Leading the Early Years for the Future Podcast

• S1E8 - Emma Rattenbury: Unconditional Positive Regard

  What if we prioritized educator well-being as much as we do children’s development?How do our own personal experiences shape the way we lead and support others?In this insightful episode, Dr Amie Fabry welcomes the inspiring Emma Rattenbury, a dedicated early childhood educator, play therapist in training, and an advocate for neurodiverse-affirming learning environments. Emma shares her journey in early childhood education, her leadership philosophy, and the importance of fostering confidence and autonomy in educators. She also discusses the critical role of relationships, self-awareness, and creating a supportive culture for both children and teachers.Emma Rattenbury is an experienced early childhood educator, play therapist in training, and advocate for neurodiversity-affirming education. With 20 years in the sector, she has worked across teaching, curriculum leadership, and educator mentorship, focusing on inclusion, play-based learning, and professional confidence. Passionate about supporting educators, Emma emphasizes critical reflection, risk-taking, and relationship-based leadership to create thriving learning environments. As an AuDHD mum, she champions neurodiverse-affirming practices and is currently completing a Master’s in Play Therapy. A social media educator influencer with over 35,000 followers, Emma uses her platform to advocate for educator well-being, inclusion, and sector-wide change.Connect with Emma RattenburyInstagram: emma_in_earlychildhoodLinkedIn: Emma RattenburyFacebook: Emma in Early ChildhoodHire this host via [email protected]

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• S1E7 - Emma Gentle: Emotional Intelligence

  How might our own childhood experiences and limiting beliefs influence our interactions with children in educational settings? In what ways can we address and transform these influences to become more effective educators?Considering the challenges of burnout and the pursuit of perfectionism in education, what strategies can educators implement to protect their energy and maintain emotional well-being while fostering a supportive learning environment?In this episode, Dr. Amie Fabry engages in a compelling conversation with Emma Gentle, an Emotional Intelligence Coach, Education Consultant, and former Assistant Principal. Emma shares her journey from classroom teaching to coaching, emphasizing the transformative power of emotional intelligence in both personal and professional realms. She discusses the significance of self-awareness, co-regulation, and understanding one’s own upbringing in shaping interactions with children. Emma also delves into the challenges educators face, such as burnout and perfectionism, and offers insights into overcoming limiting beliefs and the importance of continuous self-reflection. The discussion highlights the profound impact that emotionally intelligent educators can have on future generations.Emma Gentle is an Emotional Intelligence Coach, Education Consultant, and former Assistant Principal with over 14 years of experience in the education sector. Beginning her career as a primary school teacher, Emma quickly advanced to leadership roles, including Assistant Principal, where she honed her skills in mentoring and coaching educators. Her passion for personal and professional development led her to become certified in various disciplines, including Emotional Intelligence assessments and Dare to Lead training. Emma’s work focuses on empowering educators and parents to develop self-awareness, regulate emotions, and create supportive environments for children. She is also a mother, bringing a personal perspective to her professional endeavors.Where to Find Emma Gentle • Facebook: Emma Gentle Coaching • Instagram: @em_gentle • LinkedIn: Emma Gentle • ClassCover Learn Course: Emotional Intelligence for Educators

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• S1E6 - Danica See: Doing Things Scared

  What implicit messages might we be sending to children when we focus primarily on compliance rather than their emotional well-being?How can educators and caregivers balance guiding children’s behavior while also honoring their emotional needs and autonomy?Dr. Amie Fabry engages in a compelling conversation with Danica See, an education consultant and mentor celebrated for her expertise in early childhood education, guiding children’s emotional development, and fostering holistic approaches to learning and behavior. With over 16 years of experience, Danica shares insights on the guidance based approaches to behaviour management, honoring children as whole beings, and her dedication to reshaping narratives around children’s emotional and behavioral development. Danica See is a highly experienced educator and consultant with a diverse background in early childhood education. Her career spans various roles, including assisting in early learning centers, classroom teaching children aged 3 to 7, supervising practicum placements for preservice teachers, lecturing and tutoring at the university level. Through her extensive career, Danica observed a significant gap in quality support and training for addressing children’s behavior and emotional needs, particularly in navigating their big feelings.As the founder of Little Bloom Consultancy, she has turned to dedicate transforming how early childhood educators approach behavior and emotional development, emphasizing children’s rights and contemporary behavior guidance. Rooted in neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and neuro-affirming practices, Danica advocates for equitable treatment of children and better support for educators in managing behavior and addressing children’s big feelings.Connect with Danica See• Website• LinkedIn• InstagramHire this host via [email protected]

