The Heartfelt Way

Rhonda shares what to look for—and what to feel for—when choosing infant care that’s right for your family. Choosing care for your infant is one of the most personal decisions you’ll make as a parent. In this episode, Rhonda Meyers draws on 35 years in early childhood education—and her own experience as a new mom and now a grandmother—to walk through what families should look for when touring an i...

Learn how children build confidence through independence, risk and real experiences with Morgan Chartier. It’s natural to want to shield our children from risk.  But that’s where growth happens. In this episode, I sit down with Morgan Chartier to talk about the tension so many parents and educators feel between keeping children safe and allowing them to grow. We explore how independence, risk and...

What happens when we truly see people? This episode explores belonging, inclusion, and the power of being known with Jessica Loxley-Smith. Amazing things happen when we truly see people — when we believe in them first instead focusing on their limitations. In this episode, Rhonda Meyers sits down with Jessica Loxley-Smith, a cook assistant and classroom aide at Heartfelt Impressions, whose story i...

How educators can recognize triggers, respond with intention, and stay grounded during challenging behavior. Challenging behavior doesn’t just test strategies. It tests us.  Rhonda Meyers and Beth Pierson-Ringer, a HighScope curriculum expert and ECE Subhub co-owner, explore the deeply human side of teaching—what happens when a child’s behavior pushes you to your limit. Even experienced educators...

Simple, playful activities that build fine motor skills—and confidence—in young children. Sometimes the most powerful learning starts with the simplest moments. In this episode, Rhonda Meyers reflects on the everyday realities of parenting and teaching and how small, creative moments can make a lasting difference in a child’s development. From a simple shaving cream “mom hack” to hands-on classroo...

Rhonda reflects on impact, resilience and the lasting influence of her friend, Dr. Crystal Sanford-Brown. Sometimes the moments that shape us most are the ones we don’t fully recognize until years later. In this episode, Rhonda Meyers reflects on the ripple effect of influence in early childhood education. Fresh from the energy of the Michigan AEYC conference, she shares how simple moments—a hallw...

Outdoor play helps children build confidence, empathy, and resilience. Learn about outdoor exploration and risk with Arianne Condrick-Bettazzi. When we give children space to dig, build, test, and imagine outdoors, we're not just letting them play.  We're building thinkers, risk-takers and confident learners. In this episode, Arianne Condrick-Bettazzi shares how creating thoughtful outdoor spaces...

Learn how to create a classroom culture of kindness and empathy with Brooke Lewandowski. Kindness and empathy are built through repetition, patience and connection.  Brooke Lewandowski, Lead Teacher and Team Lead at Heartfelt Impressions, joins Rhonda Meyers to talk about the tools and humanity needed to nurture empathy in the classroom. Brooke shares that one of the most rewarding aspects of her...

Learn practical steps to help children navigate conflict resolution with Beth Pierson-Ringer. Conflict is common in early education classrooms.  For many children, the classroom is their first experience of being part of a community and learning to share — and sometimes, emotions run high.  In this episode, Beth Pierson-Ringer, a HighScope curriculum expert and ECE Subhub co-owner, joins Rhonda Me...

Explore how simple family traditions create belonging, safety and connection with Mary Jo Cloutier. Often, the simple moments matter most. In this episode, Mary Jo Cloutier, longtime lead Great Start Readiness Program teacher at Heartfelt Impressions, joins host Rhonda Meyers to reflect on how family traditions shape children’s sense of belonging. Mary Jo shares memories of growing up in a busy ho...

Hear hard-won lessons on post-pandemic leadership, accountability and how courage and values shape healthy teams with Beth Cannon. Leadership is messy. Courage, compassion and accountability collide. In this episode, Beth Cannon, Stretch-n-Grow in Greater Dallas-Fort Worth’s CEO and owner, joins host Rhonda Meyers to discuss leading through change. They reflect on how the pandemic reshaped leaders...

Rhonda Meyers reflects on professional development, humility in leadership and why learning together builds stronger educators. Intentional professional development is the foundation for growth and connection. In this episode of The Heartfelt Way, host Rhonda Meyers turns the reflection inward, sharing lessons learned on her professional journey.  She reflects on her early days as a director, when...

Learn what kindergarten readiness looks like and how social-emotional skills prepare children to thrive with Denise Palmer. What does it really mean to be ready for kindergarten? In this episode of The Heartfelt Way, Denise Palmer, an experienced pre-K teacher in Heartfelt Impressions’ Great Start Readiness Program, joins host Rhonda Meyers to reframe one of the most common worries families face:...

Discover how hands-on, relationship-centered professional learning builds confident educators and thriving classrooms with Brittany Kay. What if professional learning felt as meaningful and engaging as the learning we hope to create for children? In this episode of The Heartfelt Way, host Rhonda Meyers is joined by Brittany Kay, Director of Program Quality at Heartfelt Impressions, for a thoughtfu...

Learn how to build trust and be prepared to guide children through self-soothing and potty training with Sam Squibb. In this episode of The Heartfelt Way, Sam Squibb, a Heartfelt preschool teacher and mom, joins host Rhonda Meyers to share insights into self-soothing and potty training. Sam stresses that these important developmental milestones are opportunities to help children build trust and co...

Explore how family-style meals help children build independence, confidence and community with Robin Watts. In this episode of The Heartfelt Way, Robin Watts, Heartfelt Impressions’ Director of Food Service, joins host Rhonda Meyers for a thoughtful conversation about the power of family-style dining. Robin reflects on her own childhood memories of screen-free family meals and the pride she felt c...

Discover how messy play supports learning, confidence and joy in early childhood. Messy play is more than chaos. It’s curiosity and confidence in action. In this episode of The Heartfelt Way, Bev Marchi, a longtime early childhood educator, joins host Rhonda Meyers to explore the power of sensory-rich play. Bev shares how hands-on experiences help children learn and collaborate—and find joy in the...

Learn how consistent, intentional goodbyes can ease separation anxiety with Elsa Jacobsen and Rhonda Meyers. Goodbyes matter more than we often realize. In this episode of The Heartfelt Way, host Rhonda Meyers is joined by Elsa Jacobsen, a seasoned early childhood educator and working mom of two, for a deeply personal conversation about separation anxiety. Together, they unpack the emotions behind...

The Heartfelt Way invites you inside the real world of early childhood education—messy play, big feelings, family meals, and all. Hosted by educator and leader Rhonda Meyers, each episode shares stories and insights from the classrooms of Heartfelt Impressions Learning Centers. It’s a warm, inspiring space for parents and educators to nurture, inspire, and support one another—because that’s what i...