The Children’s Media Association is a passionate community of makers, thinkers, and innovators who believe that by learning and growing together, we strengthen ourselves, our community, and the media that we create for children and families.
Explore our upcoming events
Part 3 of 4: Show, Don’t Tell — Crafting the Perfect Portfolio A portfolio is more than a collection of work—it’s your chance to tell a story about your skills, impact, and creativity. In this session, former Netflix recruiter Sam Goff will guide you through building a portfolio that captures attention and demonstrates your value to hiring teams. You’ll learn how to showcase your work effectively, tailor it to different roles, and make every piece count.
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to:
SAM GOFF BIO–
Sam Goff is an independent Talent Manager working across animation, guiding writers, directors, story artists, and visual development artists as they build sustainable, creatively fulfilling careers.
Sam earned a B.A. in Animation from Loyola Marymount University’s top-ranked School of Film and Television before beginning her career in animation production at DreamWorks Animation. While there, she contributed to major feature and television projects including Spirit: Riding Free, Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, and The Bad Guys. She later joined Netflix’s then-new animation studio, moving into Outreach & Engagement. At Netflix, Sam launched the Foundations mentorship program supporting emerging BIPOC talent, helped lead the Early Career Trainee Program for storyboard and visual development artists, and created the Unlearning Series, an internal DEI initiative celebrating inclusive education and dialogue.
Sam eventually shifted from recruiting to artist management, joining Fourth Wall Management to learn the craft of guiding creative careers. After three years, she launched her own practice. Today, Sam combines the skills of a manager, reverse recruiter, career coach, producer, and sometimes therapist. Beyond her management work, Sam is an active mentor and educator in the animation community. She volunteers with organizations such as BRIC and Women in Animation, frequently speaks on making applications “recruiter friendly,” and teaches her DEI-focused animation course, Animated Perspectives, at Loyola Marymount University.
She lives in Los Angeles with her wife and their six beloved pets.
Join the Children’s Media Association for a fun conversation with Grammy Award winners FYÜTCH and his daughter Aura V as they explore the power of co-creation—making music with kids, not just for them. Together, they’ll share how collaboration across generations fuels authenticity, strengthens storytelling, and creates work that truly resonates with young audiences.
FYÜTCH Bio
Harold “Fyütch” Simmons II is a GRAMMY winning artist, songwriter, producer, and educator, known for his empowering songs for all-ages. Fyütch has contributed to award-winning albums, radio-charting songs, and original compositions for TV and family media. His work has been featured on The Today Show, Tamron Hall, CNN and The Nick Cannon Show.
Fyütch hosts the kids’ podcast Once Upon a Beat, “where Hip-Hop and fairytales meet.” His social justice curriculum is taught at schools nationwide. Fyütch and his 8-year-old daughter, Aura V, create music together and have performed at renowned venues like Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Strathmore. The pair also host their own podcast called The Family Frequency, interviewing musicians, authors, scientists, and more—about their journeys, and the creative process.
More at fyutch.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Spotify.
Aura V Bio
Aura V is an 8-year-old music artist and the youngest individually credited GRAMMY® Award winner in history, earning the honor for Best Children’s Album for Harmony, created alongside her father, Fyütch. She began making music at just four years old, with her first recorded appearance on “I Am Cool” – the outro of her father’s ‘Family Tree’ album. Since then, Aura V has been featured on nationwide television and performed venues across the country.
Join us for a St. Patrick’s Day craft adventure where little makers will create rainbows, design lucky shamrocks, build their very own leprechaun traps, and craft festive hats fit for tiny tricksters — and maybe even catch a bit of leprechaun mischief along the way.
Join the Children’s Media Association for a virtual conversation exploring The Power of Puppetry with Garrett Beltis (formerly Nickelodeon) and Master Puppeteer John Cody. This discussion will examine puppetry as a powerful storytelling and performance tool across television and digital platforms with insights into character development, performance technique, and the collaborative process behind bringing iconic characters to life.
Leave with a deeper understanding of puppetry as a powerful storytelling tool in children’s media, exploring how movement, voice, and performance create emotional connection and engagement.
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GARRETT BELTIS BIO
From a weekly, internationally broadcast talk show to more than 1.5 billion views and 6 billion minutes watched on YouTube, Garrett’s passion for bold, explosive storytelling has fueled a wide-ranging creative career. His puppet series SpongeBob’s Pineapple Playhouse began in a small Queens apartment and grew into a large-scale studio production, earning 350+ million views on YouTube and countless more across linear platforms. In addition to this breakout success, Garrett has produced an award-winning podcast and helped create the first original animated stories for Avatar: The Last Airbender in over a decade, working closely with franchise creators and studio partners.
