Carpools, Commutes and Child Care | Podcast in RSS.com

Carpools, Commutes and Child Care

Carpools, Commutes and Child Care

di First Children's Finance Vermont

Imprenditoria Educazione

Stagione 1

Chris Nelson: A Legend in the ECE Field, Giving a Voice to Rural Vermont

In this episode, Erin chats with Chris Nelson, a legend in the ECE field with a no-nonsense, intelligent and caring approach to her child care business, board service and all of her state and national advocacy for the field of early childhood in Vermont. Founder of Mountain View Child Care, Chris gives an especially important voice to rural child care where she takes time to consult and advocate in Vermont and beyond. You do not want to miss this intentional conversation that will of course sprinkle in some joy and fun.

Kaitlin Northey: Teacher Education, Advocacy & Advancing Data-informed Decision-Making for Early Childhood

Dr. Kaitlin Northey, Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at UVM, joins the podcast to share her path into early childhood education and discuss how research, teacher preparation, and policy can work together to strengthen Vermont's child care system. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, advocacy, and supporting the early childhood workforce.

September Newsletter Episode 2026

Do you want to know what is going on in the ECE world in Vermont? Or learn more about business sustainability that first children’s finance has to offer? Maybe you don’t have time to sit down and read the FCF VT newsletter-well here is your chance to listen in to our FCF VT monthly newsletter. All things, business sustainability, access to capital, partner updates and more. Listen to Tess and Erin as they break things down in a spirited and entertaining fashion!

Ashley Bessette: Quintessential Vermonter with Big Ties to Child Care

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 Schramm: HR Professional Turned Inspiring Leadership Coach

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: Child Care Operator, Author, Mentor & Business Woman

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.

Dimitri Garder: Data Driven and Child Care Community Connections

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.

Monthly September Newsletter

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: Systems that Support Children and Bald Eagle Symbolism

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.

Chance Koenig: Wise Beyond His Years, thoughts on Different Approaches for Working with People

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.

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