Taylor Hansen

Taylor Hansen is a Lecturer in the Department of Child and Youth Study at Mount Saint Vincent University. With over 20 years of experience working with young people, her professional practice centers on advocating for children's rights and dignity. Her academic credentials include an MA in Child and Youth Study from Mount Saint Vincent University (2016) and a BSocSc with honours in International Development & Globalization from the University of Ottawa.

Her research examines how children create space for self-advocacy in daily life and explores transformative care practices in challenging societal contexts. She employs decolonizing methodologies and arts-based approaches to challenge colonial norms in educational settings. Her pedagogical philosophy prioritizes creating learning environments rooted in care, connection, and critical engagement.

Publications focus on early childhood education, nature-based learning, and youth experiences. Her 2023 open educational resource explores pedagogical approaches to outdoor play, while earlier work examines relational practices in youth engagement.

She regularly presents at professional conferences including the Early Childhood Development Association of PEI's Fall Conference, addressing topics such as professional identity formation, responsive care practices, and nature-based education.