Carpools, Commutes and Child Care

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.

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.

This episode, we are pleased to introduce Jeff O’Hara, who has a dedicated career in education, has entrepreneurial roots from starting the Homestead Schools, Part 2 Afterschool Programs and similar to our host Erin, is launching his child into adulthood. Tune in to hear more about Jeff’s connection to early childhood education, reflections on career trajectory and the importance of finding the joy and always reminding yourself to laugh.

Join Tess and Erin from FCF VT as they look ahead to what's happening in July and reflect on highlights from June. Catch the latest early childhood education news from around Vermont in a fun, lighthearted conversation!

Come along for the ride as we introduce you to Andrew Van Leuven, Assistant Professor at the University of Vermont in the Department of Community Development and Applied Economics. With degrees from The Ohio State University, and institutions in Pennsylvania and Utah, Erin & Andrew talk about the forces that shape local economic vitality and community well-being in rural and small town America and how these aspects intertwine with childcare. Like your host Erin, they both geek out on the data side of things that inform so many thoughts and perspectives.

At Hula in Burlington, Lucia Campriello is helping shape the future of Vermont’s entrepreneurial and innovation economy. As CEO of one of the region’s most vibrant hubs for founders, creatives, investors, remote workers and community leaders, Lucia is a driving force behind the connections and collaborations fueling regional momentum. Known for her visionary leadership and community-first approach, Lucia is cultivating an ecosystem where businesses grow, partnerships form, and people feel inspired to belong and contribute. Erin and Lucia first connected while working together at Let's Grow Kids, and their shared passion for meaningful change - and friendship - has only grown since. Tune in for an energizing conversation about Lucia’s journey, the power of authentic community building, what makes Hula such a magnetic force in Vermont right now, and why surrounding yourself with passionate people matters.

Join Erin and Tess once again for the June edition of the newsletter! In this spirited conversation, they reflect on the month of May while sharing exciting updates, upcoming events, and all things relevant for June and the summer ahead. We had plenty of smiles recording this one, and we hope it brings a smile to your face too!

Champlain College student Kassim joins Erin for a thoughtful conversation about the challenges of child care, and the importance of staying calm, grounded, and confident through them. Kassim shares his personal journey from Somalia to the United States, reflecting on culture, identity, and what it has meant to navigate child care while raising a young child.

He opens up about moments of feeling different and not always like he belonged, and how those experiences have shaped who he is today. Through reflection and growth, Kassim describes a deep curiosity about life and a desire to better understand the path that brought him here.

The takeaway is simple but powerful: tell your story—because everyone has one worth sharing.

Janet McLaughlin, the eyes and ears of the Vermont Department of Children and Families. Making big time decisions in the best interest of littlest Vermonters and their families. A leader who is not afraid to take a stand for what matters, she does what she does out of a commitment to public service. Join Erin and Janet as they chat about all things child care, memorable commuting and carpool stories and most importantly, dinner-time decisions.

Join FCF's Erin Roche for a neighborly, on-the-road conversation with her neighbor and former colleague, Zoe Kaslow. Deeply rooted in her community, Zoe has served on numerous civic and nonprofit boards and brings both personal and professional connections to the world of child care.

Together, Erin and Zoe catch up on all things child care, swap business insights, share carpool and commute stories, and—of course—talk dinner plans. Hop in for a ride with these two energized leaders as they blend real-life conversation with meaningful perspective.