Buttercup

David Lawrence Jr. retired in 1999 as publisher of The Miami Herald to work in the area of early childhood development and readiness. He chairs The Children’s Movement of Florida, aimed at making children the state’s top priority for investment. He has served on the Governor’s Children and Youth Cabinet and twice chaired the Florida Partnership for School Readiness. In 2002 and 2008 he led successful campaigns for The Children’s Trust, a dedicated source of early intervention and prevention funding for children in Miami-Dade. In 2002-3 he chaired the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Protection, and in 2011 chaired a similar panel for the Department of Children and Families. In 2002, he was a key figure in passing a statewide constitutional amendment to provide pre-K for all 4 year olds. He is the founding chair of the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade and Monroe. The David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Public School opened in 2006. An endowed chair in early childhood studies is established in his name at the Uni

Paul H. Dworkin, MD Paul Dworkin is Executive Vice President for Community Child Health at Connecticut Children's Medical Center and professor of pediatrics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.   For 15 years, he served as physician-in-chief at Connecticut Children’s and chair of Pediatrics at UCONN.  Dr. Dworkin’s interests are at the interface among child development, child health services, and child health policy and he has authored more than 150 publications.  Dr. Dworkin’s honors include teaching awards, visiting professorships, and named lectureships.  He was the editor of the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics from 1997-2002 and was a member of the first entering class of the Academy of Distinguished Educators at the UCONN School of Medicine.   In 2003, Dr. Dworkin received the prestigious C. Anderson Aldrich Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics in recognition of achievement in the field of child development.  His vision led to the creation of Help Me Grow, a Co

D.J. Eagle Bear Vanas is a husband, father, internationally-acclaimed motivational storyteller and a leadership and personal development expert. He is also the author of the celebrated book The Tiny Warrior: A Path to Personal Discovery & Achievement which is printed is six countries. His latest book, Spirit on the Run, is his first novel.  D.J. is a tribally-enrolled member of the Odawa Nation and a former military officer. He shows organizations how to practically apply the power of the warrior spirit to perform at their best, stay resilient and thrive in tough, changing environments. For twenty years, he’s delivered his dynamic programs in 49 states and overseas to over 7,000 audiences including Walt Disney, NASA, Intel and hundreds of tribal governments, communities and schools. He’s also been invited to the White House to speak – twice.   He holds a B.S. from the U.S. Air Force Academy and an M.S. from University of Southern California and has served on the Board of Directors on the National Board of

Jennifer P. Goldfinger is both a children’s book author/illustrator and a fine artist. She has been writing and illustrating children’s picture books since 2001. Her most recent book, Hello, My Name is Tiger, was published by HarperCollins Publishers. Her fine art has been shown in museums and at various shows from New England to New Mexico, including juried shows at The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA and in a solo show at The Danforth Museum in Framingham, MA. Her fine art is represented by the Rice Polak Gallery in Provincetown, MA. Children’s book website: www.jennifergoldfinger.com Fine Art website: https://www.jennifergoldfingerart.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jengoldfinger/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jengoldfinger http://jennifergoldfinger.blogspot.com/

Marie Tourell Soderberg is a Danish actress, born in Copenhagen. She is a rising star of Nordic Noir whose credits feature stage, TV and film, including a leading role in historical epic 1864. She is a hygge enthusiast and her first book on the topic has contributions from everyday Danes and experts.  Hygge is a Danish concept and has no English translation but is all about focusing on the little things in life that bring you warmth and happiness, whether it's spending quality time with loved ones or creating a 'hyggelig' atmosphere in your home. https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/298940/hygge/

Dr. Hébert-Magee is an Associate Professor of Pathology at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine and Director of Academic Pathology at the Florida Hospital Center for Interventional Endoscopy.   She was previously an Assistant Professor and Associate Scientist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehesive Cancer Center.  Dr. Hébert-Magee is a reputed cytopathologist with advanced training in translational pathology from the National Cancer Institute. http://www.underthescopefoundation.org/

Anna V. Eskamani is lifelong Orlando Native and daughter of immigrants who has worked relentlessly her entire life to protect all members of our community through effective advocacy, bold leadership, and strategic management. Anna currently serves as the Senior Director of Public Affairs and Communications for Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida. She manages a team across 22 counties and is known in the legislature and across the nation as an advocate for women’s health and equality. Anna is also a PhD student in Public Affairs at the University of Central Florida and has served as an Adjunct Professor teaching Intro to Women’s Studies.

