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Jody LeVos
Chief Learning Officer, HOMER
Professional Background
Jody LeVos is an esteemed thought leader in child development and early education, carving out a distinguishing career that champions the needs and voices of children and parents alike. With comprehensive experience that spans the globe, Jody collaborates with some of the world's leading companies in toys, e-learning, and play-based educational products, such as HOMER, LeapFrog, VTech, KidKraft, and Mattel. Jody’s passion for advancing child development is evident in her commitment to driving learning metrics, curriculum development, and fostering integration across interdisciplinary learning teams within organizations.
Throughout her distinguished career, Jody has been instrumental in blending various fields such as academic research, product design, strategy development, and commercial insight to create educational products that resonate in global markets. Her focus encompasses not just digital interactive educational systems and games, but also physical toys, experiential learning centers, films, and books that contribute positively to children’s learning experiences. By marrying research and creativity, Jody promotes holistic child development, ensuring that the products she develops are both educationally enriching and engaging.
Jody has successfully created industry-leading curricula and learning frameworks that guide educational content and product designs. Her strategic vision supports global expansion efforts through insightful research and partnerships, with an emphasis on understanding diverse learning environments and cultural contexts. Jody is a source of inspiration and motivation within the teams she leads, recruiting top-tier learning designers and fostering a collaborative spirit across functional product development teams. Her capacity for thought leadership is recognized both internally within organizations and externally in the wider educational community.
Education and Achievements
Jody LeVos's educational background is as impressive as her professional endeavors. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Developmental Science, where she specialized in mathematical and cognitive development from the University of Alberta. Jody’s foundational understanding of psychology is further enhanced by her BA Honors in Psychology, also from the University of Alberta, equipping her with a strong grasp of cognitive processes critical for child development.
In her pursuit of further knowledge, Jody participated in a Postdoctoral Fellowship/Visiting Scholar program in Math and Education at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley. This experience enriched her understanding of educational theories and methodologies, solidifying her expertise in the intersection of developmental science and education.
Notable Positions
Throughout her career, Jody has held various impactful roles. Currently, she serves as the Chief Learning Officer at HOMER, where she leads projects that prioritize child development and learning effectiveness in educational products.
Jody's previous positions include VP of Learning and Curriculum Design at HOMER, where she directed innovative learning strategies, and Director of Child Development and Learning at Mattel, where she supervised learning initiatives and product developments that encouraged creativity and learning through play. Furthermore, her experience as an adjunct professor at the University of Lethbridge allowed her to mold the minds of future leaders in child development and education.
In addition to her corporate roles, Jody has also been dedicated to mentorship and service, exemplified by her time as a mentor with the Children's Media Association and her role as a Board Trustee at EXPLO, an organization recognized for its commitment to educational excellence.
Achievements
Jody LeVos's contributions to the field of early childhood education and development are significant and varied. She has successfully combined her academic knowledge and professional expertise to become a pivotal figure in elevating educational products that support child learning outcomes. Her ability to foster innovation in curriculum and educational formats has set new standards in the industry.
With her leadership, many organizations have enhanced their educational frameworks to reflect contemporary pedagogical strategies and child development research, ensuring that children receive the highest quality of learning experiences. Furthermore, Jody’s extensive involvement in interdisciplinary teams has resulted in the successful launch of numerous educational products and campaigns that have reached children globally, affirming her status as a trailblazer in the field.
Throughout her career, Jody has been recognized for her strategic vision and her ability to navigate the rapidly evolving landscapes of education and child development. Jody LeVos remains a dynamic force dedicated to enriching the educational journeys of children worldwide.