Garrett currently serves as a Production Strategist and Operations Specialist at the industry-leading creative agency Dragonfruit, where he has helped elevate channels for creators such as MrBeast, Mike Posner, and others. He is also collaborating with other established creators to write, produce, and direct multiple original series slated to debut in 2026.
Beyond his professional work, Garrett is a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, a member of the Producers Guild of America, a mentor with the Children’s Media Association, and an ambassador for The Neurodiversity Alliance. In his spare time, he enjoys playing with his dogs, traveling with his husband, and developing original stories of his own.
JOHN CODY BIO
John Cody is a lifelong puppeteer, writer, and designer originally from Katonah, NY. After earning his BFA in Puppet Arts from the University of Connecticut, he has worked on “The Muppet Show”, “Sesame Street”, “Saturday Night Live”, “Rob Lake Magic with Special Guests the Muppets” on Broadway, “Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life” on HBO, “Pineapple Playhouse” on Nickelodeon, “Mr. Crocket” on Hulu, and much, much more.
You can see his work on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more @johncodystuff, or check out his website www.johncodystuff.com.
What happens when we put clinical wisdom and creative tech in the same room? We create magic for the children who need it most. This networking event and workshop is dedicated to the pioneers of children’s media who are ready to design for the full spectrum of human experience. We will explore the intersections of developmental milestones and digital engagement, focusing on how we can better support neurodiverse learners and children with disabilities. Join us to share insights, spark new ideas, and commit to building a more equitable, playful, and soulful digital future for all.
This is a no-host event open to members, non-members, and students. Attendance is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
About Katie Krcal
Katie Krcal OTR/L, is a pediatric Occupational Therapist who pivoted into Children’s Media to bridge the gap between child development and digital innovation. She focuses on supporting platforms that champion playful learning, parent education, and deeper connections for families. By blending her therapeutic background with a tech-forward lens, Katie is dedicated to building tools that make developmental support more accessible, engaging, and impactful.
Transportation and Parking
This event is easily accessible via BART (Downtown Berkeley station). Paid street and lot parking are also available in the surrounding area.
Think you’re a kids’ media whiz? Put your knowledge to the test on Wednesday, March 11th from 6:30 – 9 PM for CMA Trivia Night at the Chelsea Bell (316 8th Ave), featuring questions about all your favorite children’s media characters and franchises. Join us for a fun evening of friendly competition and mingling with other members, hosted by quizmasters Kerry Crowley & Jehan Madhani. Please get arrive promptly to start the game on time!
Kerry Crowley is an Emmy-nominated writer and producer based in Brooklyn, New York. She currently serves as a producer at Crayola Studios, overseeing creative development and production across new projects. Her credits include Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Blue’s Clues & You!, and City Island…though her proudest achievement to date remains serving as her high school’s trivia team captain.
Jehan Madhani is a South Asian–American writer and cartoonist for audiences big and small. Her first picture book, Eli and the Uncles, was published by Candlewick in 2024, and received the Lee & Low 2020 New Voices Honor. She was a fellow in the inaugural class of the Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room and as a TV writer, she has been Emmy-nominated for her work on Karma’s World on Netflix. Her work can be seen across a number of shows, including Deepa & Anoop, Lyla in the Loop, and Dee & Friends in Oz. She lives in Brooklyn with a family of unappreciative cats whom she repatriated from her parents’ Houston, Texas garage.
Join us for some great networking and light bites! RSVP for entry. Members FREE!
American Whiskey
247 W 30th St
New York, NY 10001
In this collaborative session, members of Children’s Media Association are invited to share something they’re developing or recently launched — whether it’s a new series, music project, educational initiative, puppet, digital channel, curriculum, or format.
This is a supportive space centered on encouragement, perspective, and connection.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
✨ Talk through what they’re exploring
✨ Share their creative direction (at whatever level feels comfortable)
✨ Receive thoughtful encouragement
✨ Connect with peers navigating similar stages
There’s no expectation to present details beyond what you choose to share. Come to share, reflect, or simply listen — and be inspired by the creativity unfolding across our community. Let’s support what’s in progress, together.
Part 4 of 4: From Application to Offer — Demystifying the Hiring Process and Industry Interview SkillsThe interview process can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect—and how to prepare—makes all the difference. In this final session of the series, former Netflix recruiter Sam Goff guides you through each step of the hiring journey, from application to offer, while sharing insider strategies to excel in interviews across industries.
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to:
By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with a clear roadmap, actionable strategies, and the confidence to tackle any interview—turning opportunities into real job offers.
