About
Mission & Our Story
At Bridges To Play, our mission is to support children of all abilities, especially neurodivergent children, through bilingual (English/Spanish) adapted books designed to encourage learning through play. Our materials nurture literacy, language, communication, social-emotional development, sensory exploration, and independent learning by offering accessible, multisensory experiences that meet children where they are.
We believe that every child learns in their own way, which is why our adapted books rely on vivid visuals, real language, repetition, and hands-on engagement to create meaningful, play-based learning moments. Designed for autistic, ADHD, and sensory-sensitive learners, our approach is inclusive. Children of all neurotypes benefit from thoughtful design that honors their strengths and supports their development.
Founded by three experienced special educators with backgrounds in speech, ABA, and early childhood education, Bridges To Play was created to fill a gap. There is a significant lack of educational materials designed to meet the unique learning needs of neurodivergent children. Too often, existing resources, even well-loved options like busy books, are not built with literacy, language, or sensory diversity in mind. They might keep little hands moving, but busy isn’t the same as being engaged. It doesn’t always lead to deeper learning, meaningful connections, or support how neurodivergent minds explore and understand the world.
Our bilingual adapted books combine developmental supports with high-contrast graphics, meaningful vocabulary, and structured repetition to help children build language and make meaningful connections.
The Team
Meet Vanessa, Co-Founder
Hi! I’m Vanessa, a passionate special education teacher with over 25 years of experience supporting the growth and development of children of all abilities. I strongly believe in Intentional learning through play, a child-centered approach that fosters creativity, connection, and meaningful learning experiences.
I’m also a creative at heart and truly enjoy designing resources for my students that support, engage, and enhance their learning in authentic ways. As a step-parent to a neurodivergent child, I bring both professional knowledge and personal insight to my work, continuously advocating for inclusive practices that celebrate and honor each child’s unique strengths and potential.
Meet Debbie, Co-Founder
Hi, I’m Debbie. I’m a bilingual (English/Spanish) speech teacher and special educator with 27 years of experience supporting children with disabilities from birth to age 5. I believe play is at the heart of learning; it’s how children grow, explore, and connect. I’m dedicated to helping children build communication skills, independence, and confidence through play while working closely with families to celebrate each child’s unique potential. Beyond my work, spending time with my family is my favorite way to recharge.
Meet Magda, Co-Founder
Hi, I’m Magda. I have a bachelor’s degree in speech and dual master’s degrees in Early Childhood Special Education and General Education, along with a bilingual extension. With over 27 years of experience and a strong ABA background, I’ve seen a lot, but I truly believe that play is the most powerful way children learn. I’m also a proud mom of two amazing boys, one neurodivergent and one neurotypical. I’ve walked the path as both a parent and a teacher of neurodivergent children, and I know firsthand how challenging and beautiful that journey can be. I’ve spent years advocating in both roles, and I deeply admire the strength, resilience, and love that families bring to the table every single day. It’s my passion to support, empower, and celebrate them through everything I do.
Meet Briggs, B2P’s mascot and reading buddy!
Meet Briggs, our joyful reading buddy and the heart of our mission! Briggs isn’t just any dinosaur. He represents the power of inclusion, imagination, and learning without limits. With resilience, individuality, and determination, Briggs shows that being unique is something to celebrate. He reminds us that books belong to everyone and that there’s no single way to experience their magic. Briggs also reminds us that books can be explored in many ways, by touching, moving, matching, or discovering, and that every child deserves a way to connect and learn. Fun, fearless, and full of heart, Briggs inspires curiosity, connection, and confidence in learners of all ages and abilities.