Dr. Celeste Allen, a retired Perry Township teacher and administrator, recently joined more than 300 individuals from 44 countries in speaking at the Global Summit on Childhood Education in Costa Rica.  

“It was wonderful to interact and network with early childhood advocates from around the world who share a common focus and vision on supporting, nurturing and protecting the world’s smallest and most vulnerable citizens,” Allen said. 

Her presentation addressed the topic of neuroscience and child development. “Much research has been conducted in the last 20 years on how a child’s brain develops from birth to age 5. I am passionate about learning and sharing this research and the implications it has for parents, grandparents, teachers and caretakers.”  

Because of her interest in brain research and how it relates to education, Allen worked on a doctorate in education after 20 years of teaching. 
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However, she said she feels that her most important credential is being the grandmother to eight grandchildren, with seven of them being under age 6.