Elena Merenda

Dr. Elena Merenda is the Assistant Program Head of Early Childhood Studies at the University of Guelph-Humber. Since 2015, Dr. Merenda has worked alongside the Program Head with all administrative and academic aspects of the program; managing and guiding faculty with course development; supporting student initiatives; and managing the redevelopment of the program curriculum.Dr. Merenda has more than 15 years of experience in early learning and therapeutic settings. Her background is in early childhood education, with a specific expertise in therapeutic play and supporting families with children who have special needs.Dr. Merenda holds a Masters of Art in Early Childhood Studies from Ryerson University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western University. In addition to her experience at the University of Guelph-Humber, Dr. Merenda has taught academic courses at Humber College ITAL, she was the Program Advisor for a continuing education stream of the Early Childhood Education program at Humber College ITAL, and she has spent multiple years supervising students practicing in the field.