SAM GOFF BIO–
Sam Goff is an independent Talent Manager working across animation, guiding writers, directors, story artists, and visual development artists as they build sustainable, creatively fulfilling careers.
Sam earned a B.A. in Animation from Loyola Marymount University’s top-ranked School of Film and Television before beginning her career in animation production at DreamWorks Animation. While there, she contributed to major feature and television projects including Spirit: Riding Free, Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, and The Bad Guys. She later joined Netflix’s then-new animation studio, moving into Outreach & Engagement. At Netflix, Sam launched the Foundations mentorship program supporting emerging BIPOC talent, helped lead the Early Career Trainee Program for storyboard and visual development artists, and created the Unlearning Series, an internal DEI initiative celebrating inclusive education and dialogue.
Sam eventually shifted from recruiting to artist management, joining Fourth Wall Management to learn the craft of guiding creative careers. After three years, she launched her own practice. Today, Sam combines the skills of a manager, reverse recruiter, career coach, producer, and sometimes therapist. Beyond her management work, Sam is an active mentor and educator in the animation community. She volunteers with organizations such as BRIC and Women in Animation, frequently speaks on making applications “recruiter friendly,” and teaches her DEI-focused animation course, Animated Perspectives, at Loyola Marymount University.
She lives in Los Angeles with her wife and their six beloved pets.
What separates a good idea from one that actually works? Strategy.
In this CMA Creator Lab session, Nick Reid breaks down the thinking behind creator ideas — from initial spark to final execution. Learn how creators develop concepts with purpose, align creativity with strategy, and make decisions that drive impact, not just attention.This is a behind-the-scenes look at how ideas are built, not just how they’re posted.
Perfect for creators, marketers, and anyone interested in the business and strategy behind creative work.
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NICK REID BIO
Nick Reid is a marketing and audience development executive with over 10 years of experience driving growth for global entertainment leaders. Having spearheaded digital-first strategies at Paramount and Nickelodeon, Nick has a proven track record of transforming iconic IP into digital powerhouses through high-impact audience acquisition and platform optimization.
A specialist in the YouTube ecosystem, Nick bridges the gap between creative vision and data-driven performance. He excels at navigating the complex digital landscape to build scalable connections with audiences, specifically within the kids and family
space. By aligning measurable data with storytelling, he ensures that every project achieves its maximum commercial and cultural potential.
Nick is dedicated to innovating audience growth strategies for the next generation of digital entertainment.
Do the (side) hustle! Working in children’s media but interested in pursuing a side hustle? Ready to tackle that passion project you’ve had on the back burner? Looking to bridge the gap between gigs with a new business venture? Join us to hear from a panel of industry experts who pack their plates with creative side projects in toy & game development, podcasts, academia, and the wine trade.
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm
Location: Borough of Manhattan Community College, 199 Chambers Street New York, NY 10007 [Room N452]
Featuring: Mercedes Brazier-Thurman, Joon Chung, Sara Farber, and Bob Mittenthal
Mercedes Brazier-Thurman
Mercedes Brazier-Thurman is a children’s television screenwriter, abolitionist educator, and devoted Vernor’s ginger ale enthusiast. A former classroom teacher, her writing explores the comedic curiosity and complex vulnerability of youth. She creates stories where kids embark on big adventures—and navigate even bigger feelings.Her work has been featured on Work It Out Wombats!, Alma’s Way, and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood on PBS KIDS. She is a 2022 GBH Kids Scriptwriting Fellow and a 2023 Fred Rogers Writers’ Neighborhood Fellow. In addition to her work in children’s media, Mercedes recently sold her romantic comedy feature.She holds a BFA in Film and Dramatic Writing from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and an MA in Educational Theatre from NYU Steinhardt’s School of Education. She currently teaches scriptwriting at The City University of New York.
Joon Chung
Joon Chung got his start in NYC performing standup and filming comedy sketches. After taking part in the Sesame Writers Fellowship, he has worked on several children’s series such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Bossy Bear, Cyberchase, and Arthur. He is currently a producer, writer, and social media lead at Mighty Picnic, which produces the PBS KIDS series Lyla in the Loop. He recently launched his parenting podcast, It’s a Parent, where he asks fellow parents how they were raised, who they are because of it, and what they plan to do with their own kids.
