More Than a Classroom: The Paths to Early Childhood

The Story You Tell Yourself Can Change

Growth can begin with one honest conversation. Listen to Alissa’s story about confidence, resilience and choosing to believe in yourself. If life does anything, it throws curveballs. This episode is about the growth that comes from recognizing and honoring your needs, especially when life gets messy. Heartfelt director Alissa Russell joins Rhonda to speak about her hard-won success story.  In her early 20’s Alissa was looking for a school for her daughter when she found Heartfelt. She started working there shortly after, and though she had command of the classroom, parents repeatedly expressed concern. She realized that the belief that no one cared what she had to say kept her from connecting with parents. Fast forward a few years, and life hit hard again. Alissa knew she couldn’t move forward alone. She needed support. [00:31:36] “I knew what I needed, but I wasn't ready. I couldn't take the step myself. I needed somebody to help me take that step.” Rhonda and Alissa share how coaching, therapy, mentorship and small daily commitments helped her confidence grow. She’s found exercise is essential to her physical and mental wellbeing. [00:36:08] “You don't have to start off with a marathon. You can start off with a five-minute walk.” Growth begins the moment you choose to believe a new story about yourself. Mentioned in this Episode: Ep. 27 More Than a Classroom: The Paths to Early Childhood [https://pod.link/1858704384/episode/ZGMzMWI4NWUtNjliNS0xMWYxLTljY2QtMzc0ZWQ4MjkyNjNm]

15 Years Later: What Gratitude Built

As Heartfelt celebrates 15 years, Rhonda reflects on gratitude, resilience and the people who made the journey possible. As Heartfelt Impressions celebrates 15 years in business, Rhonda Meyers takes a moment to reflect on the people, relationships and lessons that have shaped its journey. Rhonda challenges the idea that successful organizations are built by a single person. Instead, she honors the teachers, families, leaders, support staff and the children who have been essential to creating the community of trust and belonging that defines Heartfelt. [00:13:45] “People want to matter. Children, parents, teachers, leaders, every single person wants to know they make a difference . . . so we make space and time in our busy lives to make sure people know they matter.” As she reflects on the difficult seasons, Rhonda shares that gratitude makes going forward possible. [00:22:50] “Gratitude isn't something we do after we arrive. It is literally how we keep going. It's how we stay grounded when things are hard. It's how we remember what truly matters: people.” Listen for more of Rhonda’s wisdom on resilience, leadership and how the real circumstances of our life help us become who we are meant to be.

More Than a Classroom: The Paths to Early Childhood

Careers in childhood go far beyond the classroom. Listen to learn about early childhood career paths, mentorship, and shaping a meaningful life. When most people think about a career in early childhood, they picture a classroom.  That’s only the tip of the iceberg. In this episode, Rhonda Meyers sits down with longtime friend and educator Betsy Spiker to explore the many directions a career in early childhood can take. Over four decades, Betsy has served as a kindergarten teacher, accreditation specialist, college instructor, coach and high school career and technical education teacher.  [00:35:12] “All of the principles that I know to be true about early childhood—building a community, connection before correction, setting the tone, making them feel seen and heard—I apply to the high school classroom.” Along the way, she has discovered that meaningful careers are built through relationships, curiosity and a willingness to ask for opportunities. Betsy speaks about the value of mentorship, professional organizations, career setbacks and the courage to keep moving forward when plans change. [00:43:57] “Whatever you're gonna do, do it because it fills you up.” Whether you're just beginning your career or wondering what comes next, this episode is a reminder that the most meaningful opportunities often start with a conversation.

School’s Out: Three Tips for Summer Sanity

Learn how to maintain balance and work toward kindergarten-readiness this summer with Mary Jo Cloutier. Everything seems to happen during the last month of school. After all of the field days, performances and graduations, this time of year can feel more like drowning than thriving. Mary Jo Cloutier joins Rhonda for another episode to share three ways to bring more sanity to summer and help your child get ready for kindergarten. 1. Create a predictable routine together Children thrive on predictability. Mary Jo recommends creating a visual schedule children can refer to throughout the day. It helps them develop a sense of time and build the executive functioning skills needed to plan ahead. [00:14:25] Rhonda: “Children need to know they are capable." Routines also give children the opportunity to be leaders. It’s amazing to see them take charge when they know what’s coming next. 2. Practice fine motor skills No extra materials needed! Mary Jo and Rhonda share at-home activities to try. The important thing is to think about how to help the child use their whole body. Mary Jo points out that an important part of growing in fine motor skills is growing in patience, both for children and parents. [00:15:25] Mary Jo: “We live in a microwave society. . . . We’re so used to everything being instant.” 3. Enjoy books together This is a big one: Go to the library. Utilize the kid-friendly space, activities and programs. Mary Jo and Rhonda also recommend putting books in every room of your house and share practical tips for helping your child begin to fall in love with reading. Summer is a chance to take a breath and remember that you are exactly who your child needs.

More Than Maintenance: The Impact You Don’t Always See

Children are shaped by every relationship. Learn how each adult has the power to help children feel valued, noticed and safe with Ryan Tedesco. When we think about the adults who shape children, we often picture family members and teachers.  But children are paying attention to everyone.  They notice who smiles at them. Who remembers their name. Who waves goodbye. And who makes them feel safe. In this episode, Rhonda Meyers sits down with Ryan Tedesco, a member of Heartfelt’s maintenance team and transportation staff, to explore the impact of the relationships children build with the adults they encounter every day. Drawing from his experiences as a bus driver and volunteer firefighter, Ryan shares that trust forms through noticing — things, people, conversations — consistently. [00:15:22] “One of the greatest privileges that I've ever had is when a parent says, ‘I trust you with my child.’ There's no greater gift to me than that.” Whether he is helping a child buckle a seatbelt for the first time, asking about a treasured toy or listening after a difficult day at school, Ryan dedicates space for children’s needs and curiosity. For others to feel seen, you have to slow down. [00:21:44] “Never pass up the opportunity when a child comes up to you and wants to know about something. Never pass that up. Your day is never too busy for a child. It never, ever is.” Children remind us that every relationship matters, every interaction, and every person.  And when a child grows up surrounded by adults who care, those moments become a part of who they are. And that's a real privilege.