For over 13 years, I ran what was then Kid Crew Adventures. While the work was meaningful, I struggled to reach children from a full spectrum of financial realities, learning styles, needs, and cultural backgrounds. That gap weighed heavily on me.
When I began to speak truth to power about the importance of quality care for all children, something shifted. What began as my passion for caring for children grew into my purpose: ensuring that every child — no matter their circumstances — has access to spaces that honor their joy, autonomy, and humanity.
Advocacy is how we extend the Play Lab’s reach beyond our own walls. It’s how we invite others to support this mission, amplify the call for equity in early childhood education, and work together toward building liberated learning spaces for every child.
At the SEED Teacher Summit, I shared how something as simple as a dress-up bin can be a tool for justice. When we’re mindful about which “community helper” roles we offer children — and whose identities are represented — we disrupt stereotypes and expand possibilities. Thoughtful choices in our learning spaces help every child see themselves, and others, as essential contributors to the community.
At the AFKA Conference, I spoke on intersectionality, equity, and inclusion in early learning spaces. My session invited educators to examine how overlapping identities shape children’s experiences, and how centering equity requires us to move beyond surface-level inclusion. By grounding our practice in justice, we can create environments where every child’s full humanity is affirmed and valued.
At the NINPA Spring Meeting, I shared insights from my upcoming book and invited educators to rethink weapon play. Too often, children’s play is restricted by adult fears, yet these moments can be powerful opportunities for learning, creativity, and community building. By shifting our perspective, we can move from prohibition to understan
At the NINPA Spring Meeting, I shared insights from my upcoming book and invited educators to rethink weapon play. Too often, children’s play is restricted by adult fears, yet these moments can be powerful opportunities for learning, creativity, and community building. By shifting our perspective, we can move from prohibition to understanding — creating space for children to explore big ideas safely and meaningfully.
When I delivered my Unlocking Belonging keynote in Forest Park, I was struck by the deep inclusiveness woven into their community. It wasn’t just spoken about — it was lived, visible in the way people showed up for one another.
That experience moved me. It reminded me that belonging isn’t an abstract goal but a daily practice, one that shapes how children, families, and educators experience community. I returned inspired to carry that same spirit into our own neighborhoods and school systems — to help build spaces where belonging is not a hope, but a given.
This past summer, thanks to the unwavering support of our broader community—including Defending the Early Years, the International Play Association, and the families and allies who walk with us—the Play Lab team had the incredible opportunity to attend the PLAY Empowers Teacher Retreat at the Claggett Center in Adamstown, Maryland.
At this restorative retreat, educators gathered not as presenters but as co-learners — listening, engaging, and sharing with intention. We recharged, recalibrated, and deepened our commitment to liberated learning, returning renewed and inspired to continue centering children’s agency and joy.
We’re deeply grateful for every person and organization whose care and belief made this possible. Because of you, the learning doesn’t stop.