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The Heartfelt Way

The Heartfelt Way

By: Rhonda Meyers
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About this listen

 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
  • Planting Seeds of Empathy and Kindness in Early Childhood

    Planting Seeds of Empathy and Kindness in Early Childhood
    Feb 25 2026
    Learn how to create a classroom culture of kindness and empathy with Brooke Lewandowski. Kindness and empathy are built through repetition, patience and connection. Brooke Lewandowski, Lead Teacher and Team Lead at Heartfelt Impressions, joins Rhonda Meyers to talk about the tools and humanity needed to nurture empathy in the classroom. Brooke shares that one of the most rewarding aspects of her job is helping young children learn social-emotional skills. She shares practical tips for helping children feel known and seen, especially when emotions are running high. [00:10:43] “The best way we understand the feelings is when we talk about them.” Tone, language and posture play a big role in communicating empathetically, too. Brooke recommends connecting with kids by meeting them at their eye-level, making eye contact, and using their name. When kids are in conflict, Brooke urges that it's important to stay calm, be curious and help them acknowledge their feelings. [00:20:07] “Noticing how they’re feeling can help to solve problems. . . It can help you get to that solution that you’re working toward.” Brooke reminds listeners that fostering empathy requires modeling, mistakes and humility. Whether you’re an educator navigating a busy classroom or a parent working through big emotions at home, the way you show up matters more than perfection ever will.
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    38 mins
  • Practicing Conflict Resolution

    Practicing Conflict Resolution
    Feb 18 2026
    Learn practical steps to help children navigate conflict resolution with Beth Pierson-Ringer. Conflict is common in early education classrooms. For many children, the classroom is their first experience of being part of a community and learning to share — and sometimes, emotions run high. In this episode, Beth Pierson-Ringer, a HighScope curriculum expert and ECE Subhub co-owner, joins Rhonda Meyers to discuss how to guide children through healthy conflict resolution. Beth explains that adults often feel guilty or embarrassed that children are exhibiting “bad” behavior when a conflict arises. She provides a helpful way to re-frame that thinking: [00:07:48] “I think if we just switch our lens to ‘This is absolutely normal . . . and these are misbehaviors of kids, not bad behavior’ it helps us think of [conflict resolution] as more of a teachable skill.” Beth highlights the importance of patience, empathy, and modeling language when teaching kids to solve problems. She walks through HighScope’s 6-step conflict resolution framework, and emphasizes that children become capable problem-solvers when adults act as partners rather than judges. [00:10:19] “When we rush to come up with a solution . . . we don't get to teach those skills. What we’re teaching is . . . compliancy rather than the life skills that we need to be successful.” Beth urges parents and educators to give themselves plenty of grace. It’s ok to be an adult and have big feelings too. Conflict isn’t a problem but a practice.
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    38 mins
  • The Traditions Children Remember Most

    The Traditions Children Remember Most
    Feb 11 2026
    Explore how simple family traditions create belonging, safety and connection with Mary Jo Cloutier. Often, the simple moments matter most. In this episode, Mary Jo Cloutier, longtime lead Great Start Readiness Program teacher at Heartfelt Impressions, joins host Rhonda Meyers to reflect on how family traditions shape children’s sense of belonging. Mary Jo shares memories of growing up in a busy household where birthdays felt special because each child got to choose the meal and cake. The simplicity made the event feel meaningful. [00:07:06] “[With] all the different things we do, sometimes we’re making it bigger, harder work for ourselves where[as with] the children, [traditions] really can be about that simplicity.” In the classroom, daily routines become traditions children rely on, especially in stressful times. Familiar patterns help children feel capable and secure. Traditions work best when they are grounded in what already happens everyday, rather than in perfection. Consistency and connection matter more than complexity. [00:28:47] “When we think back to parties or traditions or holidays, the things we remember probably weren’t necessarily big things. So just [start] small.” This episode offers reassurance that small, repeated moments build confidence, strengthen relationships and leave a lasting impression on children.
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    38 mins
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