Our Team
Miriam Beloglovsky, Ed.M.,
Design in Mind Author
As an author, speaker, professor, and consultant, Miriam has prepared educators to work with young children for the past 30 years. She is the co-author of the bestseller book series, Lose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children, Loose Parts 2: Inspiring Play with Infants and Toddlers, Loose Parts 3: Inspiring Culturally Sustainable Environment, and Loose Parts 4: Inspiring 21st Century Learning as well as Early Learning Theories Made Visible. The Loose Parts books have received several awards and have created an international phenomenon that has transformed the educational landscape.
Miriam holds a master’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Child, Family Therapy.
Michelle Grant-Groves, Ed.M., Design in Mind Author
Michelle has broad and deep experience in early care and education, starting in the classroom in 1996. She has been a teacher, site and then systems administrator, coach, and coaching coordinator. Previous roles include 0-8 Coordinating Officer at Oakland USD and Equity and Instructional Program Coordinator at San Francisco USD Early Education Department. Michelle is a seasoned facilitator and presenter with a passion for designing professional learning programs and events in partnership with clients and teams. Michelle is an enthusiastic collaborator and creative design partner who loves research, discourse, and on-the-ground demonstration of big ideas crafted for and with a community of learners and leaders.
Michelle holds a B.A. in Child Development, Research and Policy, from San Francisco State University, and a Master’s degree in P-3 Early Education from Mills College, including postgraduate research in P-3 alignment assessments and evaluations.
Tara Ryan, Ed.M.,
Senior Director
Tara has over 20 years of experience in the field of education, including teaching, coaching, and administration. Her previous leadership roles include Director of Early Education at the San Diego County Office of Education and Director of Operations at the San Francisco Unified School District Early Education Department. Tara has broad experience planning and administering large programs and initiatives, including Quality Counts CA (QRIS), CA state-funded early learning and care programs, and many professional development initiatives. Her expertise bridges fiscal and operations development with high quality program implementation through collaboration and systems building.
Tara earned her Master’s degree in Education with focus on social justice and equity issues form San Francisco State University. She holds Multiple Subject Teaching and Administrative Services credentials.