STEM Play provides varied activities for the most common centers: Art, blocks, dramatic play, literacy, math, science, music and movement. Full of beautiful, fullcolor photos that show the activities in real early childhood classrooms, teachers can easily use the book's ideas immediately in their curriculum.

STEM Play also includes a "How To" section for teachers who wish to expand on the STEM focus and use themed activities in their learning centers.

Deirdre Sheridan Englehart, Ed.D, RYT, was an Associate Lecturer in the University of Central Florida's Early Childhood Development and Education program. In 2008, she earned her doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction and early childhood education and previously earned her master's degree in mathematics and science education at the University of Central Florida. She was a previous primary grade teacher in Orange County Public Schools and taught two years as a Teacher-in-Residence at the Orlando Science Center.  She taught undergraduate courses in science and technology, creativity, integrated arts and children's literature. She wrote several books for teachers and developed curriculum related to science and integrated arts. She was a part of the team that wrote the Voluntary Pre-K Standards in Florida. Her research interests included children's nonfiction literature, science education and the integration of yoga and movement with young children.

Dr. Englehart lived in Deltona, FL. She passed away in 2016.

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.