I am a child development consultant, early childhood educator, and author based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I have done research and advocacy on the vital role of imaginative and unstructured play in children's learning and cognitive development. I have served as a specialized play consultant for organizations like the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC). I was a professor at Edinboro University and Duquesne University. I also worked as an adjunct professor and education consultant at the University of Pittsburgh/Office of Child Development (OCD). Here I taught the course titled. "Theory and Meaning of Play" in the School of Education's Applied Developmental Psychology Program. I also administered environmental rating scales to childcare centers and homes. I served as a professional development instructor as a community advocate, I have frequently served as a panelist, public speaker, and consultant for local organizations like the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.