Emily Cadiz is a passionate educator and researcher with over 20 years of experience working with young children, particularly those facing challenges in language acquisition and literacy. With advanced degrees in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and Inclusive Music, Emily has dedicated her career to developing innovative, evidence-based solutions to support early learning.

Founder of Finnegan the Dragon, Emily and her team are the recipients of the prestigious SBIR Phase 1 research grant with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institute for Child Health and Human Development, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Through this grant, she has led efforts to create blended learning systems that effectively target the brain development gaps caused by increased levels of passive screen time consumption in young children. Her work combines sound-first instruction, music, and play to enhance early literacy skills.

In collaboration with Head Start of Oregon and through initiatives like the Preschool Promise Program, Emily has actively contributed to creating accessible learning tools for underserved communities, ensuring that all children, regardless of background, can thrive in their early educational experiences.

An alumna of Columbia University, Emily has a deep commitment to furthering education in both academic and practical settings. Her work has influenced numerous educational practices, particularly in areas of inclusive teaching and the integration of music-based interventions to enhance phonological awareness and early literacy skills.

With a career spanning over two decades, Emily has built a strong foundation of knowledge and expertise, focusing on the intersection of language development, literacy, and inclusive teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of every child.