About
The Lynda A. Cohen Center for the Study of Child Development is a community-based child and family resource center, behavioral health clinic, and research-focused forum that acknowledges the key to resolving issues of violence and inequality among people lies in nurturing the social competence of young children. The center is committed to educating the community about the importance of developmentally appropriate adult-child interactions as a tool for raising social consciousness.
Meet The Team
Gabriela Pickett, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer, UFWP
Director of International Education
Dr. Gabriela Pickett is the Chief Executive Officer of the Unitarian Fellowship for World Peace, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. She is the Director of International Education at The Lynda A. Cohen Center for the Study of Child Development. Gabriela is also Curator of the Missing Peace Art Space. She is Vice-President of the International Cities of Peace and a Board Member of the Dayton Human Relations Council. She also sits on the City of Dayton Community and Neighborhood Development Advisory Board. She is a co-recipient of the 2010 Dayton Metro Library Big Read- Humanitarian Award. Gabriela holds a doctorate in International Education. Gabriela’s goal is to promote long-term sustainable peace through a model of education that promotes conflict resolution without resorting to violence. Comparing the American approach to education with that of other cultures can facilitate an evaluation of how our beliefs impact the learning process. Her focus of research is a comparative analysis of educational systems to identify evidence-based best practices for facilitating academic learning.
Ross Glen Chandler Nunamaker, M.S.Ed., Ph.D. Candidate
Executive Director
Director of Training
Ross Glen Chandler Nunamaker, who goes by Chad, is a Child Development Specialist, Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist, Director of Curriculum & Kindergarten Program Lead, and Adjunct Faculty at Wright State University. He is the Executive Director and Director of Training at The Lynda A. Cohen Center for the Study of Child Development. Chad works with educators, families, and children ages 6 weeks through 3rd Grade. He is a committed early childhood professional and academic who is dedicated to leading, educating, and training early educators, parents, and families in appreciating and intentionally refining their impact on children’s futures. Chad completed his Bachelor of Science in Education degree specializing in Early Childhood Education from Wright State University and his Master of Science in Education degree specializing in Early Childhood Leadership & Advocacy from the University of Dayton. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate with a concentration in Early Childhood Education at Concordia University Chicago. Chad’s principle areas of research at the Center for the Study of Child Development are: adult-child interactions, teacher training & education, developmentally appropriate environments, and how teacher perceptions, beliefs, and practice interact.
Dr. William A. Mosier, IMFT
Director of Research & Behavioral Health
Dr. William A. Mosier is a Child Development Specialist, licensed Independent Marriage & Family Therapist, licensed and ordained minister, and is a former tenured Professor and Advisor to the Early Childhood Education Graduate Program in the College of Education and Human Services at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. He is the Director of Research & Behavioral Health at The Lynda A. Cohen Center for the Study of Child Development. William is also a retired Lt. Colonel in the United States Air Force Reserves where he served as an International Health Specialist on medical humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. Dr. Mosier’s principle areas of research at the Center for the Study of Child Development are: Infant-toddler mental health, pervasive developmental disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, psychopharmacology for children, and learning disabilities.
Veronica Nunamaker, M.A.
Director of Marketing & Grants
Veronica Nunamaker is experienced in marketing, grants, and public relations. She is a member of the Junior League of Dayton, UpDayton, and Generation Dayton. She holds a Master’s degree in grant writing, management, and evaluation. Veronica is committed to supporting the work of non-profit organizations. Veronica’s goal is to ensure that organizations committed to positive social change are able to reach clients, constituents, and communities-at-large.
About Lynda A. Cohen
Lynda was an adjunct professor of early childhood education at Wright State University and a past president of the Dayton Association for Young Children. For thirty years, she served as director of early childhood education at the Dayton Jewish Community Center in Trotwood, OH. She was a well-known and widely respected early childhood consultant, presenting at local, state, and national conferences. Lynda originated One Monday Morning as an interactive cultural series that had entertained thousands of pre-kindergarten aged children for over twenty years. Lynda understood the importance of enhancing children’s lives through art. She once said:
“When I see an artist drawing with young children there is a contagious happiness in the air and that makes me happy.”
We wish to keep the memory of Lynda Cohen alive as an inspiration to all those who are committed to working with young children. We strive to continue her mission of preparing young children for school success by providing them with psychologically healthy and developmentally appropriate environments. The Center was dedicated to her during the International Day of Peace Celebration on September 21, 2010.
The Lynda A. Cohen Center for the Study of Child Development is part of the Unitarian Fellowship for World Peace, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Dayton, OH.
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