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The Heartfelt Way

The Heartfelt Way

By: Rhonda Meyers
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 The Heartfelt Way opens the door to what quality early childhood education really looks like: messy play, big feelings, family-style meals, and all. Hosted by educator and leader Rhonda Meyers, each episode pulls back the curtain on the everyday moments that shape confident, curious kids and compassionate communities. You’ll hear stories from teachers, reflections from parents, and real-life insights from the classrooms of Heartfelt Impressions Learning Centers. It’s a place for parents, caregivers, and educators to laugh, learn, and see the magic in the small stuff—because raising and teaching children is joyful, unpredictable, and deeply meaningful work. Whether you’re dropping off your baby for the first time or leading a classroom full of preschoolers, this podcast is a gentle reminder that you’re not alone. Together, we’ll nurture, inspire, and support one another—because that’s what it means to live the Heartfelt Way.
Episodes
  • The Power of Professional Learning Opportunities To Impact Children’s Learning

    The Power of Professional Learning Opportunities To Impact Children’s Learning
    Jan 14 2026
    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 thoughtful conversation about the power of intentional professional development. Brittany shares her journey from aspiring elementary teacher to leading a multi-year vision to certify all Heartfelt classrooms in the HighScope curriculum. The conversation centers on a simple but transformative idea: learning works best when it’s inch wide and mile deep. Brittany reflects on her own experiences with professional development—both disconnected and deeply impactful—and explains how Heartfelt reimagined learning for educators through small cohorts, hands-on practice and trust-based reflection. Rather than one-size-fits-all training, teachers move through multi-year learning levels together, experimenting, reflecting and even recording themselves to grow their practice. The result isn’t just stronger curriculum implementation—it’s increased confidence, stronger relationships and classrooms where children know routines, feel secure and stay deeply engaged. This episode is an invitation to rethink professional learning, not as another obligation, but as a culture shift. Whether you’re an educator, leader or parent curious about what quality truly looks like behind the scenes, this conversation offers reassurance, inspiration and a reminder that growth takes time, trust and heart.
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    31 mins
  • Everyday Learning at Home: Potty Training, Pacifiers, and Play

    Everyday Learning at Home: Potty Training, Pacifiers, and Play
    Jan 7 2026
    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 communication skills. Sam reflects on how children communicate their needs long before they can articulate them. She advocates for offering acceptable alternatives to children when pacifier training to help them learn to self-regulate rather than just comply. Sam and Rhonda walk through the realities of potty training: readiness cues, accidents, regressions and the importance of removing shame from the process. Potty training success comes from honest communication with families, realistic expectations and preparation on both sides of the classroom door. [00:08:44] “Accidents are going to happen. Expect success with a mess.” Knowing there will be an inevitable mess, Sam emphasizes that it’s important to go all-in on potty training. [00:00:00] “I am a firm believer [that] once you start potty training, you ditch the diaper. You can wear it for nap time and wear it for bedtime.” Children know accidents are meant for diapers. Sam explains that when children have accidents in underwear, they feel an uncomfortable sensation that teaches them to know when they need the bathroom. Sam offers practical potty training guidance in this conversation, from clothing choices to timing and motivation, and reminds parents and educators alike that progress isn’t linear—and it’s ok to make mistakes and try again.
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    28 mins
  • Family-Style Meals: Raising Independent & Adventurous Eaters

    Family-Style Meals: Raising Independent & Adventurous Eaters
    Dec 31 2025
    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 contributing to holiday traditions. Those early experiences shape her deep belief that mealtime is a cornerstone of community. Family-style dining is a space where children learn to listen to their bodies and make choices about food. Trying new foods is essential, Robin says, and helps children to be able to express themselves. [00:16:13] “If [students] don't like something, we can talk about why they don't like it. . . . Was it too soft? Was it too crunchy? We're giving them the words and understanding to help them.” Robin addresses common concerns—from spills and picky eating to sensory sensitivities—and explains how teachers approach these moments with patience and trust rather than pressure or shame. Robin emphasizes, too, that lessons learned at the table extend far beyond nutrition. Children learn spatial awareness, communication, problem-solving when milk is spilled and community when they help clean up the mess. [00:32:34] “[Participating in family-style meals] is a quiet part of their development, I think, that goes unrecognized.” Whether you’re an educator guiding mealtime in the classroom or a parent navigating dinner at home, this episode is a warm reminder that when we slow down and eat together, we’re setting the table for lifelong learning.
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    34 mins
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