About Us
GazziliWorld Apps are made by a talented team of people
dedicated to enhancing early childhood education through technology.
Adam Gittlin, Founder
I was singing to my son before bed, and when I sang the word 'fingerprint' he stopped to ask what that was. I started keeping track of all the words he asked about-like 'seed' and 'sweat' among others-that stumped me. At first I was thinking about a children's book series. I started researching the words and working on a text formula that would be easily understood by children. But then I saw an iPad and envisioned the text transforming into an interactive activity showing the word in the context of our everyday lives. I thought - let's use today's cutting - edge technology and take learning to the next level. So with the right Educational Consultants and digital creative agency Commercial Pop, we got to work.
Collaborating with Educational Leaders
To ensure the educational impact of GazziliWords - as is the case with all GazziliWorld products - the GazziliWorld team collaborated through the development process with two experts in the field. Dr. Brigid Barron, Associate professor of Education at Stanford University and one of the educational consultants on the GazziliWords team says, "Vocabulary development is at the heart of becoming a strong reader and communicator. This application offers young children an opportunity to explore challenging concepts, reflect on language in a playful way, and learn the meaning of words through friendly definitions. Perhaps have the opportunity to extend this learning opportunity by engaging their child in conversation about this concepts during everyday activity." And according to Michael Petillo, vocabulary and learning specialist at The Dalton School in New York City, "Reading is a lifetime skill that is crucial to the success of our children. My goal in helping develop GazziliWords is to be sure the application is age appropriate and a beneficial tool for learning. GazziliWords is a powerful tool to help children with their language development; Consequently helping to improve their knowledge of words and reading comprehension."
Brigid Barron, Educational Consultant
As an Associate Professor of Education and the Learning Sciences at Stanford University, Barron is involved in research that investigates how children learn in school and through playful activities at home. Her role on the design team involves sharing research about the different ways parents, teachers, and media can support vocabulary development. She also collaborates with the team to choose the words to develop, contributes ideas for the activities, and provides feedback on the overall design.
Michael Petillo, Educational Consultant
Michael Petillo serves as an educational consultant for GazziliWords. He has been a first grade teacher and learning consultant at The Dalton School in New York City for the past ten years. Michael holds a Masters Degree in Education and is a certified reading specialist. Michael became involved with the project because he believes GazziliWords is a highly creative and innovative application that will help young children learn difficult concepts and words in a fun filled way.
Ethel Gittlin, Marketing Coordinator
Ethel Gittlin is not only a successful artist exhibiting her oils/photography in New York City, she's also responsible for product marketing, public relations and social media at GazziliWorld. As a dedicated mother and grandmother with an interest in business, culture and education, Ethel shares her insight and creative vision to help create GazziliWorld's fun, educational apps for children.
"My life has always been focused on my children. And, I’ve always realized the importance of their education. So when Adam, my son, created GazziliWorld, I felt it was a great opportunity to bring something truly innovative to preschoolers, enriching their early learning experience. I wanted to be a part of this creative family endeavor because it appeals to me on all levels: family (children/grandchildren), art, music, education and technology."
Gail Rosen, Marketing Coordinator
As a Technology Consultant and mother, Gail Rosen has long recognized the potential benefits of technology as an education tool. She now brings that perspective to her role as Marketing Coordinator at GazziliWorld where she handles product marketing and social media.
"I have long been involved in parent organizations throughout my children’s school district. I have organized and directed fundraisers within our schools to directly benefit my children and their educational programs. With that in mind, when my brother, Adam came to me with the idea for GazziliWords, I couldn’t resist participating in this unique opportunity for preschool children to advance their early learning with the newest technology."