CDA Renewal - Preschool, Part E

Isabel S. Chica
MS

Isabel Santana Chica is the Director of Children’s Programs at the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. She joined Miami Lighthouse in 2003 as part of an innovative expansion to provide early intervention in the natural environment through the Blind Babies Program. Today the Blind Babies Program provides intervention and parent education to over 100 children throughout Miami-Dade County. Additionally, the children’s program offers braille and technology instruction and summer camp for school-aged children under her supervision and leadership. In 2016, a pilot Pre-K program was launched focused on a need identified by the U.S Department of Education to support the inclusion of children with disabilities. Ms. Chica collaborated with the University of Miami, Department of Psychology in creating a research design to evaluate the early childhood inclusion model to assess both short-term (school year) and longitudinal (four-year) positive outcomes for children and families. Ms. Chica holds a master’s degree in Reading Education, is a Florida Certified Elementary Education teacher, VIISA and Insite certified, Certified Infant-Toddler Developmental specialist, and possesses a Child Care Director’s Credential.

Miriam Eckstein-Koas
MS, SpEd

Miriam Eckstein-Koas has years of experience in the field of early childhood education, whether in the classroom or working as a special education early intervention provider with families and caregivers. She currently is an adjunct professor at Touro College Graduate School of Education, where she teaches classes on the Philosophy of Education and Early Childhood Development. She also serves as a Field Experience Supervisor, providing guidance and instruction to future early childhood teachers who are doing their student teaching practicum work. Miriam enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling to new places.

Lauren Starnes
PhD, EdD

VP of Early Childhood Education Research and Development, Primrose School Franchising Company

Christina Roseli
MEd

Christina earned her MEd in Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood in 2014. Her experience covers a wide range of ECE positions ranging from operating her own child care facility to coaching Family Child Care providers. Currently, she is an Early Childhood Literacy Specialist at the El Dorado County Library in Placerville, CA.

Charlotte Hendricks
PhD

Amr M. Moursi
DDS, PhD

Professor and Chair Department of Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Moursi is Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry and on the Medical Staff of the NYU Langone Medical Center and the Bellevue Hospital Center.

He completed his DDS degree at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, a pediatric dentistry residency at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and then a PhD in Craniofacial Biology at the University of California, San Francisco. 

He is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. For the AAPD, he currently serves as Vice President, Fellow of the Pediatric Oral Health Research and Policy Center, and Director of the Comprehensive Review Course.  Dr. Moursi also serves as an Examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. 

He is the author or co-author of over 100 published articles, book chapters, and policy briefs including a co-author for the 2020 US Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health.  He is also Editor of the textbook Clinical Cases in Pediatric Dentistry, 2^nd Edition (Wiley).  Dr. Moursi is also host of the Dental Health Show on Doctor Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio.

In addition, Dr. Moursi has led teams of NYU faculty and students to provide pediatric dental training, education, and care to underserved areas around the world including Tanzania, Nicaragua, Grenada, and Alaska.  He also maintains a private practice in New York City.

Lisa Poelle
MA

Lisa Poelle has helped both parents and teachers in dealing with all types of challenging early childhood behaviors for over 30 years. She specializes in finding customized solutions to one of the thorniest of problems - habitual biting. Lisa is a frequent speaker at conferences, webinars, and child care center training workshops. Her book, "The Biting Solution" and her website, www.StopTheFightingandBiting.com, are well-known resources for her international clientele.

Nancy Nathenson
RRT

Nancy Nathenson is a respiratory therapist with over 35 years of clinical experience in the ICU and rehabilitation, providing education and training in disease prevention, respiratory programs, and personal wellness. Nancy builds connections between healthcare and communities locally, regionally, and nationally. She is also a Community Asthma and COPD Expert with Allergy and Asthma Network.