Dr. Brandie Dillman (formerly Maness) is an educator, researcher, and behavior consultant with expertise in early childhood development, teacher training, and equity in education. She works as an instructional coach with South Carolina First Steps, supporting preschool teachers statewide in implementing high-quality, developmentally appropriate practices. She is also the founder of Root & Bloom Behavior Consulting, where she partners with educators and families to address challenging behavior through trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming strategies. Her research focuses on how systemic inequities, including prenatal drug exposure, affect young children’s behavior and learning. With over a decade of experience in the classroom and higher education, Dr. Dillman is committed to empowering educators with practical, evidence-based tools to create inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments.