María Isabel García Senent

María Isabel García Senent is an Associate Professor and Coordinator of Pedagogical Innovation and Internationalization at the Faculty of Education, Camilo José Cela University. She also serves as an advisor for children's programs at SEK International Schools and is Vice President of the Boston Area Reggio Inspired Network (BARIN). Her career spans 15 years in the U.S., including roles as Adjunct Professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston and educator at Harvard University's preschool.

Education:

• Bachelor's in Pedagogy and specialization in Developmental Psychology (University of Seville)
• Master's in Psychology (Boston University)
• Postmaster's in Early Education Research, Policy, and Practice (UMass Boston)

Research Focus: Explores holistic education frameworks, cultural influences on emotion regulation, and leadership in early childhood education. Advocates for Reggio Emilia-inspired approaches emphasizing creativity, empathy, and collaborative learning. Recent work addresses transformative education systems and policy alignment with child development needs.

Achievements: Presented research at ABCT conventions and Leadership Forums. Authored studies on pedagogical innovation and Reggio Emilia methodologies. Active in professional organizations like MAAEYC and BARIN.

Advising & Grants: Led projects at UMass Boston's Institute for Early Education Leadership, focusing on director leadership training. Collaborated with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care on systemic reforms.

Labs/Teams: Research Assistant in Boston University's Psychotherapy and Emotion Lab. Currently coordinates interdisciplinary teams at UCJC for pedagogical innovation initiatives.