Curiosity made her feel different. Now it’s the reason she’s making a difference.

Dr. Karen Davidowitz Corbin didn’t grow up knowing scientists.

She grew up in Puerto Rico watching Wonder Woman reruns, playing with a toy microscope, and asking questions no one around her could answer.

That curiosity led her into nutrition research and eventually to founding Geeks That Speak, helping kids and scientists find their voice.

In this episode, she shares how parents, teachers, and even failure shaped her journey and how one small moment can spark a child’s future.

Swap fear for curiosity and help your kids dream bigger. Tune into the full episode: ▶ ️ Shaping the Future: Dr. Karen Davidowitz Corbin on Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Young Innovators.

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Dr. Karen Davidowitz Corbin is the founder of Geeks That Speak®, an organization inspiring the scientific community to share their work with clarity and impact—and encouraging young girls to pursue careers in

STEM. Growing up in Puerto Rico with a deep love for science, she turned her passion into a career in clinical-translational research. Now a researcher at AdventHealth, Karen blends her expertise in human nutrition, metabolism, and metabolic diseases with the art of storytelling—empowering others to communicate discoveries that can change lives.

Connect with Dr. Karen Davidowitz Corbin:

Website: https://www.geeksthatspeak.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/geeksthatspeakscience

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geeks.that.speak/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-corbin-phd-rd-75229111/

Young Innovators Academy is redefining early education by fostering an innovative mindset in children from infancy to school age. With a curriculum grounded in the latest brain research, the academy equips young learners with critical skills, attitudes, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Teachers create hands-on, joy-filled learning environments where children tackle real-world challenges through creativity and collaboration. Leadership and staff are dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring a nurturing atmosphere that inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/younginnovatorsacademy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/YoungInnovatorsAcademy

Marnie Forestieri is a passionate advocate for reshaping education to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. With experience spanning classroom teaching, childcare administration, and entrepreneurial ventures, she has dedicated her career to empowering young minds. Marnie believes traditional education methods are insufficient for preparing children for the future, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Her work focuses on guiding parents and educators to foster skills that align with emerging technologies and dynamic career landscapes.

Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marnieforestieri/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnie_forestieri/

The first school bell signals more than a new day. It sparks excitement, discovery, and the first steps of a child’s learning adventure.

In this episode, Lucas Wilson and Emma Wilson, graduates of Young Innovators Academy, share their honest and adorable memories of what starting school felt like.

From making new friends to building forts out of cardboard, and even facing those big first-day jitters, their stories remind us that confidence is built one moment, one mistake, one joyful discovery at a time. Lucas and Emma also talk about the after-school programs that helped them find their voice—from book clubs to art and coding—and how early encouragement shaped their love for learning.

If you're wondering how to help your child feel seen, safe, and supported, this episode is for you. Tune in NOW: ▶️ First Bells & Big Feelings: Young Innovators Share Their First School Memories

Lucas Wilson, a shining example of what it means to grow up with the Young Innovators mindset. Lucas joined Young Innovators Academy at just 18 months old and is now thriving as an afterschool student. He embodies the Four Pillars of the program — Growth Mindset, Emotional Intelligence, Maker Capacities, and Philanthropy — every single day. Lucas has found his voice and leadership through our enrichment programs, especially in Book Club, where he mentors younger students and inspires a love for reading. His passion for storytelling and technology has led him to author original children's books and explore coding.

Emma Wilson is also a proud Young Innovators graduate, having participated in both after-school and summer camp programs. Emma’s creativity shines through her love for the arts, making, and her unwavering growth mindset. Like her brother Lucas, Emma is a compassionate, curious learner who isn’t afraid to take risks and dream big.

Young Innovators Academy is redefining early education by fostering an innovative mindset in children from infancy to school age. With a curriculum grounded in the latest brain research, the academy equips young learners with critical skills, attitudes, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Teachers create hands-on, joy-filled learning environments where children tackle real-world challenges through creativity and collaboration. Leadership and staff are dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring a nurturing atmosphere that inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/younginnovatorsacademy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/YoungInnovatorsAcademy

Marnie Forestieri is a passionate advocate for reshaping education to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. With experience spanning classroom teaching, childcare administration, and entrepreneurial ventures, she has dedicated her career to empowering young minds. Marnie believes traditional education methods are insufficient for preparing children for the future, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Her work focuses on guiding parents and educators to foster skills that align with emerging technologies and dynamic career landscapes.

Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marnieforestieri/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnie_forestieri/

With a little prep, structure, and the right mindset, the first day can feel like a confident step forward for both you and your child.

In this episode, Erika Seger, VP of Operations and Compliance at Young Innovators Academy, offers practical, heart-centered advice to help families prepare for the transition from summer to school.

From creating consistent morning routines to giving kids choices that empower them, Erika shares tools that calm the chaos and build emotional safety. She also breaks down how to handle separation anxiety, tackle tricky moments like outfit refusals, and establish communication rituals that strengthen parent-child bonds.

Replace tears with high-fives and make drop-offs smoother for everyone. Tune into the full episode: ▶️ From Chaos to Confidence: Navigating the First Day of School.

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Erika Seger is the VP of Operations and Compliance at Young Innovators Academy and a childcare expert with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. Known for her leadership in multi-site operations and summer camp programs, she helps families and educators turn transitions into opportunities for growth. Erika blends structure with play, offering practical strategies to ease first-day-of-school jitters and build children's confidence from day one. Her approach empowers caregivers to support emotional development and create smooth, joyful starts to the school year.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-seger-4a7715142/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erika.pinedoseger/

Young Innovators Academy is redefining early education by fostering an innovative mindset in children from infancy to school age. With a curriculum grounded in the latest brain research, the academy equips young learners with critical skills, attitudes, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Teachers create hands-on, joy-filled learning environments where children tackle real-world challenges through creativity and collaboration. Leadership and staff are dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring a nurturing atmosphere that inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/younginnovatorsacademy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/YoungInnovatorsAcademy

Marnie Forestieri is a passionate advocate for reshaping education to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. With experience spanning classroom teaching, childcare administration, and entrepreneurial ventures, she has dedicated her career to empowering young minds. Marnie believes traditional education methods are insufficient for preparing children for the future, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Her work focuses on guiding parents and educators to foster skills that align with emerging technologies and dynamic career landscapes.

Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marnieforestieri/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnie_forestieri/

#BackToSchoolTips #GracefulParenting #ConnectedParenting

As young children step into preschool for the first time, they need the right tools and support so those first steps can be full of confidence, not fear.

In this episode, Chelsie Smyth, PsyD, neuropsychologist at AdventHealth, explains how early cognitive exercises can help ease the shift from home to school.

From peek-a-boo to matching games, Dr. Chelsie outlines age-appropriate brain-building activities that support attention, flexibility, and emotional regulation. She also offers practical advice on how parents can recognize stress signals, build familiarity with the classroom, and foster a strong caregiver bond—especially in families navigating divorce or dual households.

If you're preparing your child for preschool or supporting them through early transitions, tune in to this episode! ▶️ Preschool Readiness: Cognitive Exercises to Help Your Child Thrive in a New Environment.

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Chelsie Smyth, Psy.D., is a neuropsychologist who earned her doctorate degree from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. She completed her residency at Centerstone in Bradenton, Florida, and a 2-year fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at AdventHealth Orlando. Dr. Chelsie has experience working with a variety of medical conditions, but is passionate about working with patients with epilepsy and seizures. She has conducted inpatient and outpatient neuropsychological evaluations for children and adults with epilepsy. As a researcher, Dr. Chelsie has numerous presentations and publications regarding burnout and has researched the effects of exercise and video gaming on executive functioning.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsie-smyth-psy-d-222236a0/

Young Innovators Academy is redefining early education by fostering an innovative mindset in children from infancy to school age. With a curriculum grounded in the latest brain research, the academy equips young learners with critical skills, attitudes, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Teachers create hands-on, joy-filled learning environments where children tackle real-world challenges through creativity and collaboration. Leadership and staff are dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring a nurturing atmosphere that inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/younginnovatorsacademy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/YoungInnovatorsAcademy

Marnie Forestieri is a passionate advocate for reshaping education to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. With experience spanning classroom teaching, childcare administration, and entrepreneurial ventures, she has dedicated her career to empowering young minds. Marnie believes traditional education methods are insufficient for preparing children for the future, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Her work focuses on guiding parents and educators to foster skills that align with emerging technologies and dynamic career landscapes.

Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marnieforestieri/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnie_forestieri/

Is your energetic child bouncing around while others sit quietly at storytime? If so, this episode is for you!

Join Dr. Debby Mitchell, a retired educator from the University of Central Florida, as she shares practical strategies for channeling high energy into joyful learning experiences.

Learn how to turn your child’s vibrant energy into their greatest strength and transform everyday moments into meaningful interactions.

Embrace their spirited nature. Tune in, learn, and watch them thrive!

▶️ What Do We Need To Do With High-Energy Children

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Dr. Debby Mitchell brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation, with expertise in STEAM education, brain development, children's wellness, and more. Having retired from teaching in the College of Education at the University of Central Florida, Dr. Mitchell continues to inspire with her passion for creating developmentally appropriate activities and resources. With over a decade of collaboration, Marnie and Dr. Mitchell have co-created books and content for children, parents, and educators. Together, they provide actionable advice and relatable discussions that empower listeners to create positive, engaging environments for high-energy kids. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or simply curious, this podcast offers a supportive space to explore what children need to thrive!

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrDebbyGeo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrDebbyGeo

X: https://x.com/DrDebbyGeo
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drdebbygeo/

Checkout Dr. Debby Mitchell’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00AR0O8GU/allbooks

Young Innovators Academy is redefining early education by fostering an innovative mindset in children from infancy to school age. With a curriculum grounded in the latest brain research, the academy equips young learners with critical skills, attitudes, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Teachers create hands-on, joy-filled learning environments where children tackle real-world challenges through creativity and collaboration. Leadership and staff are dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring a nurturing atmosphere that inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/younginnovatorsacademy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/YoungInnovatorsAcademy

Marnie Forestieri is a passionate advocate for reshaping education to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. With experience spanning classroom teaching, childcare administration, and entrepreneurial ventures, she has dedicated her career to empowering young minds. Marnie believes traditional education methods are insufficient for preparing children for the future, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Her work focuses on guiding parents and educators to foster skills that align with emerging technologies and dynamic career landscapes.

Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marnieforestieri/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raising.innovators

#EarlyLearning #ConfidentParenting #QualityChildcare

The current education system needs to see children NOT as mere numbers, but as boundless possibilities.

In this episode, Tanisha Taylor, an inspiring educator, opens up about what’s broken in education and what we can do to fix it. She offers practical strategies that spark curiosity and honor each child’s unique gifts.

Tanisha shares real stories of students struggling under testing stress, the loss of hands-on learning, and the importance of helping kids build confidence, resilience, and joy in learning. You’ll hear how parents can support kids beyond test scores and how it fuels her mission to put children—not rankings—first.

Tune in for a powerful conversation that just might change how you see your child’s potential. ▶️ Breaking Down What’s Broken—and What Happens If We Don’t Fix It.

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Tanisha Taylor is an experienced educator whose journey spans early childhood, elementary, public, and private education across Jamaica and the U.S. Passionate about transforming outdated systems, she champions personalized, hands-on learning that nurtures children's individuality, creativity, and resilience. Tanisha advocates for reducing test-driven pressure, building student confidence, and focusing on meaningful, collaborative learning experiences.

Young Innovators Academy is redefining early education by fostering an innovative mindset in children from infancy to school age. With a curriculum grounded in the latest brain research, the academy equips young learners with critical skills, attitudes, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Teachers create hands-on, joy-filled learning environments where children tackle real-world challenges through creativity and collaboration. Leadership and staff are dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring a nurturing atmosphere that inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/younginnovatorsacademy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/YoungInnovatorsAcademy

Marnie Forestieri is a passionate advocate for reshaping education to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. With experience spanning classroom teaching, childcare administration, and entrepreneurial ventures, she has dedicated her career to empowering young minds. Marnie believes traditional education methods are insufficient for preparing children for the future, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Her work focuses on guiding parents and educators to foster skills that align with emerging technologies and dynamic career landscapes.

Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marnieforestieri/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnie_forestieri/

Big dreams often start small.

In this special episode, Valerie Trapp interviews her mom, Marnie Forestieri, uncovering her journey from child performer to global journalist to education innovator.

Marnie shares how creativity, resilience, and bold vision led to the Young Innovators Academy and the CAPE framework, a superhero-inspired approach to raising future-ready kids.

Tune in and be inspired to turn your story into a legacy. ▶️ From Idea to Impact: The Journey That Ignited Young Innovators.

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Valerie Trapp is a quadrilingual writer, editor, and current Assistant Editor for Culture, Family, and Books at The Atlantic. A Stanford graduate with a degree in English and minors in international relations and human rights, Valerie brings a global, empathetic lens to storytelling. Her journalism spans deep cultural analysis and personal narratives, honed through roles at Stanford Magazine, the Council on Foreign Relations, and Palabra. Valerie’s commitment to elevating underrepresented voices and her cross-cultural insight enrich every conversation she leads.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerietrapp/

Young Innovators Academy is redefining early education by fostering an innovative mindset in children from infancy to school age. With a curriculum grounded in the latest brain research, the academy equips young learners with critical skills, attitudes, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Teachers create hands-on, joy-filled learning environments where children tackle real-world challenges through creativity and collaboration. Leadership and staff are dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring a nurturing atmosphere that inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/younginnovatorsacademy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/YoungInnovatorsAcademy

Marnie Forestieri is a passionate advocate for reshaping education to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. With experience spanning classroom teaching, childcare administration, and entrepreneurial ventures, she has dedicated her career to empowering young minds. Marnie believes traditional education methods are insufficient for preparing children for the future, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Her work focuses on guiding parents and educators to foster skills that align with emerging technologies and dynamic career landscapes.

Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marnieforestieri/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnie_forestieri/

#FutureReadyEducation #CAPEFramework #PurposeDriven

The most powerful ideas often begin in the curious minds of children.

In this episode, early childhood expert Lesbiliz Dixon takes us inside her classroom to share how everyday sounds can turn into full-on learning adventures.

Children’s curiosity becomes the heartbeat of innovation. Learn how to turn everyday questions like “why is the grass green?” into rich investigations at home using three simple steps: spark curiosity, research together, and create experiences.

See how listening to kids can change the way we all learn.

See how listening to kids can change the way we all learn. Watch the episode of ▶️ How Great Projects Start: Listening to Kids and Sparking Lifelong Learning.

Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Lesbiliz Dixon

I have been happily married since 2015 and my husband and I have 2 beautiful daughters in elementary school. I enjoy discovering different foods and challenging my palate and my favorite flower is the sunflower. I was born in Puerto Rico with a long lineage of educators in my family. My passion for early childhood education is more than enjoying to play with the children, but to witness and be part of their development as they grow. I strive to find many opportunities for educators to become more educated on how to implement best practices in their classroom to assure positive learning outcomes for each child and to help equip families to cope with their challenges and help strengthen their child’s development and skills.

Young Innovators Academy is redefining early education by fostering an innovative mindset in children from infancy to school age. With a curriculum grounded in the latest brain research, the academy equips young learners with critical skills, attitudes, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Teachers create hands-on, joy-filled learning environments where children tackle real-world challenges through creativity and collaboration. Leadership and staff are dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring a nurturing atmosphere that inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Website: https://www.younginnovatorsacademy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/younginnovatorsacademy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younginnovatorsacademy/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/YoungInnovatorsAcademy

Marnie Forestieri is a passionate advocate for reshaping education to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. With experience spanning classroom teaching, childcare administration, and entrepreneurial ventures, she has dedicated her career to empowering young minds. Marnie believes traditional education methods are insufficient for preparing children for the future, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Her work focuses on guiding parents and educators to foster skills that align with emerging technologies and dynamic career landscapes.

Website: https://marnieforestieri.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marnieforestieri/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-forestieri/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnie_forestieri/

#SparkChildCuriosity #LearningThroughArt #Drawing