Thursday, July 7- Dr. Debbie Rhea

Dr. Rhea  is a TCU Professor and Associate Dean of Research in Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences and is the Founder and Director of the LiiNK Project (Let’s inspire innovation ‘N kids). She has been an educator for the past 37 years, starting her career in K-12 physical education and for the past 24 years has been training physical education teachers at the university level. The mission of her newest research project, Liink, is to bridge the gap between academics and the social, emotional and healthy well-being of children through increased recess and character development. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sports Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington and both a Master’s and PhD in Physical Education from the University of Houston.

Friday, July 8 – Gigi Schweikert

“Inspirational, encouraging and real,” that’s what audiences and readers across the country have to say about Gigi Schweikert, an internationally known expert on early childhood education, parenting and work life issues.

Known for her humor and practical messages, Gigi is a popular keynote speaker for education conferences, corporations, women’s events, and parenting seminars. Gigi is the best-selling author of over a dozen books including the popular Winning Ways for Early Childhood Professionals book series and Prime Times: A Handbook for Excellence in Infant and Toddlers Programs.

Saturday, July 9 – Eric Nelson

Eric M. Nelson, M.A.Director, The Outdoor Classroom ProjectChild Educational Center, Caltech/JPL Community

Author: Cultivating Outdoor Classrooms

The Outdoor Classroom Project (OCP), an initiative of the Child Educational Center (CEC), Caltech/JPL Community, in La Cañada, California, is founded on the belief that early care and education programs have the power to address these challenges by providing rich and engaging outdoor learning experiences.