Sara is an Emmy-nominated writer and developer for kids’ entertainment, working across animated series, podcasts, and consumer products. She’s been a story editor and writer on shows including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wonderoos, Charlie’s Colorforms City, and Skillsville. Sara also invents toys and games with her husband via their company, Galactic Sneeze, with more than 20 products on store shelves — from the Tickle Pup plush to the Floats McGoats strategy game to a Curb Your Enthusiasm party game (it’s pretty, pretty, pretty good!). With an MA in Human Development and a background in improv, her work blends heart, humor, and a playful spirit.
Bob Mittenthal
Bob Mittenthal is an Emmy Award-winning writer, producer and creator whose credits include everything from the iconic game show, Double Dare, to the critically acclaimed, eclectic animated series Kablam!. Before the children’s TV industry went into hibernation, he was the showrunner of the animated series Bossy Bear for Nickelodeon. Since then, he has devoted his time to working in the wine trade as a salesman, consultant and blogger.
What happens when books disappear from shelves? What do kids lose — and what can they gain when stories fight back?
Join Linda Ravin Lodding for a discussion about book banning, creative courage, and her new picture book It Started with a Book Ban (out April 9, 2026). We’ll also explore Linda’s reflections on transforming headlines into hope — turning real-world concerns into picture book possibilities that empower young readers.
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LINDA RAVIN LODDING BIO
Linda Ravin Lodding is an award-winning author of picture books that blend heart, humor, and a dash of whimsy. She loves writing read-alouds with kindness, curiosity, and playful surprises—stories that make children laugh, wonder, and feel seen.
Her books include The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister (Flashlight Press), A Gift for Mama (Knopf), The Queen Is Coming to Tea (Sourcebooks), Painting Pepette (Little Bee), Wakey, Wakey Elephant (Union Square Kids), Little Red Riding Sheep (Atheneum), Flipflopi: How a Colourful Boat Made from Flipflops Is Saving the Oceans (Beaming Books, 2023), and Babies Are Not Bears (Reycraft). Her next book, It Started with a Book Ban, will be published with Albert Whitman on April 9, 2026.
A New Yorker at heart, Linda studied at Barnard College and NYU’s Stern School of Business, and now lives in Stockholm, where she also serves as Head of Communications for a children’s rights organization founded by the Swedish Royal Family.
In addition to writing, Linda is a writing coach and editor who has helped nearly 100 children’s book authors refine their voice and strengthen their stories.
Website: www.lindalodding.com
Instagram: @lindaravinlodding_author
Animated Perspectives: Advancing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Animation Industry
Join us for an insightful conversation on bringing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices to the animation industry. Led by former Netflix recruiter now Talent Manager Sam Goff, this session will explore how the stories, characters, and worlds we create for children can shape their understanding of the world—and inspire empathy, curiosity, and inclusion from an early age.
Learn actionable strategies, industry insights, and real-world examples to help studios, creators, and teams craft content that not only entertains but also positively influences young minds. Whether you’re an animator, producer, or industry enthusiast, this conversation will equip you to lead change both on-screen and behind the scenes.
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SAM GOFF BIO
Sam Goff is an independent Talent Manager working across animation, guiding writers, directors, story artists, and
visual development artists as they build sustainable, creatively fulfilling careers.
Sam earned a B.A. in Animation from Loyola Marymount University’s top-ranked School of Film and Television before beginning her career in animation production at DreamWorks Animation. While there, she contributed to major feature and television projects including Spirit: Riding Free, Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, and The Bad Guys. She later joined Netflix’s then-new animation studio, moving into Outreach & Engagement. At Netflix, Sam launched the Foundations mentorship program supporting emerging BIPOC talent, helped lead the Early Career Trainee Program for storyboard and visual development artists, and created the Unlearning Series, an internal DEI initiative celebrating inclusive education and dialogue.
Sam eventually shifted from recruiting to artist management, joining Fourth Wall Management to learn the craft of guiding creative careers. After three years, she launched her own practice. Today, Sam combines the skills of a manager, reverse recruiter, career coach, producer, and sometimes therapist. Beyond her management work, Sam is an active mentor and educator in the animation community. She volunteers with organizations such as BRIC and Women in Animation, frequently speaks on making applications “recruiter friendly,” and teaches her DEI-focused animation course, Animated Perspectives, at Loyola Marymount University.
She lives in Los Angeles with her wife and their six beloved pets.
Lil Bohdi & Me: Mindful Minis Yoga with Alex Reed is a playful yoga adventure for little movers and their grown-ups! Expect lots of stretching, wiggling, breathing, and giggling as kids explore yoga through music, imagination, and fun poses.Together, we’ll move our bodies, calm our minds (just a little 😉), and practice mindfulness in a way that feels exciting and accessible for kids.
