A bit about my work
My recess journey began when I led a review of research on recess for the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). That turned into a journal article and became the basis for the AAP Policy Statement on Recess that was updated in 2026. That policy has been a springboard for my own research and advocacy about recess, and it has also been foundational for recess research and advocacy across the United States and around the world.
In 2023, members of the Global Recess Alliance presented a panel at the International Play Association's Triennial meeting in Glasgow Scotland, and the idea for a book featuring our individual and collective work was born. We intentionally chose parents as our audience because we realized recess was under threat (from a variety of pressures) and parents were paying attention, and making changes for the better! I feel humbled and privileged to have been the collector and the story teller for this book.
Why Recess Matters: the Importance of Unstructured Play and How to Fight for It is available for pre-order now. It will publish in August of 2026.
Interviewing my "recess heroes" as I call them, and writing about their recess stories and their contributions is one of the greatest joys of my professional work.
I was called to start Successful Healthy Children, with the mission of supporting healthy social-emotional, intellectual and physical well-being for all students. Since then, I've been blessed to add coaches and consultants to collaborate with parents and educators, providing consulting, education and coaching for the benefit of the whole child. Every child.
In 2020, my recess friend, Dr. Lauren McNamara put out a request to several of my recess colleagues to talk about how we could work together to ensure playful, joyful recess was part of the ways schools - and students - return to school and recover from the disruptions of the global Covid-19 school and community lockdowns. We came to call ourselves the Global Recess Alliance, and we continue to promote safe, joyful, play for all students in schools.
Joyfully embracing my work
inspiring, informing and empowering parents and educators for all kids.
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