Dr. Hill M. Walker is the co-director of the University of Oregon's Institute on Violence and Destructive Behavior (IVDB). Walker’s research interests include social skills assessment and intervention, violence prevention, early intervention, school safety, and longitudinal research. Hill Walker received the Council for Exceptional Children Research Award in 1993, and the University of Oregon Presidential Medal in 2000. Walker is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oregon Social Learning Center and is a consultant to the Citizens Crime Commission, an affiliate of the Portland, Oregon, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

  Dr. Rick Kubina (B.A., Youngstown State University; M.A., The Ohio State University; and Ph.D., The Ohio State University) is a Professor of Special Education at Penn State University. After completion of his Masters program, Kubina taught special education in a private schools specializing in post acute brain trauma rehabilitation for three years. He is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Doctoral level and serves on a number of editorial boards for behavioral and special education journals. He was the editor of the Journal of Precision Teaching and Celeration. Dr. Kubina is one of the founders of Chartlytics.  A comprehensive discovery, progress monitoring, and intervention software company that allows users to precisely define behaviors, measure them, and make decisions to effect accelerated outcomes. http://www.chartlytics.com/

Dr. Bricker served as Director of the Early Intervention Program at the Center on Human Development, University of Oregon, from 1978 to 2004. She was a professor of special education, focusing on the fields of early intervention and social-communication. Her professional interests have addressed three major areas: early intervention service delivery approaches, curricula-based assessment and evaluation, and developmental-behavioral screening.

Natasha Wing has been publishing for 25 years. Some of her titles have ended up on best-sellers lists. She is known for her popular The Night Before series that includes holiday, school and big events in kids' lives themes. Natasha also writes narrative nonfiction. Her latest book is When Jackie Saved Grand Central. www.natashawing.com

Andrea (Lou’s person) and Cristina (Pepper’s person) met in the halls of their children’s preschool. Their mutual love of celebrating - birthdays, summers, LIFE! - coupled with their love (obsession) for their super adorable pets spawned the beginning of Lou & Pepper. From the very beginning Andrea and Cristina knew there was a bright future in creating fun, memorable and (most-importantly) easy parties for those around them. The best part of a celebration is the memories it brings so sit back and relax, while Lou & Pepper curates the perfect party for you. https://www.louandpepper.com/

Steve has delighted audiences throughout the country, including at prestigious venues like Symphony Space in New York City, Wolftrap in Vienna VA, the Kennedy Center and the White House in Washington, D.C., and Fenway Park in Boston. Anyone who’s attended a SteveSongs concert appreciates Steve’s ability to connect with his audience – from the exuberant children flocking towards the stage, to the moms bouncing babies with the beat, to the parents and grandparents singing and grooving along. It’s no wonder he's been called a modern day Pied Piper! http://www.stevesongs.com/

Bestselling, award-winning children's recording artist Laurie Berkner is widely recognized as the uncrowned queen of children’s music. Laurie's albums, released on her own label, have been best sellers on a chart typically dominated by movie soundtracks and major label compilations.  Her debut DVD, which went quadruple platinum, was the first-ever indie children’s music DVD to enter Billboard’s Top Music Video chart at #1. Laurie’s eleventh album, Superhero, was released in September 2016.  A longtime fixture on TV’s Nick Jr. and Sprout channels, Laurie was the first recording artist to ever appear in a music video interstitial on Nick Jr. and was a beloved presence on Jack’s Big Music Show. Laurie currently stars in a short-form animated musical series Sing It, Laurie! on the preschool network Sprout, and she has been a frequent guest on Sprout's Sunny Side Up morning show.  Laurie wrote the music and lyrics for two Off-Broadway children's musicals produced by New York City Children’s Theater: Wanda's Monste

Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice to pursue his passion and is now a Disney expert, author, podcaster, speaker, entrepreneur, and host of http://WDWRadio.com, named Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years.   He is the author of books and audio tours about the Disney Parks, and founder of http://DreamTeamProject.org, which has raised more than $250,000 to date to send children with life-threatening illnesses to Walt Disney World through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America   He provides mentoring, consulting, and workshops to those looking to build their business and brand, and is also a keynote speaker at events, conferences, and schools. Lou shares the magic of Disney and/or the power of new and social media, podcasting, live video, community, entrepreneurship, how to follow one's dreams and passions, and custom topics tailored to the event audience. http://LouMongello.com   Social Links: LouMongello.com WDWRadio.com Twitter.com/LouMongello Facebook.com/LouMongello Instagram.com/

Dr. Jean Feldman’s noteworthy educational career has spanned more than 40 years.  She has served as a classroom teacher, instructor of adults, author, and consultant.  She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the National Kindergarten Alliance,  Dr. Feldman’s list of degrees include a B.A. from the University of Georgia, a D.A.S.T. from Emory University, and both M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Georgia State University.  She is currently Early Childhood Educator in Residence at the College of Charleston.  Dr. Feldman inspires teachers across the country with her engaging songs and creative activities that help make teaching and learning FUN! Dr. Jean's blog is drjeanandfriends.blogspot.com and website is drjean.org.  

Jane Squires, Ph.D., is a professor in special education, with research interests focused on early intervention and early childhood special education (EI/ECSE)--specifically screening, assessment, and early identification of developmental delays. She also focuses on personnel development and effective EI/ECSE practices. She has served as principal investigator on numerous research studies focused on assessment of social emotional competence, parent-completed developmental screening processes, personnel training, and systems change related to early identification of young children at risk for developmental and social emotional delays. Dr. Squires conducts research and outreach in early intervention/early childhood special education and is Director of the Early Intervention Program Research Area. With Diane Bricker, she is author of the Ages & Stages Questionnaires and An Activity-Based Approach to Developing Young Children’s Social Emotional Competence. http://agesandstages.com/

Matt de la Peña is the New York Times Bestselling, Newbery Medal -winning author of six young adult novels: Ball Don’t Lie, Mexican WhiteBoy, We Were Here, I Will Save You, The Living and The Hunted. He’s also the author of the critically-acclaimed picture books A Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis (illustrated by Kadir Nelson) and Last Stop on Market Street (illustrate d by Christian Robinson). Matt received his MFA in creative writing from San Diego State University and his BA from the University of the Pacific where he attended school on a full basketball scholarship. de la Peña currently lives in Brooklyn NY. He teaches creative writing and visits high schools and colleges throughout the country. Website: http://mattdelapena.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.delapena.5 Twitter: https://twitter.com/mattdelapena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattdelapena/

Mr. Sam Donaldson is a distinguished reporter who has been a news anchor for ABC News, White House Correspondent, and author of the book titled, “Hold On, Mr. President!” Mr. Donaldson has anchored many television shows in the United States which include: World News Sunday and Primetime Live with Diane Sawyer. Mr. Donaldson has earned several accolades for his work including multiple Emmy and Peabody Awards. 

Dr. Frances Glascoe is a Professor Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University where for she directed the developmental-behavioral pediatrics rotation for 15 years and continues to work with pediatric residents, nursing and medical students, and community providers. She is the author of more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, a textbook on developmental-behavioral services in primary care, several screening tests, serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and is a past editor of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Newsletter.  In October, 2000, she received the Academy’s Dale Richmond Award in child development.