Ready, Set, Grow panel guests
KCTS 9’s “Ready, Set, Grow” is a one-hour town hall special focusing on the early learning of children birth to 5. We’ll share the cutting-edge science taking place in Seattle about brain development and language acquisition during those crucial early years. We’ll explore the societal impact of early learning and what policy makers are doing here in our region, as well as across borders. And we’ll provide insight on what you can do as parents, grandparents, and childcare providers to nurture learning in the children you love. The show will feature several field reports, as well as in-depth interviews, panel discussions with policy experts, and Q&A with a studio audience.
Panel 1 - The Scientists
Dr. Patricia Kuhl is a faculty member in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of Washington. She is one of the world's leading authorities on language development and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Her research on language played a pivotal role in demonstrating how early experience alters brain mechanisms, and her brain imaging research on adults is reshaping scientists' views of critical periods in learning. The work has broad implications for psychology, biology, linguistics, education, neuroscience, engineering and artificial intelligence. Dr. Kuhl is also the co-director of ILABS.
Dr. Andrew Meltzoff holds the University of Washington’s Job and Gertrud Tamaki Endowed Chair, is the Co-Director for their Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences, and is a professor in the department of psychology. A graduate of Harvard University, with a doctorate from Oxford University, he is an internationally renowned expert on cognitive and social development in infants and children. His discoveries about infant imitation revolutionized our understanding of early memory and brain development, and his research on the effects that television viewing has on infants has helped shape policy and practice. Dr. Meltzoff's 20 years of research on young children has had far-reaching impacts on cognitive science, neuroscience, early education and public policy on child care.
Panel 2 - The Policy Makers
Dr. Bette Hyde was appointed Director of the Department of Early Learning (DEL) by Governor Chris Gregoire in February, 2009. She began her career as a special education teacher and has worked as a school psychologist, principal and assistant superintendent in the Seattle, Vashon Island and Highline school districts; as superintendent of the Bremerton School District; and as deputy superintendent for Puget Sound Educational Services District. She also served on the governor's Washington Learns advisory committee and the King County Commission on Children and Youth. Bette earned her doctorate from the University of Minnesota and completed a post-doctorate administrative certification from the University of Washington.
Ruth Kagi is a small business owner and represents the 32nd District. She chairs the House Early Learning & Children’s Services Committee and the National Conference of State Legislature’s Human Services Committee. Ruth’s long history of community and public service includes serving as Vice President of the League of Women Voters of Washington. She received her B.A. from the University of Washington and M.P.A. from Syracuse University. During her ten years in the legislature, she has focused on improving early learning and child care, strengthening foster care, and reforming the state’s drug sentencing and truck safety laws.
Bob Watt was appointed to the Casey Family Programs board of trustees in April 2008, volunteers for many charitable organizations, and is a community activist on behalf of early learning issues. Previously, Watt served as vice president of State & Local Government Relations and Global Corporate Citizenship for The Boeing Company. He was also president and CEO of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, held leadership positions with PhyCom Corporation, served as president and executive director of Family Services of Seattle/King County and Youth Eastside Services, and was Seattle’s deputy mayor under Mayor Norm Rice.
Panel 3 - The Patrons And Non-Profits
Nina Auerbach is Thrive by Five Washington’s President and CEO, a well-respected early learning leader in Washington state. Prior to joining Thrive in November 2008, Auerbach spent 18 years as the founding CEO of King County’s Child Care Resources. She’s also co‐chair of the Rotary Club of Seattle’s Youth, Schools, and Early Learning Committee, and a member of the Washington Women’s Foundation
Bill Gates, Sr. is co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He and Governor Gregoire serve as co-chairs of Thrive by Five Washington’s Board of Directors, and he serves as a director for Costco Wholesale. He previously practiced law and co-founded the law firm Preston Gates & Ellis LLP (known today as K&L Gates). Gates has also served on the board of Planned Parenthood.
Terry Meersman is Vice Chair of Talaris Institute. Terry helped establish the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation from 1998 to 2001. Terry has been involved with Save the Children for almost two decades, initially as its director of refugee programs, later as executive vice president/COO, and recently on its Board of Directors. He has also served as Director of Central Staff for the Seattle City Council and venture fund program officer for The Pew Charitable Trusts. He has lived and worked internationally as an educator in Australia, Europe and Nepal and as a trainer in Southeast Asia refugee camps. Terry holds a master's in business from the Yale University School of Organization and Management and master's degree in humanities from the University of Chicago.
Panel 4 - The Practical Doers
Linda Crisalli has been actively involved in Early Childhood Education since 1969 and has a certificate in Collaborative Leadership in ECE, as well as a BA. Her long history working with and in behalf of young children and their families includes positions as center director, a program director, field director, teacher trainer, parent educator, mentor, case manager, consultant, CDA adisor, licensed home provider, foster parent, church school teacher, author, and professional puppeteer. She was also a trainer for A Place of Our Own workshops for KCTS 9.
Mary Gentry is the Program Director at PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support)as well as a faculty member of SCCC where she is a Parent Educator for the Parent Child Center. Mary holds a Master of Social Work degree from Indiana University; she is a Washington State Registered Counselor and has been trained as a Gottman Educator for Bringing Baby Home, a workshop for expectant and new parents.
