Valerie Walsh Valdes Biography

Fast Facts

• She earned a master's degree in film and dramatic writing and a master's degree in education from New York University
• Quote: "We go out and test every story in preschools and day care centers․ We get to know kids at different levels․ We are really mindful of what they want and like․ We really do listen to kids․"
• Quote: "[My daughter] wants me to tell her Dora stories every night․ She's bilingual․ And she's so proud to speak Spanish․"
• Quote: "(On limiting kids' TV time while letting them choose their shows) "It's really important for parents to give kids some choice․ When you give kids a choice, they feel as if they have a little bit of power and control over their own life․""
• Quote: "There's something about the connection that preschoolers have with Dora․ They really do believe that Dora is their friend․ It's very genuine and sincere and earnest․"
• She has produced numerous short films, directed theatre and independent features, and written several screenplays
• The two animated series she is best known for co-creating and executive producing are Nick Jr․'s "Go, Diego, Go!" and Nickelodeon's "Dora the Explorer․"