Wilma Robles-Melendez, PhD is a Professor of Early Childhood Education and Leadership at the Fischler College of Education & School of Criminal Justice of Nova Southeastern University. With over 25 years of experience working as classroom teacher, school principal, state supervisor and teacher educator, she currently teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in child development and leadership. Her research addresses early childhood appropriate practices, family engagement, early literacy development, children’s resilience and wellbeing, and practices addressing sociocultural and developmental dynamics. She has authored several publications on curricular practices and children’s literature and is an active member of various early childhood organizations.