Gail T. Gillon, PhD, is Professor and Director of the Child Well-being Research Institute at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. A native New Zealander with academic qualifications in speech-language therapy, teaching, and education, her research has focused on understanding the relationship between children's spoken and written language development. In particular, Dr. Gillon is well known internationally for her research and publications on the importance of phonological awareness to early reading success, particularly for young children at risk for literacy difficulties. She is a Life Member of the New Zealand Speech-Language Therapy Association and a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Dr. Gillon is also a three-time recipient of ASHA Editor's Awards for research articles of highest merit. Dr. Gillon is currently Co-Director of a 10-year National Science Research Challenge called "A Better Start," which includes a focus on ensuring early learning and literacy success for all New Zealand children.