Melinda Martinez-Epperson, a Cuban Mexican American and first-generation graduate, is a passionate advocate for play-based learning with over 18 years of experience as an Early Childhood Administrator and Master Teacher. Growing up in marginalized communities, she witnessed firsthand the educational disparities that inspired her lifelong dedication to grassroots activism and equitable education. Currently pursuing doctoral studies in Curriculum, Advocacy, and Policy and Disability and Equity in Education, she also serves as a Senior Policy Fellow.
Through the Change Collective, Melinda aims to launch a multimedia Play Advocacy Campaign, leveraging her personal experiences and professional expertise to raise awareness about the benefits of play-based learning for whole child development, particularly for diverse learners. Her vision is for all early childhood and primary classrooms to embrace play-based approaches, nurturing lifelong learning through a holistic approach supported by all stakeholders. She plans to develop a Play-Based Learning Resource Hub, offering free materials for educators, parents, administrators, and decision makers. Melinda’s goals include organizing professional development series and establishing mobile play labs and community play centers.
Supported by her family, she is committed to transforming early childhood education through research-based, equitable approaches that foster cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and creative growth in all children.
