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Dr. Cathy Ramstetter
For recess or school health-wellness consulting, contact Dr. R:
[email protected]
Phone: 513-515-8402
Dr. Cathy Ramstetter is the co-author of the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy on Recess. (2013; it was affirmed in 2018. Cathy is the co-author of the 2023 update of the policy which is currently embargoed as it undergoes review through the AAP.) Dr. Ramstetter is a School Health Consultant with Successful Healthy Children, assisting schools with wellness initiatives and recess implementation, to protect recess for every child everyday and to foster children’s healthy growth and development. In 2019, Cathy was recognized as a Fellow of the American School Health Association, for her contributions to ASHA’s work in communities across the country to help every school be a place where children and adults learn and thrive. She serves on the Board of Directors for DePaul Cristo Rey High School in Cincinnati, where she is a member of the Academic Committee. In April, 2020, Dr. Ramstetter was a founding member of the Global Recess Alliance, academic leaders from the US, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia, which guides schools to rethink policies and practices for recess. In October of 2022, the International Play Association-USA conferred the Doctor of Play to Cathy in recognition of her lifetime achievements in advocating for the child’s right to play.Cathy’s research on recess has mainly been published in the Journal of School Health and online. She has also presented her research at local, state, national and international conferences. With colleagues, Cathy has also published articles in American Educator (the quarterly publication for the American Federation of Teachers) and for The Toy Association’s Genius of Play. She has been interviewed by USA Today, Time Magazine, and ABCNews, as well as other radio and news outlets. Parent advocacy groups and legislators have invited Dr. Ramstetter’s letters of support and virtual testimony to bolster their work.What Cathy really loves is when she works directly with students to make recess better at their school. She hopes this book will help parents do the same for their schools.
Jessica Monteverde, MEd, IEP Coach
For Special Ed/IEP Coaching, contact Jessica Monteverde, MEd, Master IEP Coach®:
Jessica is a special education teacher turned military spouse and stay-at-home mommy to a few little ones. This phase of life has her at home with her children and bopping around the country/world with her husband’s career. Although not in the classroom, special education continues to hold a special place in her heart. She is eager to work with families to support them in becoming the greatest advocate for their child through collaborative relationships with the IEP team. She knew while teaching that this was an important piece that was missing! She also knows as a parent, that days can be tough especially if you are struggling with behaviors at home. Jessica can provide resources and strategies that align with data from your child’s IEP to create better days at home and school! Please reach out via e-mail or social.
Testimonials:
“This was the best conversation I have ever had about my child’s IEP. Every parent should have the opportunity to have this type of conversation about their child.” - Gloria, IEP Parent
"Before finding Jessica online, I was lost and hopeless with my child’s IEP Process. There was so much information. I felt frustrated, overwhelmed and confused with the process. I wasn’t getting anywhere or being heard. Jessica is an amazing and knowledgeable advocate. Jessica got to work right away and took the time to get to know my child and our unique situation to help my child get the education he deserves. She really cared about us and worked overtime to help us in the process. I’m so happy we have partnered with Successful Healthy Children. I know that no matter what happens I can count on Jessica to be a part of our team, she is an incredible IEP Coach!" - Sol, IEP Parent
Dr. Charlene Woodham Brickman
For recess and play or RTI consulting, contact Dr. Brickman:
Dr. Charlene Woodham Brickman is a career educator with experience as a teacher,
Title I facilitator, technology coordinator, assistant principal, school improvement
specialist, and college instructor. Teaching in private and public schools and most
places in between has provided her with a wide array of experiences. Dr. Brickman’s
research centers on recess policy and the beliefs/perceptions of those asked to
implement these policies. Now, more than ever, children need breaks to socialize and
burn off energy and simply have unstructured time. In this way, we are protecting their
social emotional wellbeing and mental health, and allowing them the privileges of
childhood. In short, she is a problem-solver with "cheap magic" up her sleeve.
SUCCESSFUL HEALTHY CHILDREN COACHES AND CONSULTANTS COLLABORATE WITH PARENTS AND EDUCATORS, PROVIDING COACHING AND EDUCATION TO SUPPORT HEALTHY SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL, INTELLECTUAL AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING FOR ALL STUDENTS.
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Successful Healthy Children is registered as an S-Corp in the state of Ohio, and is a 501(c)3 non-profit entity. Successful Healthy Children is also the home of the Global Recess Alliance.