Derry Koralek, chief publishing officer of NAEYC, oversees the development of all print and digital publishing, including books, brochures, periodicals, professional development guides, posters, and websites for educators and families. Derry is editor in chief of Young Children and TYC—Teaching Young Children.
Gayle Mindes, EdD, is professor of education at DePaul University in Chicago. She teaches preservice graduate studies with a focus in social studies.
Karen Nemeth, EdM, is an author and speaker with a passion for supporting young children from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds in early childhood education. She has spent decades working with organizations, schools, Head Start programs, and government agencies across the United States and beyond to improve policies and practices that support children and their families. Her consultation with urban, rural, and suburban programs has given her valuable insights about the role of families in their child’s early education and the role of teachers in welcoming and engaging those families.<,/p>.
Karen has held leadership roles in NAEYC, the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE), TESOL International Association, and several state organizations. She has written more than ten books and many articles in support of the field. Previously, she has worked for the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching, and Learning; the New Jersey Department of Education; Community Coordinated Child Care of Union County; North Jersey Community Coordinated Child Care; and Felician University. Her greatest joy is the time she spends building spaceships and exploring nature with her five grandchildren.
Kelly Ramsey began her work with children and families as an early childhood teacher in 1984. For more than 20 years, she has had the opportunity to work with children and families as a classroom teacher, center director, family educator, mentor coach, and college instructor. As a lifelong learner, Kelly believes that self-discovery and personal reflection are key to creating rich learning environments for adults and children. She has a strong interest in families and their strength in nurturing children’s development. As a passionate teacher, focused visionary, and a purpose-driven leader, she fosters engaging learning environments that help individuals to grow. As a family educator, she believes in engaging families and educators to develop intentional interactions between school and home. Kelly is a storyteller who shares her experiences as a preschool teacher, center director, and mother of two amazing young children. She fosters a welcoming environment for all types of learners, embracing the experiences of each individual and challenging learners by creating rich experiences and dialogues that connect theory to practice.
