Growing math minds... Changing math mindsets
Early Math Symposium
Registration is now open!
June 21, 2024 from 9 am to 1:30 pm (PST)
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Community Exploration Spaces
This breakout panel is for everyone interested in creating a community learning space - at a park, school, preschool, library, museum, etc. Panelists from the Bay Area Discovery Museum, the AIMS Center for Math and Science, the Lighthouse for Children, and MathTalk will walk us through how they successfully capture children's imagination, provide tips and recommendations for creating interesting spaces and activities, and reach a multi-generational family audience. - the team will go with this slightly edited version.
Presenters:
Dr. Matilda Soria
Dr. Matilda Soria was born and raised in Fresno, CA. Matilda has earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology and a Minor degree in Ethnic Studies from California State University, Fresno; a Master’s degree in Human Development and Psychology, with a specialization in Risk and Prevention from Harvard University; and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, Fresno. Matilda serves as the Senior Director of the Early Care and Education Department of the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. She has extensive experience conducting scientific and behavioral research, as well as in the development, management, and evaluation of educational and social service programs for children and families. She serves on the California Child Care Coordinators Association (CCCCA) Executive Committee; the Fresno City College Child Development Department Advisory Committee; and the Advocacy/Policy Committee of Every Child California. She also serves as a Board Member for Fresno Metro Ministries, a community benefit organization dedicated to improving the health, environmental quality, economic development and overall resiliency of the San Joaquin Valley; and Storyland/Playland, a literacy-themed park in Fresno, California. In her spare time, Matilda enjoys mentoring young people and travelling.
Paul Reimer has spent more than 25 years in public education, focused on the design of creative learning technologies and environments. Currently Paul is the Executive Director of the AIMS Center for Math and Science Education in Fresno, CA, where he partners in collaborative efforts toward transdisciplinary, equity-centered design for STEAM teaching and learning. His recent work uses design-based research methods to examine play as an embodied approach to learning across ages and contexts. Paul holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology & Educational Technology from Michigan State University.
Paul Reimer
Rosa Bounkhoune is a Lead Master Teacher at the Lighthouse for Children Child Development Center, operated by the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools’ Early Care and Education Department. She has worked with children for 15 years in various settings and positions, including Head Start preschool. Her classroom experience covers the span of ages three to eighteen, providing a unique understanding of the developmental continuum. Rosa received her Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies and an Associate’s Degree in Child Development. Rosa enjoys traveling, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.
Rosa Bounkhoune
Barbara Daniel serves as the Child Development Center Program Manager of the Early Care and Education (ECE) Department of the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools (FCSS). Under Barbara's leadership, the Lighthouse for Children Child Development Center has earned a five-star rating from the local Quality Counts California (QCC) program. She has worked in ECE for over 21 years and served in instructional and leadership roles while working with diverse populations, including dual language learners. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis on ECE. Before joining FCSS, Barbara led other community-based ECE programs, where she secured additional funds to expand a state-subsidized preschool program and obtained national accreditation via NAEYC. Barbara enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family in her free time.
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Barbara Daniel
Drew leads the Learning and Museum Experience teams. He brings over 10 years of experience in educational leadership and community engagement to the museum. In his most recent role as the Principal at William G. Paden Elementary School in Alameda, where their motto is Learn and Play by the Bay, Drew led his team in creating a student maker space, family play nights, and innovative recess experiences that were about more play and less rules! Motivated by his own childhood being raised by a Reggio Emilia-inspired educator, Drew has been an advocate for playful learning throughout his professional career in schools across California. Drew earned his Bachelor's degree in Communications from Indiana University, and Masters in Multiple Subject Teaching from Loyola Marymount University, and Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from California State University of Northridge.
Drew Serratore
Claudia Ferrara leads the Learning and Engagement team for MathTalk. Claudia recently graduated with her Masters in Psychology from Wesleyan University where she studied early childhood cognitive development with a focus on children’s development of early numeracy. Claudia served as a project manager for a large NSF funded preschool Math Game Intervention that was rolled out across schools in Connecticut. Claudia is passionate about math equity work, and is dedicated to working toward creating playful and meaningful math experiences for families and children in underrepresented communities. Claudia loves to be outside, and enjoys baking, photography, and creative writing.
Claudia Ferrara