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• S1E5 - Lili-Ann Kriegler: Building Resilience

  How can integrating play into early childhood education enhance children’s conceptual understanding and cognitive development?In what ways can educators support abstract, organized, relational, representational, and metaphorical thinking in young learners? In this episode, Dr. Amie Fabry engages in a compelling conversation with Lili-Ann Kriegler, a distinguished education consultant and author renowned for her expertise in early childhood education, educational leadership, and cognitive development. With over 30 years of experience, Lili-Ann shares her insights on the transformative power of play, the significance of early attachment and language development, and the evolving role of educators in fostering critical thinking skills in young learners.Lili-Ann Kriegler is a Melbourne-based education consultant and author with over three decades of experience spanning all educational levels, from early childhood to adult education. Her primary specializations include early childhood education (birth to nine years), educational leadership, and optimizing human cognition. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honors), a Higher Diploma in Education, and a Master’s in Education.Throughout her career, Lili-Ann has been a fervent advocate for the transformative power of education, emphasizing that learning is constructed through dialogue and social interaction. Her consultancy, Kriegler Education, focuses on customized professional learning design for preschool and junior primary leaders, educators, and curriculum coordinators.As an author, Lili-Ann has penned several influential works, including “Edu-Chameleon: 7 Dynamic Learning Zones to Enhance Children’s Concept-Based Understanding” and “Roots and Wings: A Parents’ Guide to Learning and Communicating with Children to Forge a Family with Mettle.” Her latest publication, “The Power of Play,” delves into the dynamic ways educators can engage with students to foster deeper understanding and cognitive development.Resources mentioned:• Kriegler Education• Edu-Chameleon: 7 Dynamic Learning Zones to Enhance Children’s Concept-Based Understanding• Roots and Wings: A Parents’ Guide to Learning and Communicating with Children to Forge a Family with Mettle• The Power of PlayConnect with Lili-Ann Kriegler• Website• LinkedIn• Amazon Author PageHire this host via [email protected]

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• S1E4 - Lael Stone: Leadership in Parenting and Education

  Are we unconsciously perpetuating cycles from our own upbringing that limit our ability to connect with and nurture the children in our lives?How can reimagining our relationship with emotions and mistakes transform not only our families but also our communities and future leaders?In this transformative episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, host Amie Fabry sits down with Lael Stone, a speaker, educator, and author with a profound mission: to reshape how we connect with ourselves and our children. From her groundbreaking work founding the Woodline Primary School to her advocacy for emotional awareness in parenting, Lael shares her journey of courage, creativity, and commitment to change.Lael Stone is an educator, TEDx speaker, author, mother, and parenting counsellor who has worked with families for over 20 years. Her experience spans roles as a birth educator, post-natal trauma counsellor, and parenting educator, consulting with thousands of families from newborns to teenagers. She dedicated over five years in secondary schools, focusing on teens’ sexuality, well-being, and relationships, aiming to empower parents to build stronger connections with their children.As the creator of Woodline Primary School, an innovative institution centered on emotional well-being and connection, Lael has significantly contributed to education. She co-hosted The Aware Parenting Podcast and is a sought-after public speaker, sharing her passion for fostering wellness in adults through connection and communication. Additionally, she serves on advisory boards and consults with organizations on emotional awareness and trauma-informed practices. In collaboration with The Resilience Project, she delivers presentations across Australia on raising resilient children.Lael’s first book, Raising Resilient and Compassionate Children, debuted on multiple best-seller lists. Her work has expanded into the corporate sector, addressing the impacts of imprints and trauma on relationships and personal potential. Her second book, focusing on healing past experiences to thrive in the future, is scheduled for release in May 2025.For more information about her work, visit: • laelstone.com.au • Facebook: @laelstone • Instagram: @laelstone • Woodline Primary School: woodlineprimary.com.au • About Birth: aboutbirth.com.auAdditional resources: • The Aware Parenting Podcast – over 2 million downloads • TEDx Talk: “How to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children” – over 3 million viewsThis episode isn’t just for educators or parents—it’s a call to action for anyone seeking to lead with empathy, embrace challenges, and build a more connected world.

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