Cora’s career in early childhood development and education began at UConn more than 15 years ago and has continued to evolve through a commitment to reflection and growth. She began her college career as a music major at the Hartt School of Music but soon felt called toward a field that would allow her to make a broader impact. With a longstanding curiosity about early childhood development, she transitioned into the UConn HDFS program and completed her bachelor’s degree and the Early Childhood Specializations in 2010. This experience connected her with influential mentors who have continued to shape both her professional identity and her long-term commitment to the field.

Following graduation, Cora spent six years as a classroom teacher and six years as a center director of a high quality, Reggio-inspired program in New Haven County. These experiences grounded her in the belief that children learn best within respectful relationships that honor their curiosity, emotions, and unique developmental pace. While Cora loved working directly with children and families in this setting, she felt drawn to further explore the parent-child relationship. This interest led her back to UConn, where she completed her master’s degree in HDFS in 2018 while working full-time as a center director. During her graduate studies, she became a registered Circle of Security Facilitator, earned her Infant Mental Health Endorsement, and presented at the World Association of Infant Mental Health conference. She also discovered an enthusiasm for teaching undergraduates while serving as a teaching assistant, an experience that sparked her interest in higher education and led to her becoming an adjunct faculty member at UConn Stamford in 2019.

In 2022, Cora became faculty and Student Coordinator of the Early Childhood Specializations at UConn Stamford. In 2024, she transitioned to UConn Waterbury, where she is now actively building and strengthening Early Childhood Specializations. She is invested in preparing future early childhood professionals through hands-on learning and reflective practice. She is also focused on developing meaningful community partnerships with early childhood programs across the Greater Waterbury area, fostering reciprocal relationships that support both students and local programs.

Central to Cora’s work is an ongoing commitment to reflective teaching and professional growth. She continually refines her practice to stay current in the field. In addition to her university teaching, she provides regular professional development for current early childhood educators throughout Connecticut and serves as an early childhood consultant for several high-quality programs. These roles allow her to remain closely connected to classroom practice while supporting educators in strengthening their relationship-based practice. She is also a parent educator with Peace at Home Parenting Solutions and provides regular virtual workshops and private consultations to parents of young children across the country.

Cora sees her role as both an educator and mentor, striving to support students as they develop competence and a strong professional identity in the early childhood discipline, regardless of the career path they choose. She is passionate about uplifting the field, supporting families and educators, and advocating for universal childcare and play-based education.

Cora lives in Guilford, Connecticut, with her husband Brian, their sons Everett (4) and Warren (2), and their dog Ziggy. Outside of work, she enjoys playing flute with the American Chamber Orchestra, participating in group fitness classes, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.