Child Development Experts

Meet Kiddies' Expert Team!

Kiddies' stories are crafted with the help of educators, psychologists, and child development experts to ensures our adventures spark curiosity, build life skills, and support your child’s emotional growth at every step.

The experts behind the wonder

Kiddies’ child development experts are the magic driving the high-quality content, thoughtful delivery, deep research, and educational impact in our stories.
  • Quality
  • Delivery
  • Research
  • Education
  • Definitions

Dr. Lilla Dale McManis

Child Development Specialist
Dr. Lilla Dale McManis is a psychologist, educator, and child development specialist with classroom, research, evaluation, and industry experience. She is committed to translating cutting-edge research into effective strategies that support children's optimal growth and development.
Favorite characters:
  • Faith Artly
  • Gaia Dancly
  • Sam Rolley
Favorite categories:
  • Coping With Changes
  • Cooperation and Friendship...
  • Thinking and Problem Solving
"Kiddies stories actively support early childhood development with engaging, age-appropriate content that thoughtfully introduces..."
Dr. Lilla's case study

Dr. Melissa Tanner

Clinical Psychologist
Melissa Tanner, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist trained in treatment of emotional, social, and behavioral disorders with specific expertise in cognitive functioning, behavior management, and emotion regulation. Dr. Tanner is also the mother of 2 preschool age children and avid reader of children's books.
Favorite characters:
  • Gaia Dancly
  • Kai Chimply
  • Hailey Telley
Favorite categories:
  • Boundaries and Self-defense
  • Emotions and Emotional Coping
  • Respect and Values
"Not only do Kiddies stories have captivating characters and colorful pictures that children will enjoy, but the language and..."
Dr. Tanner's testimonial

Hannah Hawver

Educational Specialist (Ed.S)
Hannah Hawver is an educational specialist (Ed.S) and school psychology expert with a strong background in child development, mental health, and student support. She is dedicated to empowering children and families through research-informed strategies that foster emotional well-being, resilience, and academic growth.
Favorite characters:
  • Luna Greenly
  • Hailey Telley
  • Kai Chimply
Favorite categories:
  • Coping With Changes
  • Growth and Self-confidence
  • Emotions and Emotional Coping
"Kiddies is a digital storytelling platform that fosters children’s moral and cognitive development by organizing stories based on..."
Hanna's expert review

Christina Cunningham

Child Educator
Christina Cunningham is an early childhood educator with over 8 years of experience in public and private schools. She strives to make classrooms a safe, welcoming space for every little learner. For the past several years, she has served as a consultant and content writer in the online education community, lending her experience with social emotional skill-building and nature and play-based education.
Favorite characters:
  • Sam Rolley
  • Mei Bitty
  • Faith Artly
Favorite categories:
  • Learning Numbers and Letters
  • Basic Financial Awareness
  • Colors and Shapes

Top favorite stories picked by our experts

Working with the best

Experts who get kids,
stories that make a difference

We choose experts who blend heart, insight, and integrity—ensuring every story is backed by real experience, knowledge and genuine care.

Educational foundation

Strong academic backgrounds in child psychology or education.

Proven experience

Hands-on work with children in real-world settings is essential.

Deep knowledge

Up-to-date understanding of child development research and practice.

Value alignment

Shared belief in kindness, growth, and age-appropriate learning.

Communication skills

Able to turn expert insight into clear, engaging content.

Creative insight

Blends science with imagination to connect with kids.
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