Ask an Expert

The "Ask an Expert" section is for you, the student, to have direct access to the information you seek the most, divided into categories for your convenience. Whether you have a question on child development, are wondering what your career options are, or something else, our experts can help you find the answer.

Each expert will be available to help you in the areas listed underneath each one's name. Please try to keep your questions brief and in the realm of each category he or she has listed as not to overwhelm. By clicking on the expert's name, you will be directed to the expert's e-mail address. It may take a week for a response, so plan for projects, etc. in advance. Remember however, that the experts' information shouldn't be used in place of researching a topic, only as a supplement.

Our Experts

Patricia Martin, Ph. D.

• Child Development
• Infant/Toddler
• Curriculum
• Interacting with Children in the Classroom

Dr. Martin holds a doctorate in Child Development with a concentration in Early Childhood Education, and has been both a preschool and toddler teacher as well as a university lab school director. She currently teaches Child Development and Early Childhood Education courses online and on campus at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse.

Torie Seeger

• Professional Development
• Interacting with Children in the Classroom

Ms. Seeger holds a BA in Early Childhood Education and her master's in education. She has over ten years experience employed in child care in addition to over ten years working with child care providers and programs to improve quality. She has served as a NAEYC validator for thirteen years, and continues to provide statewide and national workshops on a variety of topics.

Bob Frawley

• Children and Families
• Professional Development
• Policy for Early Childhood

Mr. Frawley has almost twenty-five years of experience on the state level addressing policy issues that relate to children and families, and in the last fifteen years, has focused specifically on early childhood and school-age services. Additionally, he has worked extensively with the NYS Career Development Initiative in the creation of a career development system for those who work in early childhood education and school-age care programs.

Fred Barnes

• Child Development
• Brain Research
• In relation to teaching & learning
• Gender differences in learning
• Interacting with Children in the Classroom
• Anti-bias strategies with children/staff
• Classroom Guidance

Fred Barnes is a Professor Emeritus, Early Childhood Education, SUNY Cobleskill. He is the past President of NYSAEYC and was presented the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2003. Fred also established the Cobleskill Campus Child Care Center at SUNY Cobleskill.

If you have extensive experience in the early care and education fields and would like to volunteer as an expert, please e-mail nysaeyc@capital.net