Dr. Debby Mitchell, EdD, recently retired from teaching in the College of Education at University of Central Florida. Her doctorate is in physical education with a focus on early childhood. Her expertise and interests include: STEAM, brain research, developmentally appropriate movement activities and music, dance and rhythms, children's wellness, obesity and integrating technology into the curriculum.
Marnie Forestieri, CDA, is the Chief Learning Officer and Co-founder at Amazing Explorers Academy®, Early Learning Childhood Centers with a focus on 21st Century skills and STEAM. She is an entrepreneur and a writer with a passion for STEM education and innovation. Marnie has been recognized in the industry nationally including finalist of the award “Director of the year”, and the winner of the “Center of the Year” by FACCM.
Dr. Debby Mitchell recently retired from teaching in the College of Education at University of Central Florida where she was an Associate Professor and Coordinator of Sports and Fitness. She has over 35 years’ experience in physical education, coaching, fitness and health with research interests including brain research, developmentally appropriate movement activities and music, dance and rhythms, children's wellness, obesity and integrating technology into the curriculum.
She continues to dedicate her time and energy in making a difference and founded a company called GeoMotion Group due to her passion to encourage people from all walks of life to be excited about physical activities and fitness. She promotes a love for movement by keeping activities simple, safe and fun. Dr. Mitchell and her staff work with schools that want to improve learning and increase physical activity. Her programs are in over 25,000 schools and she has trained over 1000 pre-service teachers, over 5,000 educators at conferences, in addition to publishing and delivering keynotes.
Marnie Forestieri is the Chief Learning Officer at The STEM SQUAD LLC and Little Explorers Academy, a group of multidisciplinary experts from academia and business that understands the importance of introducing STEM principles in early childhood. Marnie is a successful operator of large childcare centers in Orlando, Florida. She appears regularly on CNN Spanish and elsewhere discussing topics related to education.
Marnie holds a BS in Business Administration, a CDA, and Director's credential. Marnie is also a certified Dale Carnegie trainer. Marnie Started her career as a CNN reporter and later became the Vice President of marketing in a telecommunications company.
