We are pleased to announce that Heather Von Bank, Ph.D., recently joined the US Play Coalition Steering Committee. Our steering committee consists of 24 leaders from across industry, education and health, all committed to its mission to promote the value of play throughout life. Steering committee members contribute their expertise and insights for the current and future work of the US Play Coalition.
Heather is Chair of the Department of Family Consumer Science at Minnesota State University-Mankato, a longtime educational partner of the US Play Coalition. Her specialty areas include research on parent–child relations during the stage of adolescence and family life issues. She is also co-author of the book The Power of Playful Learning.
US Play Coalition Executive Director Stephanie Garst said she is proud to welcome Von Bank to the committee.
“Heather is already a very active member and ambassador for the Play Coalition,” Garst said, adding that her “greatest contribution to the Play Coalition to date is having created the Midwest Play Conference, our first regional play conference.”
The U.S. Play Coalition
The U.S. Play Coalition is an international network of individuals and organizations that promotes the value of play throughout life. Formed in 2009, the coalition is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The coalition is housed in Clemson University’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management department, part of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences.