Helen Shwe Hadani, PhD, is currently a fellow at the Brookings Institution where she conducts policy-focused research on the benefits of playful learning in both formal and informal contexts Prior to joining Brookings, she served as the director of research at the Bay Area Discovery Museum where she guided program and exhibit development. An expert in early childhood and creativity development, She has more than twenty years of experience in research and education settings, and has worked with toy, media, and technology companies, including Disney, Sesame Workshop, Apple, LEGO, Fisher-Price and Mattel. Helen holds a BA in cognitive science from the University of Rochester, and a doctorate in psychology from Stanford University.

Rachael Katz, MS, Ed, is a leader in early childhood education and an expert in child development. Currently, Rachael is completing a master’s degree in social work with a focus on child and family wellness at the Graduate School for Social Work and Social Research at Bryn Mawr College. Before embarking on her social work journey, she was the Head of School at the Discovery School at the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Rachael has more than twenty years of experience in education. In addition to working in school settings, she has created educational content for companies around the world, including Nick Jr., Children’s Television Workshop, Radio Television Hong Kong, Child Growth and Development, Baby Care Limited, The Children’s Museum of the Arts, and Kids’ Gallery, Hong Kong. Rachael holds a BA from the Tisch School of the Arts, NYU, and a master’s degree in education from Bank Street College.