I realized early in life that I enjoyed studying and working with children . In the part of the United States where I grew up there were very few opportunities in this area and after a few years as a farm and factory worker; I landed a job as a Head Start classroom aide. This inspired me to earn a college degree and I pursued further education with an emphasis on research and psychology with a terminal degree (doctorate) from Columbia University in New York City, the best lab, in the world.After years working around the world with the United Nations and as a college professor I became a child advocate and later a registered lobbyist focusing on children's issues. This advocacy career culminated in a position as a state level policy analyst. Currently my professional life has come full circle and I again focus on Head Start as a contracted Federal SME (Subject Matter Expert). I do however, stay involved in research and direct work with children through an Adjunct Professorship at the Georgetown University School of Medicine focusing on introducing Medical Students to a range of issues impacting typical and atypical child development. My hope is to continue working on the interrelationship between public policy and and the equitable distribution of opportunities for children to receive behavioral and developmental support in the home and the community.