Play summit Presenters

KEYNOTE SPEAKER - DR. ROBBIN GIBB

Robbin Gibb has a BSc in Chemistry and a Master’s and PhD in Neuroscience, all from the University of Lethbridge where she is currently a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience.  Her research is focused on 1. how prenatal and preconception experience influence brain development and 2. how to improve outcomes for kindergarten children by enhancing early literacy, executive function and self-regulation, and motor skills in preschool children. She has published more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles, 13 book chapters, and edited two books, one on brain development and the second language acquisition in children.   She is a mother of 2 and a grandmother of 7.

Building Resiliency Through Play - Play builds brains and we will explore how this important activity can be used to build healthy brain connections, relationships, executive function skills and ultimately resiliency in children of all ages including adults.

FEATURE PRESENTER - ANDREW ICHIKAWA

Andrew Ichikawa is a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) and a Music Together Center Director and Teacher.  He has a Bachelor of Music Therapy from Capilano College/Open University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance) from McGill University. He is the owner of Pathways Music Therapy and has worked as a music therapist in Southern Alberta since 2001. He works with children in schools, early childhood settings and in private practice. In addition to playing music for fun, he enjoys playing badminton with his family and going on walks with the dog.

Music and Play in Early Childhood - Young children explore the world through play. This includes musical play. Early Childhood Music Therapy is play-based and the music therapist responds to the child in a “playful manner” to address a range of clinical goals.  Early Childhood Music Education Classes such as Music Together recognize that children learn and teach themselves through imitation and play. This presentation explores various aspects of musical play with young children and includes fun and interactive music experiences.

FEATURE PRESENTER - DR. BEVERLIE DIETZE

Dr. Beverlie Dietze is the Director of Learning and Applied Research at Okanagan College and a strong advocate and researcher on outdoor play and healthy early childhood development. She is an author and co-author of textbooks and peer-reviewed articles. Her favorite outlet is playing in my gardens during all of the seasons.

Playing through all the seasons - Outdoor environments rich with play experiences become labs for children’s curiosity, discovery, and learning.  This session will highlight how play and learning can change across the seasons, while supporting children in their quest for knowledge creation that becomes foundational to lifelong learning.