How Marnie Forestieri Zettler Is Reinventing Early Learning

The early years of a child’s life are crucial in shaping cognitive, social, and emotional development. Research in neuroscience and child psychology consistently shows that early learning experiences lay the foundation for future academic success and lifelong skills. During this critical period, children’s brains develop rapidly, forming connections that influence their ability to solve problems, think creatively, and interact with the world. As a result, high-quality early education is essential, not only for individual growth but also for fostering a generation of innovative thinkers and adaptable leaders.

Traditional early learning models have often relied on standardized instruction, but today’s educators and entrepreneurs are introducing hands-on, inquiry-based, and technology-enhanced methodologies that better prepare children for an evolving world. These emerging approaches prioritize creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving over rote memorization, ensuring that children develop a growth mindset from an early age. 

One of the most influential figures in this movement is Marnie Forestieri Zettler, a Dominican-American educator, entrepreneur, author, and TEDx speaker dedicated to revolutionizing early childhood education. As the founder of Young Innovators Academy, Forestieri has pioneered research-driven learning models that integrate technology, creativity, and hands-on exploration to inspire young learners.

Born on March 9, 1973, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Forestieri began her career as a CNN Spanish reporter in Tokyo, Japan, where she covered major news stories across Asia. Her experiences in journalism later inspired her award-winning novel, El Yakusa de Mi Corazón. However, after moving to the United States in 2006, she discovered a deep passion for early childhood education and transitioned into the field as a franchisee of a childcare brand. This shift marked the beginning of her mission to transform the early learning landscape.

In 2014, Forestieri launched Amazing Explorers Academy, where she introduced a STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum developed in collaboration with professors from the University of Central Florida. Her approach emphasized experiential learning, encouraging children to explore, create, and think critically. The success of Amazing Explorers Academy established her reputation as an innovator in early childhood education, but structural changes within the company led her to pursue a new vision.

Determined to create an educational model that empowers children as creative thinkers and problem-solvers, Forestieri founded Young Innovators Academy in 2019. This initiative introduced a research-backed curriculum that fosters innovation, resilience, and adaptability in young learners. Working closely with education experts and university researchers, she developed engaging, hands-on learning experiences that help children develop real-world skills. As demand for progressive early education grew, Young Innovators Academy expanded into a tech-enabled brand, integrating digital tools, interactive resources, and educator support systems to enhance learning.

In 2025, Forestieri partnered with Bharath Mundlapudi of Enterprise Minds to establish Young Innovators Technologies, a company dedicated to developing digital tools, curriculum resources, and assessment platforms for early learning centers and schools. That same year, she launched Raising Innovators, a podcast that explores education, creativity, and innovation in early childhood learning.

Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Forestieri is committed to philanthropy in education. In 2024, she founded the Young Innovators Foundation for Early Learning, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and nurturing children’s creative confidence. The foundation provides educators, parents, and underprivileged communities with access to high-quality learning resources, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Forestieri’s contributions to education have earned her numerous accolades, including the Grow Florida Companies to Watch Award (2023), which recognized Young Innovators Academy as a standout business in Florida. She also delivered a TEDx talk in 2023, titled How to Awaken the Genius in Your Child, where she shared insights on fostering creativity and innovation in young learners.

Through her work in education, curriculum development, and technology integration, Marnie Forestieri Zettler continues to shape the future of early learning, ensuring that young children develop the skills, confidence, and creativity needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.