Marina Velez, PhD

Dr. Marina Velez has over a decade of experience working with young children and the adults who support them, she brings a deep love for early childhood education and a strong belief that every child deserves to be seen and celebrated.
Marina earned her master’s in Child Studies and her doctorate in Special Education—both from Vanderbilt University—where she focused on early childhood inclusion and social-emotional development. She began her career at the Susan Gray School, working alongside teachers, therapists, and researchers to implement a therapeutic preschool model that blended the best components of the Pyramid Model with language-based intervention strategies. That spirit of collaboration continues to guide her work today as she coaches and supports educators in using meaningful, evidence-based practices rooted in joy, connection, and community.

As someone with ADHD, Marina brings a personal connection to the beauty and complexity of different ways of thinking and learning. Her neurodivergence allows her to lean into creativity, flexibility, and curiosity—qualities that shape her approach to everything from curriculum design to team collaboration. She believes that when we embrace diverse minds and experiences, we all grow stronger together.

At the heart of Marina’s work is a deep respect for the people who care for children—families, teachers, and support staff—and a fierce belief in what’s possible when we work in partnership. She’s here with open ears, big dreams, and high hopes for what we’ll build together.