FamFair 2024

The Baby S.T.E.P.S. Lab at the Graduate School of Professional Psychology, in partnership with University Libraries, is thrilled to announce the return of FamFair this winter! This family-friendly event is designed to engage caregivers, children (birth to age seven), and community professionals through interactive read-alouds, playful activities, and dance sessions. Older siblings are welcome!

FamFair: Introducing WeRead for Developing Minds and Bonds will also feature nationally recognized child development experts presenting on topics such as the science of reading, social-emotional learning, and positive behavior strategies. Additionally, we’re hosting a special fundraising event to support the Fisher Early Learning Center.

We’re excited to introduce the WeRead program as part of FamFair! In collaboration with the Baby S.T.E.P.S. Lab, University Libraries, and Denver Public Library, WeRead is an early childhood literacy and psychoeducation initiative aimed at empowering caregivers. The program fosters language development, connects families with resources, and promotes early developmental milestones and reading skills.

This event is free and open to the public, with complimentary food and refreshments. While there is a virtual option available via Zoom, we encourage in-person attendance to fully enjoy the experience, including exclusive books, child-focused giveaways, and hands-on activities that are only available on-site. Also, don't miss our resource fair, where you can discover local resources on child development and early literacy!

Join us for this wonderful opportunity to learn, connect with your community, and celebrate early childhood literacy—all while having fun! See the schedule below for more details!

Event Speakers

Kelly Elliott

Dr. Kelly Elliott is a psychologist who specializes in perinatal through early childhood mental health and development. Kelly is passionate about studying what supports children thrive in their development as well as connecting families to quality resources in their communities. Kelly is a mother of 2, loves to run, and enjoys dancing at Tracy’s dance parties!
Ph.D., IMH-E®, Research Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver
Molly Ness

Molly Ness is a former classroom teacher, a reading researcher, and a teacher educator. She earned a doctorate in reading education at the University of Virginia, and spent 16 years as an associate professor at Fordham University in New York City. The author of five books, Molly served on the Board of Directors for the International Literacy Association and is a New York state chapter founder of the Reading League. Dr. Ness has extensive experience in reading clinics, consulting with school districts, leading professional development, and advising school systems on research-based reading instruction. She provided literacy leadership for nationally recognized literacy non-profits, as well as major educational publishers. She’s a shameless fan of Bruce Springsteen, and spends her free time at farmer’s markets or hiking the coast of Maine with her poorly behaved - yet loveable - goldendoodle.
Beth Troutman

Dr. Beth Troutman is a clinical psychologist and professor whose passion is working with infants, young children, and their caregivers. Her research and clinical work for more than 40 years has focused on attachment, temperament, and improving parent-child interactions. She enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, dancing, and hanging out with her dog.

Ph.D., ABPP, IMH-E®, Clinical Professor, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.
Natalia Umaña

Natalia Umaña is the Community Outreach & Reference Residency Librarian at the University of Denver, where she liaises with the Morgridge College of Education and collaborates with community partners to promote early childhood literacy. Before becoming a librarian, Natalia was a primary school teacher in dual language classrooms. She is passionate about the powerful role of children’s literature in promoting social and emotional learning.
Tracy Vozar

Dr. Tracy Vozar is a clinical psychologist and professor who has been working with parents, their infants, and young children for almost 25 years. She’s also a mom of 4 and caregiver of two dogs, two cats, and a goldfish. A self-described nerd, Tracy uses pop culture to describe mental health in more accessible and engaging ways for caregivers and children. When she’s not working, you can find her hosting virtual dance parties for families.
(Ph.D., IMH-E (IV-R), PMH-C) Director of Perinatal Depression Programming at Endeavor Health and Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Psychiatry & Behavioral Health at University of Chicago School of Medicine

Full Event Video

Watch the full event video below to explore the inspiring sessions, engaging storytimes, and interactive activities that made FamFair: Introducing WeRead for Developing Minds and Bonds such a memorable experience.