This joyful, interactive class is all about connection, creativity, and making mindful memories—no yoga experience needed.Come ready to move, laugh, and flow together 🌈🧘♀️
Collectively, individually and across kids media we seek to inspire industry excellence through virtual Panels, in-person Events, Workshops, Mentorship, and Research & Insights Reports. We understand the privilege and the responsibility we share as the creative community shaping the minds and hearts of our children … and thereby, our future.
The Children’s Media Association is a nonprofit organization connecting the dots across all media verticals. With chapters in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and virtual members around the world, we are building the future of the kids and family media industry.
A huge thank you to our corporate sponsors
We are a 100% volunteer-run. Your generous donations fund all that we do to inform, inspire, and connect those working across the kids and family media landscape.
Emmy winner @joyngiaw! 🏆 Taking home Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for an Animated Program for WondLa—a beautiful reminder of how powerful music is in shaping animated worlds. #TheEmmys #CAFE2026
CMA NY’s Manager of Networking Events is an Emmy nominee—you heard that right! We couldn`t be more excited to celebrate Reilly Buckley tonight! 🎉 #TheEmmys #CAFE2026
@msrachelforlittles celebrated TWO nominations yesterday!! From YouTube to the Emmys, Rachel and @aronaccurso are changing the preschool game in the most joyful way, and we’re so here for it✨ #TheEmmys #CAFE2026
@bauzilla is bringing Looney energy to the red carpet! The Emmy nominated voice of Daffy Duck (and The Do-Do) in Daffy in Wackyland is here with us! 🎬 #TheEmmys #CAFE2026
Emmy winner alert! 🚨@shridharsolanki and @Matthewtishler take home Outstanding Original Song for a Preschool Program for “Grow Your World” from Rise Up, Sing Out. We loved catching up with them on the carpet earlier tonight!🎼✨ #TheEmmys #CAFE2026
2026 Children’s & Family Silver Circle inductee. Emmy nominee tonight. CMA Founder and Board Member. Amy Friedman joined us on the red carpet earlier, and we absolutely love watching her leadership in kids media continue to shine!🌟 #TheEmmys #CAFE2026
We were honored to be with Sesame Street’s resident fairy-in-training, Abby Cadabby, and the Children’s & Family Emmy–nominated puppetry performer behind her tonight! Thank you, @lollylardpop , for bringing so much magic to kids everywhere🪄 #TheEmmys #CAFE2026
And the Children’s & Family Emmy goes to @iamtabithabrown ! 🏆 Winner for Outstanding Children’s Personality tonight — spreading joy, heart, authenticity, and reminding us to take care of ourselves before caring for others💛 #TheEmmys #CAFE2026
CMA is live on the red carpet! 🎤 @Carlyciarrocchi is bringing you straight to the @theemmys.tv right now with plenty of fun interviews and joyful moments ahead. Stay tuned!🍿✨
Calling all SpongeBob fans! 🍍
Join us on Saturday, March 7th from 5-6PM PST for a virtual conversation exploring The Power of Puppetry with Nickelodean Alumni @garrett.mov and Master Puppeteer @johncodystuff. Learn tips and tricks from these industry professionals and leave with a deeper understanding of puppetry as a powerful storytelling tool in children’s media, exploring how movement, voice, and performance create emotional connection and engagement.
Link in our bio ▶️ Programming ▶️ Events
#cmaevents #cmacommunity #childrensmediaassociation #puppetry #puppets #childrensmedia #spongebobsquarepants
What happens when we put clinical wisdom and creative tech in the same room?
Magic. 🪄
This networking event and workshop is dedicated to the pioneers of children`s media who are ready to design for the full spectrum of human experience. With help from pediatric Occupational Therapist Katie Krcal, we will explore the intersections of developmental milestones and digital engagement, focusing on how we can better support neurodiverse learners and children with disabilities.
Join us to share insights, spark new ideas, and commit to building a more equitable, playful, and soulful digital future for all.
📆 ⏰ Tuesday Mar 10, 2026 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
📍Study Hall Rooftop Lounge
This event is open to EVERYBODY. Attendance is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Link in our bio ▶️ Programming ▶️ Events
CMA is excited to announce that we’ll be joining the red carpet at the @theemmys.tv on March 2nd!🏆
@Carlyciarrocchi will be on camera throughout the evening, interviewing guests and highlighting the remarkable talent that’s shaping kids and family content everywhere. So If you’re walking the red carpet, we’d love to see you!
And congratulations to the CMA community members whose work is being honored. We’re proud to celebrate the creativity, innovation, and impact you continue to bring.
From all of us at CMA,
Keep up the amazing work and keep reaching for the stars!🌟
