Elizabeth Rood, EdD, is a senior fellow with the Joan Ganz Cooney Center. An educator, researcher, and writer with expertise in youth development, learning sciences, and participatory design, Elizabeth founded Learning Designs Consulting, which partners with organizations and companies developing new programs and products for kids and families. She has served as vice president of education at the Bay Area Discovery Museum and director of the Center for Childhood Creativity and has a background in formal urban education, as a teacher and principal.