Hi, I’m Mollie (she/they).
I recently received a Masters in Education in Human Development and Education (Early Childhood Concentration) at Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Before HGSE, I studied Race, Gender and Sexuality at Mills College in Oakland, CA.
What I care about
Synthesizing evidence and finding creative solutions for some of the biggest challenges in early childhood development and education.
Using high quality evidence from current developmental science to improve early learning and care
At Harvard Graduate School of Education, I focused on the intersections of Developmental Science, Education and Public Health (translational science, implementation science and preventive education) and continue to investigate the following from a developmental science perspective:
Building the developmental science argument for anti-racist and anti-bias curriculum and climate in early care and learning.
Promoting early screening and intervention — exploring effective Tier 1 and 2 supports for youth with learning differences and disabilities. This also applies to the way we approach student mental health.
Using informal learning at scale to address public health challenges.
Defining “high quality care and learning” as we expand universal early learning (Universal Pre-K):
How are we utilizing the current mixed delivery system to meet every family’s needs while also ensuring “high quality?”
How do we ensure standardization does not mean erasure of cultural and community differences and preferences?
How can we learn from the history of education in the U.S. to prevent harm and improve access for all early learners?
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Science-driven support for students with learning differences and disabilities
Given the lack of research on and support for youth with specific learning disabilities, I am interested in working with organizations that support neurodiverse children and youth with learning differences and disabilities (DLD, dyscalculia, dyslexia, dysgraphia, auditory processing disorder, language processing disorder, nonverbal learning disabilities and visual perceptual disabilities). I studied brain development as it relates to education and learning under experts like Dr. Nadine Gaab (HMS, Harvard GSE), Dr. Chuck Nelson (HMS, Boston Children’s Hospital), and Dr. Jack Shonkoff (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard) and am adept at evaluating research and translating it for policy and practice.
Get in touch: copans@alumni.harvard.edu
(I also do creative work)
I was a photographer for many years before returning to school to study Education. I am passionate about arts integration in early childhood settings, especially because of the positive impact of arts and art therapy on early development!
