Leading the Early Years for the Future Podcast

• S1E10 - Becky Carlzon: Leading Learning Communities

  How can we shift from traditional top-down leadership in education to a more distributed leadership model that fosters agency and collaboration among educators?If play is essential for learning and creativity, why do we largely remove it from the education system after early childhood? How can we reintroduce and sustain play throughout all levels of schooling?In this episode, host Amie Fabry is joined by the inspiring Becky Carlzon—educator, author, and founder of Learning Pioneers and Press Play. Becky shares her journey from classroom teaching to building international learning communities that foster curiosity, inquiry, and collaboration. She dives into the importance of distributed leadership, intentional time management, and creating educational environments that prioritize well-being, play, and lifelong learning. Whether you're an educator, leader, or change-maker, this conversation will leave you with fresh insights on how to drive meaningful transformation in education.Becky Carlzon is an educator, author, and community builder. She co-authored Powering Up Children and founded two international learning communities: Press Play and Learning Pioneers. These communities focus on fostering inquiry-based learning, play-based education, and collaborative professional development for educators worldwide. Becky is passionate about lifelong learning, prioritizing well-being, and promoting a distributed leadership model within education. Her work revolves around creating sustainable, engaging, and high-impact learning environments that empower educators and students alike.Connect with Becky Carlzon:LinkedIn: Becky CarlzonLearning Pioneers Community: learningpioneers.comPress Play Community: pressplaylearning.comStay Connected:Follow Amie Fabry on LinkedInSubscribe to Leading the Early Years for the Future for more insightful conversations!🎧 Tune in now and discover how to lead with purpose, creativity, and collaboration!Hire this host via [email protected]

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• S1E9 - Amy Chiu: Leading Through Devastation

  How do we, as educators and leaders, create space for collective grief while still moving forward with purpose?How can we redefine the idea of ‘school’ and ‘community’ beyond physical spaces?Amy Chiu is a dedicated early childhood educator, consultant, and advocate specializing in play-based, nature-based, and community-centered learning. Based in Los Angeles County, California, she has spent her career fostering environments where young children, families, and educators can thrive. Her leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that education extends beyond the classroom, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships, emotional well-being, and community support.In this powerful conversation, Amy shares her experience navigating one of the most challenging moments of her career—the aftermath of the LA County wildfires, which devastated her school and displaced many of the families she serves. She speaks candidly about the trauma, grief, and resilience that followed, detailing how she and her team worked tirelessly to reunite families, secure temporary learning spaces, and provide emotional support for both children and staff. Her reflections highlight the importance of community solidarity, compassionate leadership, and the healing power of human connection during times of crisis.Despite the immense challenges, Amy remains hopeful and committed to rebuilding—not just in a physical sense, but in strengthening the bonds that hold her community together. She shares how the children’s resilience, the unwavering support from families, and the kindness of strangers have reinforced her belief that education is about people, not buildings. Her story is a testament to the power of collective action, emotional honesty, and the enduring spirit of early childhood education.Connect with Amy ChiuLinkedIn: Amy Chiu MSEDWebsite: Amy Chiu WebsiteHire this host via [email protected]

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• 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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