research Interests o Early childhood language acquisition o Cultural studies o Indigenous language learning and revitalization o International early childhood curriculum models
Contact Information Email: [email protected] Latricia Clark - Underwood Education Consultant EduVation
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A., Education, Oakland University B.A., Communications/Public Relations, Wayne State University
Professional Experiences o Facilitator of state and district evidence-based instructional systems with emphasis in aligning State and National Common Core Standards o Financial grant manager with the State of Michigan o Elementary teacher in the Pontiac School District o Bank customer service representative
Research Interests o Instructional Audits & Risk Management System o Early Literacy and Language Development
Contact Information Email: [email protected]
Cindy DeCook Adjunct Instructor of Early Childhood Education Rochester College
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A.C.T., (Masters of Curriculum and Teaching), Michigan State University B.A., Elementary Education, Oakland University Endorsement: Early Childhood (ZA)
Professional Experiences o Adjunct instructor at Rochester College o She has taught preschool, owned a preschool o Directed Almont Community School District's first at-risk and regular preschool program o She also taught 1st grade and kindergarten in a local private school
Research Interests o Childhood obesity and wellness and their impact on cognition and academic performance
Contact Information Email: [email protected]
Anne Donato Early Childhood/Elementary Special Education Facilitator Novi Community Schools
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A., Special Education, University of Michigan - Dearborn B.S., Language Studies, University of Michigan - Dearborn
Professional Experiences Early childhood/elementary special education facilitator for Novi Community Schools o th o Teaches children with cognitive and physical disabilities in preschool through 6 grade classrooms o Conducted workshops on the impact of environmental settings on inclusion and cognition for young children in early childhood settings.
Research Interests o Early childhood inclusion o The influence of the environments’ colors, textures settings and materials on young children with disabilities
Contact Information Email: [email protected].
Sharrece Farris Program Supervisor Detroit Public Schools
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M. A., Early Childhood Education, Oakland University B. A., Audiology and Speech Science, Michigan State University
Professional Experiences o Program supervisor for the Detroit Public Schools
Research Interests o Urban school leadership o Reform and education o Comparative education o School readiness o Students with special needs o Parental involvement o Curriculum-based instruction o Program evaluation o Public school funding
Contact Information Email: [email protected] Karen Geldner Elementary Teacher McKinley, Van Dyke Public Schools
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A., Educational Leadership, Oakland University, Rochester, MI B.A., Elementary Education, University of Michigan
Professional Experiences o Early childhood home daycare provider o Pre-kindergarten teacher o Infant/Toddler teacher o Elementary/Middle school educator o Lead teacher, mentor and student teacher supervisor o Substituting principals o Post-secondary teacher at Henry Ford Community College, and at Baker’s College
Research Interests o Classroom technology implementation and its influence on social and emotional development of children.
Contact Information Email: geldner.karen @ vdps.net or [email protected]
Teresa Gerring Reading Intervention Specialist Mark Murray Elementary School University Preparatory Academy District- Detroit
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A., Educational Administration, Central Michigan University B.S., Elementary Education, Central Michigan University
Professional Experiences o Reading intervention specialist who works with at-risk students
Research Interests o Preschool and primary level literacy o Student engagement o The role of parents in supporting kindergarten literacy
Contact Information Email: [email protected] Nicole Gibby Child Care Licensing Consultant State of Michigan
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.S., Educational Leadership, Concordia University M.S.W., Social Work, Wayne State University B.S.W., Social Work, Ferris State University A.A.S., Child Development, Ferris State University
Professional Experiences o Licensing Consultant for the State of Michigan, Wayne County o Training Facilitator for Administrative Licensing Rules for Childcare Centers, and Family & Group Home Rules, State of Michigan o Policy Committee Member, Bureau of Children & Adult Licensing, State of Michigan
Research Interests o High quality childcare facilities o Early literacy inventory in licensed childcare facilities o Family involvement in early literacy
Contact Information Email: [email protected] Cheriese Gipson
Bilingual Head Start Teacher Pontiac
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.Ed., Early Childhood Education, Oakland University B.A., Early Childhood Education, Marygrove College
Professional Experiences o Bilingual Head Start teacher o Taught in Honduras
Research Interests o Early childhood special education o Advocacy for children with special needs -Autism o Bilingual education o Global education o Preschool/kindergarten readiness o Cross cultural language/literacy acquisition
Contact Information Email: [email protected]
Wendy Greger Adjunct Instructor University of Michigan - Flint
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A., Liberal Studies, University of Michigan B.A., Elementary Education, University of Michigan-Flint
Professional Experiences o Adjunct instructor at Rochester College o Teaches special needs children and their families
Research Interests o History of early childhood education o History of the kindergarten movement
Contact Information Email: [email protected]
Lisa Grunewald Art, Photo and Film Teacher Shelby Junior High School Utica Community Schools
Education Ph.D., Candidate, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.S., Administration, Central Michigan University B.A., Early Childhood Education, University of Detroit - Mercy
