The Play Exchange

The Play Exchange

fostering a STEM identity

Child at SDCDM playing with blocks

Play is foundational to learning in early childhood education. It is the cornerstone of development – a necessity.

The foundation for a lifelong love of learning is built early. By the time a child reaches age three, over 70% of their neural wiring is already complete, making the early years a critical window for impactful educational experiences. STEM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is vital because it directly aligns with how young brains develop and absorb information.

For young children, play is not just fun; it is a critical component of healthy brain development. STEM activities harness this natural inclination, leveraging hands-on experiences to stimulate neural connections.

Join the Children’s Museum of Discovery for an afternoon of connection and collaboration as we explore how hands-on experiences and developmentally appropriate practices can be used to promote essential problem-solving, curiosity, and other STEM skills in our youngest learners.

Following the symposium: Join us for a Museum tour and happy hour highlighting our Daily Programs, Mobile Children’s Museum, and more.

DATE, TIME, & LOCATION

Thursday, March 26, 2026
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
California Center for the Arts
340 N Escondido Blvd
Escondido, CA 92025

AGENDA

Conference Agenda

  • 1:00 p.m. Check-In, Refreshments, & Networking
  • 1:30 p.m. Opening Remarks
  • 1:35 p.m. Keynote: Fostering Our Math Identity
  • 2:20 p.m. Break
  • 2:40 p.m. Sponsor Address: SchoolsFirst FCU
  • 2:45 p.m. Presentation: Play, Discover, Belong: Building STEM Identity Through Hands-On Fun
  • 3:20 p.m. Break
  • 3:30 p.m. Panel: Sparking Wonder: Innovative Ways to Make STEM Playful
  • 4:00 p.m. Closing Remarks 

Happy Hour + Museum Tour Agenda

  • 4:00 p.m. Explore our Daily Programming, Field Trips, and grab a drink during the event
  • 4:30 p.m. Opening Remarks & Tortoise Talk #1 
  • 4:45 p.m. Optional Tour 
  • 5:00 p.m. Tortoise Talk #2 
  • 5:30 p.m. Event Ends 

REGISTRATION

Tickets include access to all speaker sessions and networking opportunities.

Registration: $14

Museum Tour + Happy Hour: $14

discussions

& insights

  • Fostering a math identity on ourselves and young learners

  • Building a STEM identity through hands-on play

Keynote Speaker

Satyan Devadoss

Fletcher Jones Professor of Applied Mathematics and Professor of Computer Science, University of San Diego

Before arriving in California, Satyan was faculty at Williams College for nearly 15 years, holding visiting positions at Stanford, Ohio State, Harvey Mudd, Université Nice, UC San Diego, and UC Berkeley. He is a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society, recipient of two national teaching awards, and has authored books and over 50 publications, with his thoughts appearing in venues such as NPR, the Times of London, the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, and the LA Times. His work strives to make mathematics attractive and accessible while elevating the embodied, mundane life.

Speakers

Howard Chan

Learning Experience Designer, Cal State University San Marcos

Howard is an educator, engineer, and entrepreneur dedicated to igniting creativity and driving innovation in education. With a technical background in engineering, a passion for teaching, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Howard empowers diverse communities to create impactful and transformative learning experiences. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University, a California Multiple-Subjects Teaching Credential, and a Master’s in Cross-Cultural Teaching from National University. As a former engineer, STEAM educator and advocate for entrepreneurship, Howard has championed innovative education models worldwide, inspiring educators and students to embrace limitless opportunities through creative, hands-on learning and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Soudabeh Memarzadeh

Instructor and Co-Department Chair, Del Lago Academy

Soudabeh Memarzadeh is an educator, artist, and community leader with an MFA in Graphic Design (Illustration) and a BFA in Painting. She serves EUHSD as a teacher, college professor, and TOSA for Work-Based Learning, leading city-funded projects and interdisciplinary programs. She is fluent in English, Farsi, and French.

Krystle Miller

Principal, Conway Academy of Expeditionary Learning

Krystle Miller is the proud principal of Conway Academy of Expeditionary Learning in the Escondido Union School District, serving students from preschool through sixth grade. She brings more than two decades of experience in education, having served as a social studies and science teacher, elementary instructional coach, STEM teacher on special assignment, and school principal. A National Board Certified Teacher, Krystle holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and is deeply passionate about science, STEM education, animals, and the natural world.

David Nemteanu

Instructor and Co-Department Chair, Del Lago Academy

David Nemteanu is an educator with 20 years of teaching experience. He holds a BA in Graphic Design, an MA in Education, and teaching credentials in Biology, Earth Science, and Art. David has served in leadership roles such as Yearbook Advisor, ASB Advisor, and MESA Advisor, and has participated in numerous community-based projects throughout his career.

Whitney Raser

Director of Education, Children’s Museum of Discovery

As Director of Education at the Children’s Museum of Discovery, Whitney brings over 17 years of experience in formal and informal education. She’s passionate about integrating play, STEM, and social-emotional learning to create meaningful moments for children. Whitney will guide us in finding presence in the classroom through sensory bins, nature play, and mindful moments.

Ganisha Sethi

Chief Executive Officer, Sethi

Ganisha Sethi, CEO of a family-owned hotel management company, holds education at the center of her heart. As a former high school English teacher, she feels a deep passion for honoring each child as they are. Ganisha enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her curious and adventurous 5-year-old son.  

Event

sponsor

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union