Tina L. Stanton, Ph.D., is the Associate Director of the Early Childhood Education and Human Development and a Professor at the University of Cincinnati. Her research and teaching focuses on evidence-based strategies for supporting access to the general curriculum and promoting peer relationships and social interactions in school, community, and playground settings for children with autism, language impairments and behavior disorders.
Prior to receiving her doctorate, Dr. Stanton worked as a prekindergarten, early childhood special education teacher. She was published widely in the areas of promoting peer relationships for preschoolers with disabilities or at-risk, professional development and coaching of teachers in social competence strategies, and engaging community partners in building inclusive playgrounds. She has over 50 articles and chapters on these topics and serves as an editor or on the educational board for several of the leading journals in early childhood and special education. She serves as the Director of Bright Time, a non-profit that designs and builds inclusive playgrounds. She also invests in collaborative partnerships across the globe.
Chief Executive Officer of Playground Equipment Services (PES), an all-inclusive playground and safety surface design and installation company. PES has been in operation since 2001 and was involved with 14 of the top 30 inclusive playground builds worldwide. Mr. Schmidt is a National Certified Playground Safety Inspector, and along with Dr. Stanton-Chapman, has published several academic articles on engaging community partners in building inclusive playgrounds. He is factory certified with many of the leading international playground manufacturers.
