Growing up on a Vermont dairy farm shaped Ashley Bessette's passion for early childhood education and lifelong learning. In this episode, Ashley shares her journey from the classroom to becoming Addison County's Universal Pre-K Coordinator, the importance of supporting children through key transitions, and why strong connections between families, educators, and schools matter. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, community, and helping every child thrive

Erika chats with Erin and reflects on her journey from a demanding corporate career to building a more balanced and meaningful life centered around family, community, and helping organizations thrive. Inspired by her experiences as a working parent, Erika shares insights on leadership, optimism, and the importance of leading with both heart and purpose.

Ellen Drolette, former family child care business owner for 30 years turned author upon retiring. In this conversation, Ellen shares her journey from running a family child care program to now supporting early educators in new ways after retirement. Through her work with Positive Spin and Seed and Sew, she focuses on building growth mindsets and strength-based practices for children, families, and educators. Naturally, stick around for deep questions involving business advice, alternate realities, and some word association.

Erin has an insightful conversation with co-founder and former CEO of Global Z International, a data management company providing data quality assessment and improvement for business clients of all sizes. Passionate about his southwestern Vermont community, things come full circle when you hear about Dimitri's origin story and how it relates to child care. With numerous ventures related to small businesses under his belt, enjoy what Dimitri has to say about his life experiences and the importance of community involvement-and once again two data guru’s geeking out on data is something you don’t want to miss.

Join Tess and Erin from FCF VT to get all the latest from the ECE world in Vermont, what's happening with the team, reflections on the month of July and looking ahead to August and the fall. Of course, there is always rapid fire and fun, so come along for the ride!

Erika Hoffman-Kiess, current executive director of the Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation delves into conversation with your host, Erin, about origin stories, best business advice, housing challenges, the systems that support children and the symbolism of the bald eagle for Hoffman-Kiess. Insightful, honest, and another great time. Tune in now for this wonderful conversation.

A jack of all trades, this episode features Chance, a theatre-guru, mountain-dreaming, youth mentor who is as comfortable backstage as he is outdoors. From running a childhood backyard theatre camp to supporting students on the autism spectrum, Chance shares thoughtful insights about meeting people where they are and celebrating how everyone learns differently.

This episode, we are pleased to introduce Jeff O’Hara, who has a dedicated career in education, has entrepreneurial roots from starting the Homestead Schools, Part 2 Afterschool Programs and similar to our host Erin, is launching his child into adulthood. Tune in to hear more about Jeff’s connection to early childhood education, reflections on career trajectory and the importance of finding the joy and always reminding yourself to laugh.