Dr. Lawton came to early childhood education/child psychology through her commitment to equity and social justice. She believes that a safe, accepting learning environment enables risk-taking, growth, and learning. Dr. Lawton views students as co-constructors of knowledge and draws on their wisdom and prior learning experiences in order to “lead out” from the Latin definition for education, “Educare.”
She thinks it is important for prospective teachers and those in the helping professions to reflect on their own familial, cultural, and educational experiences to become mindful, reflective educators and healers.
She has a B.S. from Colby College, M.S. from Wheelock College, CAGS from the University of Vermont, and Ed.D. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.