Marnie is an advocate for introducing young children to an inquiry-based thinking model starting in preschool. In addition to presenting and writing about 21st-century skills and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), Marnie has brought together a team of university professors, preschool teachers, administrators, entrepreneurs, technology experts, and community leaders to create a new teaching methodology for young children. The methodology introduces them to 21st-century skills and STEAM learning through the power of collaboration and diversity. As an entrepreneur, she is the CEO and Founder of Young Innovators Academy. Young Innovators Academy has been recognized as a leader in early childhood education and is a recipient of a number of prestigious awards including Grow Florida Top 50 Companies to Watch, a Don Quijote Awards finalist, and a graduate of the Stanford University Latino Entrepreneurs Leaders Program.

Marnie believes that parents and teachers don’t have to be scientists, innovators, or engineers to teach children the foundations of problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking—skills that will prepare them for the future. She has written a number of educational books focused on STEAM concepts including Simple Steam, STEM Play, and the children’s book series Grow in STEAM. She is currently co-writing the book series I Am Curious which is expected to be published in 2018. She has been recognized nationally in the early childhood industry as an educator and administrator.

Prior to starting her own business concept, Marnie was a journalist for CNN Spanish in Asia, served as the Vice President of Marketing of a major telecommunications company, and entered the early childhood field as the franchisee for a childcare brand. She currently lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband Jay. Her son Oliver graduated from Dartmouth College and her daughter Valerie graduated from Stanford University.