Michelle Dinneen-White

Michelle Dinneen-White is the founder and executive director of Play Smart Literacy and a 2022–2024 LSX Fellow. With nearly 30 years of experience in public service and education, she leads innovative, science-backed outreach that empowers families in Chicago’s most under-resourced neighborhoods to build language and relationships through joyful talk and play. A recognized national leader in early literacy, Michelle is a Life is Good Playmaker and recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Community Action Award and a 2024 Presidential Volunteer Gold Service Award. Her work centers on curiosity, connection, and equity, with the goal of helping families grow stronger and more resilient through everyday moments that matter.

Contributions by Michelle

How to create joyful connections with children

Andrea Paula Goldin, Michelle Dinneen-White, Benjamin Herold / 30 June 2025

Article Development Play Parenting and childcare

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Michael S. C. Thomas

Director, University of London Centre for Educational Neuroscience

Kathryn Bates

Research Fellow in youth development and mental health, King’s College London

Melissa Hogenboom

Science journalist, filmmaker and editor, BBC