Mariah is a parent, educator, entrepreneur, and author of the book, Playful Learning: Develop Your Child’s Sense of Joy and Wonder (Shambhala Publications, 2011). With over 25 years of experience working in the field of education and a Master of Science degree in Education from Bank Street College, she has worked as both a teacher and lower school director at highly respected schools such as The Dalton School in Manhattan and Ross School in East Hampton, New York. Her second book, Playful Learning: Beyond the Basics, is slated to be released in the fall of 2018.

Growing up, Mariah was always that girl sitting in class thinking about how she would do things differently if she was the teacher. Now, she is happily working with a team of gifted educators to bring life-changing lessons to children, families, and schools around the world. In her free time she can be found taking long walks, enjoying a cup of tea, or swimming in the Atlantic with her husband and two daughters.

Randi lends a hand with creative direction and design at Playful Learning. She loves to create and work with several different mediums and can often be found adopting new creative hobbies and pursuits. She lives in Washington with her husband and three young children, and strives to make her home a beautiful, playful, and accessible place to grow up.

Alyson has a curiosity for nature and enjoys educating herself and her children about flowers, trees, animals and more. Though she’s a graphic designer by trade, she’s become an educator instinctively. She currently calls the high deserts of Central Oregon her home where she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband and two young boys.

Nicole is a creative mom, preschool teacher, and kindergarten art teacher who believes that the best approach to life is hands-on. She is here to share her love for language, reading, art, and play by creating lessons that inspire. Nicole holds an MEd from The Ohio State University and an Ohio K–8 Teaching Certificate.  For sixteen years, she taught kindergarten through third grade at an informal, public school in Columbus, Ohio.  Nicole lives with her husband and two elementary-aged daughters who keep her busier than ever but often remind her to slow down, play a little more, and love every minute of this crazy ride.

Nicole has a passion for learning in nature, open ended play, loose parts and the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood. Nicole makes it a priority to use materials that support these ideals at home with her two little boys and documents their journey. With years of professional development experience she also provides consulting and teacher training. Nicole holds a Masters in Early Childhood from NYU and has worked in the field for close to twenty years.

Jacki is a stellar mama and learning specialist, bursting with lesson ideas for kids who love to ask “Why?” a million times. Through her love of nature, exploring, and experimenting, she is here to help change the way parents, teachers, and students learn every day. Jacki has a BA in Art History, an MA in Childhood Education, and New York State Certification in Elementary Education (1–6). When she’s not teaching, you can find her relaxing at the beach or cooking elaborate meals (while avoiding doing the dishes).