About the centre
The Gold Centre brings world-class research, interdisciplinary training and community engagement together in one integrated model — moving knowledge into the lives of children who need it most.
Turning academic excellence into accessible support
It takes a village to help young children with neurodivergences and learning challenges thrive. The Gold Centre empowers families, educators and clinicians with advanced training and practical tools guided by the latest developments in psychoeducational research.
Dr. Victoria Talwar, Director
Victoria Talwar is the Director of the Daniel and Monica Gold Centre for Early Childhood Development and a leading expert in children’s social-cognitive and moral development from the earliest years onward. With over two decades of research experience, she has examined how children understand, interpret, and respond to social information in diverse contexts.
Dr. Sheryl Smith-Gilman, Associate Director
Graduate Program Director (Daniel and Monica Gold Certificate in Early Childhood Intervention)
Sheryl Smith-Gilman has dedicated many years to McGill's Department of Integrated Studies in Education (DISE), with a focus on enhancing teacher education. Her work addresses contemporary curriculum challenges and embraces diverse teaching methods and pedagogies. As a researcher, educator, and consultant, her efforts have concentrated on early childhood education, particularly in the realms of teaching and pedagogy. She is recognized as an authority on the Reggio Emilia approach in preschool settings.
Dr. Maija-Liisa Harju, Program Administrator
Graduate Program Coordinator (Daniel and Monica Gold Certificate in Early Childhood Intervention)
Maija-Liisa Harju is a multidisciplinary scholar, educator, and consultant specializing in children’s literature, identities, and education. She has contributed to critical research initiatives focused on children’s and teacher education, including the Walking Alongside project (reconciliatory practices in teacher education), and Architecture Playshop (climate education through the built environment) at McGill University.
Dr. Harju’s scholarship explores the transformative power of narrative and storytelling in shaping memory, identity, and emotional development. Her work highlights the pedagogical potential of story and play to help children engage with complex themes such as death and anxiety, intergenerational connections, and relationships with the natural world. In her role facilitating Gold Centre programs, Dr. Harju supports children, families, and educators, and will further explore the ways young children understand and story their experiences.
Our history
When it comes to identifying a learning difficulty, time is of the essence. The sooner a child receives the support they need, the more likely they are to succeed at school, and ultimately, in life. For many families in Quebec and beyond, it can be hard to get an assessment and timely support. The Gold Centre was established to address this urgent situation, with a gift of $3.75 million to the Faculty of Education from Daniel L. Gold, BCom’59, and Monica Gold, BCom’68.