Professional Experiences o Art, photo and film teacher at Shelby Junior High School in the Utica Community Schools district o Weekly volunteer at the DMC Children’s Hospital in Detroit
Research Interests o Art therapy in classroom and hospital settings o The relationship between art and children’s expressive language repertoires o Reggio Emilia documentation
Contact Information Email: [email protected] Sandra Hulme Owner/Director White Rose Academy, Rochester, Michigan
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A., Early Childhood Education, Oakland University B.S., Psychology, Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Professional Experiences o Owner and director of White Rose Academy, an early childhood development center o Responsible for teaching and planning of early childhood curriculum
Research Interests o Mental health problems o Impact of risk factors, such as poverty and abuse/neglect, on brain development o Impact of animal assisted therapy for children with mental health issues
Contact Information Email: [email protected]
Cassandra Joss Kindergarten Teacher Utica Community Schools
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A.T., Communications, Marygrove College B.A., Communications, Oakland University B.S., Elementary Education, Oakland University
Professional Experiences o Full-time kindergarten teacher
Research Interests o Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) o Children’s diets
Contact Information Email: [email protected] Rachel Kolstad Teacher Louisiana, Michigan, and Minnesota
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A., Administration, A & M College, Baton Rouge, Louisiana B.A., Elementary Education, University of Louisiana - Lafayette
Professional Experiences o Early childhood teacher o Elementary teacher K-6 o Over 19 years of experience
Research Interests o Kindergarten transition o School readiness o Families’ adjustment to school environments
Contact Information Email: [email protected] Michael Lloyd Kindergarten Teacher South Lyon Schools
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.S., Educational Leadership, Concordia University B.S., Elementary Education, Eastern Michigan University
Professional Experiences o Full-time kindergarten teacher in South Lyon o Writing instructional documents for parents and teachers through Oakland Schools
Research Interests o Academic retention of kindergarteners o Universal Kindergarten for the State of Michigan
Contact Information Email: [email protected]
Mary Ann Mackrain Consultant Michigan Department of Education
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.ED., Educational Psychology, Wayne State University B.S., Psychology, Northern Michigan University Endorsement: Infant Mental Health Endorsement Level IV –Policy Certification: Early Childhood Education
Professional Experiences o Consultant for the State of Michigan’s Department of Education o Statewide technical assistant and trainer in infant and early childhood mental health for community health providers
Research Interests o Infant and toddler social and emotional health o Adult resilience and its effect on young children’s social and emotional well-being and maternal depression
Contact Information Email: [email protected] Sara Nelson Parent Educator Michigan State University Extension, Clinton Township
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A., Early Childhood Education, Oakland University B.A., Child Development Education, Central Michigan University
Professional Experiences o Michigan State University Extension in Clinton Township o A 4C trainer for the Macomb County’s Childcare Council
Research Interests o Comparative analysis of elementary education programs o Child development courses and degree requirements
Contact Information Email: [email protected]
Kathy Oberly Gray Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Infant Preschool Program, Macomb Intermediate School District
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.Ed., Preschool and Parent Education, Wayne State University B.S., Elementary Education, Wayne State University A.A., General Studies, Macomb Community College
Professional Experiences o Ms. Gray is an early childhood special education teacher o Collaborates with a team of professionals to provide services for children with special needs from birth to 36 months.
Research Interests o Building successful partnerships between professionals and families with young children who have special needs
Contact Information Email: [email protected] Mary Ellen O’Keefe
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Unified Schools, Arizona
Education M.A.T, Special Education, Oakland University B.A. Special Education, Michigan State University
Professional Experiences: o Early Childhood Special Education Teacher o Early Childhood Inclusion Coach o Special Needs Consultant
Research Interests: o Autism o Special Education
Contact Information: Email: [email protected]
Margaret Patterson Student Teacher Supervisor Eastern Michigan University
Education Ph.D., Candidate, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A., Reading, Eastern Michigan University B.S., Education, Eastern Michigan University Endorsement: Early Childhood Education (ZA)
Professional Experiences o Student teacher supervisor in the early childhood education program at Eastern Michigan University o Preschool teacher o X-ray technician in a children’s hospital
Research Interests o Children with special health care needs - asthma, seizures, diabetes, and food allergy issues
Contact Information Email: [email protected] Sally Rosberg
Oakland Schools, Arts and Scraps Teacher
Education: Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A., Early Childhood Education, Oakland University B.A., Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan Dearborn
Professional Experiences: o Retired Assistant Child Care Coordinator; 1990-2011 Grosse Pointe Public School System
Research Interests: o Curriculum o Literacy
Contact Information: Email: [email protected] [email protected]
Adele Sarver Preschool Teacher Chippewa Valley School District
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.Ed., Early Childhood Education, Wayne State University B.A., Mass Communications, University of Michigan - Flint
Professional Experiences o Full-time preschool teacher o Co-creator of the “Bridge to Kindergarten” summer school program for at-risk students entering kindergarten in Chippewa Valley.
