THE PLAY PROJECT - Key Persons
Christine is responsible for day-to-day operations of the office, PLAY Project licensing, contracts, and billing.
Christine received a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Communications at Eastern Illinois University. She worked in the Healthcare Facilities Management and the Service Industry for 20 years and managed operations across the country. Looking to apply her skills in a different arena that keeps her closer to home and her teenage daughters Isabella and Antonia, she is excited to be a part of the PLAY Project team.
She enjoys movies, theater, her Springer Spaniel "Cooper", and health and fitness.
Christine is passionate about people and helping them achieve their goals.
Job Titles:
- Technology & Marketing Coordinator
Makena is responsible for technology support, social media management, and marketing for The PLAY Project.
Makena is responsible for technology support, social media management, and marketing at The PLAY Project.
Makena received a bachelor's degree in Communications at The University of Toledo. She has worked in social media management, and marketing for various companies over the last five years.
She enjoys painting and drawing, photography, and travel.
Makena is passionate about art, and helping others in need.
Job Titles:
- Communications & Program Coordinator
Rachel is responsible for coordinating workshops and trainings, managing administration and PLAY Project communications.
Rachel is responsible for PLAY Project communications, administration, and coordinating our events at The PLAY Project.
Rachel has a degree in Education and Fine Arts from Eastern Michigan University. She has enjoyed teaching, directing youth programming, and working in the education field for over 15 years.
In her free time, Rachel loves to bake, try out new vegetarian recipes, and be outdoors - especially in or on the water.
Rachel is passionate about serving children and families and using her skills to help people.
Job Titles:
- Founder
- Developmental - Behavioral Pediatrician
Richard Solomon MD is the Founder of The PLAY Project autism early intervention program.
He has dedicated much of his career to supporting and training families of young children with autism spectrum disorders.
"Dr. Rick," as he is known to his patients, is "the fun doctor", a developmental and behavioral pediatrician with 25 years of experience helping (and playing with) children who have behavioral and developmental conditions.
Dr. Solomon is an active member of professional societies nationally and in Michigan, is on the editorial boards of pediatric journals, has published numerous peer reviewed articles, and has received several awards for his commitment to children's services.
Job Titles:
- Training Director
- Certified PLAY Project Consultant
Shana is responsible for the training, tracking and support for child development professionals pursuing a PLAY Project Certification.
Shana is responsible for the training, tracking and ongoing support for child development professionals that are pursuing their PLAY Project Certification.
Shana has been a Certified PLAY Project Consultant since 2009 and served as the Michigan administrator for the NIH research study of The PLAY Project Autism Intervention.
She has a Master's degree from Oakland University in Counseling and a Post-Master's Certification in Infant Mental Health from the University of Michigan. Shana has been dedicated to the mission of improving the quality of life for children and families for over 25 years.
Shana has been dedicated to the mission of improving the quality of life for children and families for over 25 years.