Femida Handy is a professor of Environmental Studies, began using the term “ecological footprint” in the 1990s. She realized how easily the idea could be taught to children after making up stories for her own children using the idea of footprints on the beach. She is both a professor at York University and at the University of Pennsylvania.

Carole Carpenter established the world’s first Children’s Studies program in 2006 at York University in Toronto. The program aims to teach people how to listen to children, to learn from them and to work in their best interests. Carole continues as a professor and coordinator of the pioneering program in Toronto, where she makes her home.