Research Interests o Early childhood educational policy o The “standardization” of early education
Contact Information Email: [email protected].
Cathy Shapero Special Education Teacher Northville Public Schools
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University Certification program Autism Spectrum Disorders, Oakland University M.A., Educational Leadership, Eastern Michigan University M.A., Early Childhood Education, Oakland University B.A., Special Education teacher of students with Cognitive Impairments K-12, Elementary Education K-8, Elementary Music Education K-8, Central Michigan University
Professional Experiences o Special education teacher of students with dual diagnoses of cognitive and emotional impairments in a center-based program in Northville that serves Western Wayne County school districts o Early Childhood Intervention Special Education Teacher, Northville Public Schools, Northville, MI o Co-teacher of speech and motor classes with Teacher of Speech and Language for 3-6 year olds th o Teacher Consultant for birth through 5 grade, Northville Public Schools, Northville, MI o Adapted Physical Education Teacher, Old Village School, Northville, MI o Teacher of parent-child sensory-motor-music program for children ages 3 months to 5 years.
Research Interests o Early childhood special education o Advocacy for children with special needs o Autism o Emergent curriculum o Reggio Emilia philosophy o Positive Behavior Support
Contact Information Email: [email protected] Sinsery Gardner
Perry Nursery School Ann Arbor
Education: Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A., Early Childhood Education, Eastern Michigan University B.A., Linguistics, Eastern Michigan University
Professional Experiences: o Preschool Teacher
Research Interests: o Special Education o Sensory Integration in Regular Preschool Classroom o Special Education in Indonesia o Early Literacy
Contact Information: Email: [email protected]
Deborah Teolis Special Education Teacher Grosse Pointe Farms
Education M.A., Communications/ Public Relations, Wayne State University M.A., Special Education, Oakland University B.S., Marketing/Management, Northwood University - Midland A.A., Advertising, Northwood University - Midland
Professional Experiences o Second grade teacher in Grosse Pointe Farms o Special education teacher of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders at Brownell Middle School in Grosse Pointe Farms o Writer for the Michigan Department of Education state assessment
Research Interests o Daycare/childcare teacher training and its impact on the cognitive and physical development of toddlers
Contact Information Email: [email protected] Janice Threlkeld-Brown Teacher Consultant and Department Head Pontiac Public School District
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A.T., Early Childhood Education-Special Education, Oakland University B.A., Social Studies, English and Education, Michigan State University
Professional Experiences o Teacher consultant and department head for the Pontiac Public School District- Preschool, Elementary, and Secondary o Special Education Educator for over 15 years o District Curriculum leader-Elementary level o External coach for the Michigan Integrated Behavior and Learning Support Initiative (MiBLiSI) program in the Pontiac district
Research Interests o Early childhood leadership o Inclusion efficacy o Preschool cognitive development o Early childhood educational policy o Play as it relates to urban children with disabilities
Contact Information Email: [email protected]
Marlene Walton Assistant Education Coordinator Hartford Head Start Agency, Detroit
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University M.A., Early Childhood Education, Oakland University B.A., Child Development/Guidance, Madonna University A.A., Dietetic Technology, Wayne County Community College
Professional Experiences o Assistant education coordinator for the Hartford Head Start Agency in Detroit o HighScope trainer to teachers in the agency
Research Interests o Dramatic play o Language, and literacy experiences in preschool children
Contact Information Email: [email protected]
Melissa L. Weimer Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Holly Area Schools
Education Ph.D., Student, Early Childhood Education, Oakland University Post-Master’s Graduate Certificate in Reading and Language Arts, Oakland University M.A., Early Childhood Education, Eastern Michigan University B.S., Elementary Special Education (Hearing Impairments), Eastern Michigan University
Professional Experiences o Early childhood special education teacher in Holly o Teaches online graduate courses in child development, University of Phoenix o Teaching for over 20 years in various assignments including preschool, special and general education o Presented workshops at the local, state, and national level o Travelled to Reggio Emilia, Italy to study the early childhood programs and philosophy o Involved in the editorial review boards for the Michigan Reading Association, ReadWriteThink and International Reading Association o Author of several lesson plans on ReadWriteThink.org
Research Interests o Parenting and parent education o Early literacy development o Early intervention o Positive Behavior Support for Young Children (PBSYC)
Contact Information Email: [email protected]