Dr. Kori Bardige is a passionate advocate for early childhood education, grounded in the belief that the best learning emerges from play-based, curiosity-driven experiences co-constructed by educators and children. She partners with school districts, child care programs, home visitors, and families to design engaging, culturally responsive, and inclusive learning environments where every child can thrive.
Kori has extensive experience in professional development and consultation, having spent the past 20 years supporting school districts and community-based organizations in achieving their goals to develop high-quality care for young children. Kori engages educators in deepening their pedagogical practice through integrating formative assessment, curriculum design, and intentional instruction. She provides practical tools that encourage inquiry, exploration, and reflection, turning everyday moments into powerful opportunities for growth.
Along with her partner, Melissa Russell, Kori co-authored The Collections Curriculum: A STEM-Focused Curriculum , which integrates all domains of learning and scaffolds educators’ STEM knowledge and skills through intentional reflective activities designed to support professional growth and student engagement.
A committed leader in the field, she serves on national and local boards dedicated to advancing equity and access, and quality early experiences. She is a frequent presenter at state and national conferences. Kori holds a Master’s in Special Education from Simmons College and a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University.
Melissa Russell is an accomplished education leader, consultant, and advocate for high-quality early education. As the Founding Director of The Hundred Acre School at Heritage Museums & Gardens, she has designed and led the transformation of two museum galleries (2014 & 2021) into a state-of-the-art STEM-focused school. She co-authored The Collections Curriculum: A STEM-Focused Curriculum, which was developed through a Massachusetts Preschool Innovative STEM Curriculum Grant. Her innovative work earned her a Governor’s Citation from Governor Charlie Baker for her leadership and commitment to high-quality early learning. Melissa is widely recognized as a dynamic speaker and consultant, sharing her expertise through workshops, keynote presentations, and national conferences.
In higher education, Melissa serves as an adjunct faculty member at Bridgewater State University, teaching undergraduate courses in observation and assessment in early childhood education, project-based learning, and STEM, as well as a graduate-level course on developing outcomes and assessments for online higher education learning environments. Her courses emphasize authentic assessment practices and innovative strategies that support education at all levels, with a focus on high-quality, intentional teaching tailored to meet the diverse needs of every student.
Currently, pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Massachusetts Lowell (Ed.D. anticipated May 2026), Melissa’s research focuses on reducing the barriers that prevent female educators from confidently implementing, extending, and assessing STEM in early childhood classrooms.
She holds an M.Ed. from Lesley University, a B.A. in Education with honors from Mount Holyoke College, and a post-graduate certificate in Online Teaching from Bridgewater State University. Melissa holds certifications from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care as a Preschool Lead Teacher and Director I & II, as well as a Professional Teaching License in Elementary Education (Grades 1–6) from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.