Roots and Wings

Join host Melanie Little and Judy Gasinowski, director of Great Beginnings Learning School, for a deep dive into 42 years of early childhood wisdom. We discuss the benefits of small, independently owned centers, the value of a full-day food program for busy families, and essential advice for parents searching for elusive infant care. Discover why play remains the heart of learning and how a nurtur...

Join Melanie Little as she sits down with veteran kindergarten teachers Mrs. Butler and Mrs. Roberts to demystify kindergarten readiness. From bathroom independence and following "group plans" to the importance of phonological awareness and number sense, this episode covers the essential social, emotional, and academic skills your child needs for a successful transition. Discover why it’s okay to...

Discover how to rethink fitness for the whole family with Mark Cotreau and Spencer Vinton from Treehouse School of Fitness. Learn why "a little bit is enough" when balancing busy schedules with movement. This episode explores the four pillars of longevity—sleep, nutrition, stress management, and exercise—while previewing exciting new summer programs for elementary-aged children. Find out how to st...

Explore the powerful connection between higher education and early childhood learning. Dr. Sarah Goodale-O’Brien, Director of Educational Studies at Endicott College, joins us to discuss how aspiring teachers learn through internships at Fox Hill. We dive into the "experiential edge," the importance of play-based environments for building future-ready skills, and why preschool "work" is vital for...

Alex Morgan, M.A., is the Community Outreach Specialist at Boulder Journey School. Tip: "Shift your gaze; look for the meaning behind a child's action rather than just the behavior itself." Top Takeaways The Reggio approach is "child-partnered," engaging with children in their full humanity and curiosity. Documentation acts as a visual memory, allowing children to relive, reflect, and build on exp...

Does the thought of elementary math fill you with anxiety? You're not alone. Host Melanie Little talks with Title I math tutor Patti Sanders about overcoming "math person" myths.   Learn how to foster "number sense" through play, why the "Power of Yet" is essential for a growth mindset, and how everyday activities like board games and building blocks can turn math anxiety into confidence for your...

Melanie Little welcomes back Fox Hill alum Saina Ramsdell and her mother, Alicia Ramsdell, CEO of Mindful Career Paths. They explore Alicia’s journey in career coaching and her TED talk on professional fulfillment. They also share the inspiring story behind their collaborative children's books, The One and Only Incredible ME! and Cluck Pup Cashew. Learn how to encourage your child's creativity and...

Join Fox Hill alum Grace Sanders, a clinical dietitian, as she explains how to transform stressful family mealtimes into positive experiences. Learn about the “Division of Responsibility,” where parents provide the food and kids choose how much to eat. Discover why the “Clean Plate Club” is a thing of the past, how to use neutral language for all foods, and how to involve children in meal prep to...

Discover how to transform high-stress Disney or Universal vacations into joyful family memories. Guest Suzanne Sexton shares insider secrets for navigating parks with preschoolers, including finding quiet zones and avoiding scary ride segments. Learn why using a professional travel planner is 100% free and how they save you time and money by monitoring prices and handling logistics. This episode h...

Explore the transformative power of play with occupational therapist Teri Bowen-Irish. Discover why play is essential for brain development, specifically building the prefrontal cortex and executive functions like planning and initiation. Learn how different types of play—parallel, cooperative, and independent—shape social-emotional skills. We also discuss practical ways to integrate learning into...

Discover the transformative power of art with Paige Covello. This episode explores why all people are inherently creative and how to foster that spirit in preschoolers through exploration and play. Learn why the artistic process matters more than the final product and gain practical strategies for talking to your child about their creations in a way that builds confidence and pride.   Meet Our Gue...

Host Melanie Little welcomes The Grinch to discuss his chaotic holiday plans, including Thanksgiving dinner (roast beast!) and how he celebrates Christmas with the Whos. Discover his unique views on Santa, presents (live rhinos and gassy hippos), and his anxiety over decorating. Plus, learn about his busy schedule, including appearances at the Fox Hill School event and various Massachusetts tree l...

Discover the power of in-home therapy (Speech, OT, PT) with Coral Care. Lindy Myers explains why early intervention is critical—using the brain's neuroplasticity for rapid skill development. Learn how therapy is integrated directly into daily routines, like diaper changes, making progress feasible and quick for young children. Find out about the new partnership between Coral Care and Fox Hill Scho...

Discover the vital role of Early Intervention (EI) for children from birth to three. Pam Ferris of Aspire explains the comprehensive services offered, covering development areas like motor skills, communication, and social-emotional growth. Learn the benefits of early intervention for maximizing progress, identifying developmental milestones, and accessing various support options, including cost-f...

The transition to kindergarten brings big changes, including less parental visibility and a drastic shift from play-based to academic learning. Licensed clinical social worker Liz Faria discusses how parents can manage their own anxiety and help children build resilience. Learn about "anti-fragile" parenting, the crucial role of the "Four D's" (Discomfort, Distress, Disappointment, and mild Danger...

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Colleen Shea joins us to discuss how parents can navigate the back-to-school season safely. We cover managing common illnesses, understanding the role of fever in building immunity, essential hygiene practices like hand washing and cough etiquette, and knowing when to call a doctor. Learn key guidelines to keep children healthy as they transition back to group settings...

Host Melanie Little is interviewed by her daughter, Maddie, about the origin story of the Fox Hill School. Discover how Melanie transitioned from business school to founding a comprehensive childcare center, balancing her professional role with being a mother. Learn the goals of the Roots and Wings podcast: providing trusted guidance, expert insights, and resources for families on child developmen...

Join host Melanie Little as she introduces Fox Hill School teacher, Ms. Christina Hatch. Learn how Ms. Christina found the school when her daughter, Emma, was a preschool student in Danvers, transitioning from parent to dedicated teacher. Discover the powerful community established at Fox Hill and hear about Ms. Christina's latest project: organizing the school’s vast library of children’s literat...

This episode introduces Michele Sumner, lead teacher and architect of the Fox Hill School's kindergarten readiness program. Discover her 17-year journey from a parent to a pivotal educator, her "magic" in preparing children for success, and how life's unexpected turns and transitions, like her children leaving for college, shape new experiences. Explore the dedication behind creating an enriching...

Join us as we chat with Lauren Bosse, a Fox Hill School teacher and proud mom of two alumni. Lauren shares her diverse journey from a decade in social work and running a children’s consignment business to becoming an integral part of the school community. Discover how her unique background informs her teaching and parenting, plus a surprising fun fact about her alter ego, Dr. Beaker.   Meet Our Gu...

Join Melanie Little in a conversation with Erin Lundberg, a dedicated teacher and proud parent of three alumni from Fox Hill School. Discover Erin’s journey to Fox Hill, her unique perspective as both an educator and a parent, and how her diverse background in various preschool philosophies enriches the school's program. This episode offers insights into the vibrant Fox Hill community.   Meet Our...

In this episode of Roots and Wings, we introduce Emily Carter, a lead teacher and assistant director at Fox Hill School. Discover her inspiring 17-year journey from intern to assistant director, her unique perspective as both a teacher and parent, and her family's deep, multi-generational connection to the school. Learn how her diverse experiences contribute to making Fox Hill a valuable resource...