Unabashed and  Unapologetic Advocacy Creating a Safe Space for Each and Every Child
 
World-renowned child psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner said, “Every child needs at least one adult who is irrationally crazy about him or her.” 
As I begin my term as president of NAEYC’s Governing Board, I want to share with you some of the reasons why I felt compelled to run for the position and why I believe NAEYC should be unabashed in advocating for young children and the field of early childhood education.
Growing up, I had plans to become a child psychologist. I had a terrifying year in elementary school, with a teacher who far too often showed anger and frustration with us 9-year-olds. School had always been a happy place, a safe place before then. So when I started having regular nightmares and was scared to go to school, my parents—my biggest champions and protectors—not only spoke with the school administration but also took me to a child psychologist. There, I drew pictures and described what I was feeling and experiencing.