About Our Team
Creating Connections Australia is proud to have a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about supporting children's self-regulation.
Marghi Ghezzi
Marghi Ghezzi is a qualified teacher, published author, and now initial teacher education academic. Marghi has been working across education sectors for over 25 years. She is currently a PhD candidate at Griffith University under the supervision of Professor Susanne Garvis and Professor Donna Pendergast, and A/P Eric Pakulak (based in Stockholm University, Sweden). Her research focuses on self-regulation in the early years. More precisely, it is a multi-method feasibility study and cultural adaptation of a two generation, neuroplasticity-informed program for children aged 3–6.
Research supervisors
The CCA is an adaptation for the Australian context and is the focus of Marghi Ghezzi's PhD research project at Griffith University (Ethics ID Number: GU 2024/237). Marghi is working under the supervision of Professor Susie Garvis, Professor Donna Pendergast and Associate Professor Eric Pakulak
Acknowledgements
PCMC-A was developed at the Brain Development Lab (BDL) at the University of Oregon under the leadership of Dr. Helen Neville, as a part of a longtime research partnership with preschool educators at Head Start of Lane County in Eugene/Springfield, Oregon. The parent component is based on pioneering research on parenting programs by the Oregon Social Learning Center in Eugene, Oregon and was adapted by Dr. Jessica Fanning, with the support of Dr. Phil Fisher. The development of Brain Train was led by Scott Klein, an experienced teacher. This research was made possible by the valuable contributions of numerous members of the BDL over many years, with specific contributions to the development and subsequent adaptation of PCMC-A by the following individuals: Matt Barnhart, Theodore Bell, Sarah Burlingame, Alejandra García Isaza, Ryan Giuliano, Melissa Gomsrud, Amanda Hampton Wray, Christina Karns, Zayra Longoria, Lauren Vega O’Neil, Jimena Santillán, and Courtney Stevens.