Instead of finishing college with my full scholarship, I started teaching in a toddler classroom. And I adored it. Turns out, toddlers are my favorite humans. I loved creating environments, activities, and relationships to support their development.

I found a mentor and latched onto her statement that we needed more experts in early childhood education. I wanted to be that person. So, I went back to school and continued to work in early learning programs, including Early Head Start.

First, I earned an Infant-Toddler Credential from the CDA Council. Then it was an Associate’s degree in early childhood education and development at my local community college. Finally, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Ball State University, where I also minored in special education.

Along the way, I was certified to facilitate Parenting Journey curriculum. I have training in Teaching Strategies: Creative Curriculum, Frog Street’s Love and Learn home visiting curriculum, and Conscious Discipline. I have learned from experts at NAEYC, Zero to Three, Head Start, and IAEYC conferences.

I’ve also researched and trained educators on positive discipline, trauma-informed care, early childhood mental health, and the importance of play. Yes, it’s a lot to spell out. But I wanted to clarify that I did become an expert.

And all of this lead to Well Beings with Alysia.

It was an idea that grew during all those moments of toddlers’ pure wonder, joys and trepidations from parents, and connections between behavior and environment. I felt like I had the knowledge and experience to make a greater impact than I ever could from the office of an early learning center.

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