Our Purpose

In the United States, the average 3-year-old spends 3-4 hours a day on screens: TV, videos, mobile apps, etc. This habit can lead to a loss of over 1,500 words spoken and heard every day in the home. Because of this, children aren't hearing and interacting with language in the same way as previous generations, and often start kindergarten with bigger gaps in important skills like phonological awareness and phonemic skills. Skills that are crucial for learning to read.

Our mission

Finnegan the Dragon is dedicated to creating curriculum, music, and products that address gaps in school and reading readiness.
Our solutions target the deficits caused by passive screen use with learning activities grounded in the science of pre-reading. Additionally, we offer parents alternative, active screen-based learning activities that focus on language development through music and song. By combining the science of reading with music and mobile gaming, we boost language development and improve communication in the home, adding up to 500 words for every 15 minutes of play!

Our vision

At Finnegan the Dragon, we envision a future where every child starts kindergarten with the essential skills for lifelong academic success. We are dedicated to empowering teachers, caregivers and parents with tools that support a child's overall brain development through engaging, play-based experiences. By harnessing the science of pre-reading, the power of music, and the wonder of play, we aim to transform the approach of early childhood teaching and learning. Our mission is to nurture a love for learning and foster vibrant language development for every child.

How It All Started

Meet Emily

Emily, the founder of Finnegan the Dragon, is a dedicated educator and advocate for early childhood education with over 20 years of experience in early literacy, speech, and language development. Before launching Finnegan the Dragon, Emily built a career as a special education teacher, mother of three, and professional musician. A graduate of Columbia University, her extensive experience and commitment to supporting children and families has always been at the heart of her work.

Meet our team

Emily Candiz

Chief Exective Officer

Tylor Neist

Chief Technology Officer

Jill Denbrook

Director of Curriculum

Nicholas Emerson

Sound Design Lead

Academic Advisors

Jessica Bullock, M.A., CCC-SLP,

Pre-K Speech and Language Content Specialist

Jennifer South, OT

Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Angela S. Lee, MS, PT

Pediatric Physical Therapist

Dr. Abigail Dudley, Ed.D

Academic Research Specialist

Dr. Jeffery Welch, Ed.D.

Research Lead

Advisory Board

Don Moody

Founder and CEO, Moody Studios

Keith Oelrich

CEO, Learning.com

Joey Jenkins

CEO, Vooks

Chris Longinetti

CFO Hood River County

Gary June

Former Chief Marketing Officer for Pearson Education

Sam Lowry

Associate Director of Development at ASU; W. P. Carey School of Business

Development Team:

Brian Saliba

Editorial Director

Aaron Bergeson

Assistant Sound Engineer

TinTash

Game Design and Development

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