Future Chicken Advisory Team

Expert advisors and consultants help keep Future Chicken at the forefront of learning and engagement. Explore our library of resources to discover fun activities, cool experiments, and eco-focused videos—all created with guidance from the Future Chicken Learning Innovation Committee. Capturing the spirit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, these resources bring global principles to life in ways kids can understand and enjoy. Organized into five key learning themes, each represented by a Planet Protector!

The Future Chicken Learning Innovation Committee

The Future Chicken Advisory Board

Future Chicken Co-Founders

The Future Chicken Learning Innovation Committee

Working closely with Annabel Slaight, the Learning Innovation Committee advises on pedagogical best practices for all content, maintaining a commitment to the guiding principles that are the central values of the Future Chicken metaverse.

Committee Chair

Blair Niblett, PhD – As Chair and Associate Professor at Trent University’s School of Education, Blair is a distinguished academic and educational leader renowned for his contributions to teacher education and curriculum development. With a passion for fostering inclusive and innovative learning environments, Dr. Niblett has played a pivotal role in shaping educational policy and practice through his research and advocacy.

Committee Members:

Waheema Asghar – Educational and environmental advisor currently at the BC Ministry of the Environment. Known for her expertise in environmental policy and sustainability, she has been instrumental in developing and implementing environmental initiatives that promote ecological conservation and sustainable practices across Ontario and British Columbia.

Dr. Nicole Bell – is Anishnaabe (Bear Clan) from Kitigan Zibi First Nation in Maniwaki, Quebec.  She is the mother of five sons and a grandmother. Nicole is passionate about Indigenous education, motivated by her educational experiences personally, and as a mother. Nicole has been learning about her Anishnaabe stories, teachings, ceremonies, and language for the past 38 years.  Her cultural teachers were/are Elders Shirley Williams, Vera Martin, and Edna Manitowabi.  Nicole has also secured a strong understanding of the land and traditional land practices from her Anishinaabe father. Nicole is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Trent University.  Her research areas include: Indigenous culture-based education, Indigenous land-based learning, infusion of Indigenous knowledge into public schooling and teacher education, decolonization and healing, and Indigenous research theory and methodology.

Kim Cooper – An award-winning career strategist, author, and entrepreneur. She is passionate about content creation, youth engagement, communications, and careers of the future from the lens of diversity and inclusion. Her work in education and mentorship has not only shaped countless careers but also inspired the next generation of leaders.

Cheryl Daniel – A retired educator from the York Region District School Board (YRDSB). With a career spanning several decades, Daniel has been a passionate advocate for student-centered learning and educational equity. Her contributions to the school board have left a lasting impact on the community and its educational standards.

Zahra Dowlatabadi – Los Angeles based animation producer and writer has produced content for Netflix, Warner Bros. & Universal Studios. Aiming towards promotion and activation of global citizenship and emotional literacy, Dowlatabadi has been serving as an advisor for Educators Consortium For Service Learning and volunteers for The Human Library Organization.

Tara Flynn – The Coordinator of the committee, Director of Research of the Trent Mathematics Education Research Collaborative as well as the new PEAR Lab (Partners in Education and Action Research) at Trent University. With a robust background in educational research, Flynn is dedicated to enhancing the quality of education through evidence-based research initiatives. Her leadership in research coordination has significantly impacted the development of educational strategies and policies.

Colin Harris – The Founder and Executive Director of Take Me Outside. A visionary leader in outdoor education, Harris is committed to reconnecting youth with nature through experiential learning. His organization has inspired thousands of students to explore and appreciate the natural world, fostering environmental stewardship.

Lisa Noble – An educator with over 30 years of experience spanning K-8 and post-secondary education. Currently a Demonstrator at Trent University’s School of Education, she specializes in educational technology, makerspace programming, and micro-credential development in coding and robotics. Lisa has led initiatives in wellness, Indigenous knowledge integration, and AI literacy for educators. A lifelong learner, she has presented widely on topics such as mindful making, coding in libraries, and transparent AI use in K-12. Holding degrees in Education and Translation, Lisa combines creativity, technology, and pedagogy to foster innovative learning environments.

Allison Riva – The Vice President of Youth Marketing & The Story Studio at Kids Help Phone. With a background in youth advocacy and marketing, Riva has developed innovative campaigns and storytelling initiatives that resonate with young audiences. Her work supports mental health awareness and provides critical resources for youth in need.

Susan Sheard – An outdoor environmental education advisor and facilitator known for her dedication to hands-on learning experiences. Sheard’s approach to education emphasizes the importance of outdoor activities in fostering environmental literacy and a love for nature among students.

Lorrie Ann Smith – The Vice President of Learning and Engagement at the Ontario Science Centre. Smith’s work focuses on creating interactive and engaging educational programs that inspire curiosity and a passion for science. Her leadership in educational programming has made significant contributions to science education in Ontario.

Tracy Smith – The Vice Chair of the ClearWater Futures Foundation Board of Directors. With extensive experience in water resource management and environmental sustainability, Smith has played a crucial role in advancing the Centre’s mission to protect and conserve water resources through education and community engagement. 

Emerita

Dr. Cathy Bruce – The President of Trent University, where she leads the institution with a focus on academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. She has a distinguished career in higher education and is known for her dedication to fostering a collaborative academic environment.

Jennifer Canham –  The Director of Philanthropy at the T.R. Meighen Family Foundation. She oversees the foundation’s philanthropic initiatives, working to support various causes, including education, healthcare, and community development.

Michelle Chaput – The Director of Education at Canadian Geographic Education. She plays a pivotal role in developing educational programs that promote geographic literacy and environmental awareness among students across Canada.

Past Contributors

Future Chicken has been fortunate to collaborate with many advisors whose expertise and guidance helped shape our learning philosophy and approach to children’s media and environmental education. We are deeply grateful to Michael Levine, Christopher Cerf, Amy Friedman, Anya Kamenetz, Marco Pimentel, and Beth Richman for the time, insight, and passion they contributed to Future Chicken’s mission of engaging children through meaningful learning experiences.