Leading the Early Years for the Future Podcast

What if the most effective form of advocacy isn’t about convincing others, but about modelling intention and sharing curiosity in the everyday moments of our practice?

How might our own playful engagement as adults rekindle both our resilience and our capacity to truly lead in the early years?

📘 Episode Summary

In this heartfelt and energising episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, Amie Fabry is joined by play advocate, educator, and a podcast host Heather Bernt-Santy. With over three decades of experience in early childhood education, Heather shares her deep commitment to advocating for the power of play — not only for children, but also for the adults who care for them. From navigating resistance in co-teaching relationships to tailoring advocacy for different audiences, Heather offers practical insights and emotional honesty about the challenges and joys of championing developmentally appropriate practice. The conversation is a rich exploration of hope, relational leadership, and why sometimes the most powerful advocacy starts with small glimmers of change

👤 About Heather Bernt-Santy

Heather Bernt-Santy is a professor of Early Childhood Education, long-time early years educator, and the host of the widely respected podcast That Early Childhood Nerd. With more than 35 years of experience working with young children and their families, Heather is a passionate play advocate, a writer, and a sought-after speaker on developmentally appropriate practice and schema play. Her first book, which centres on advocating for play through the lens of schema theory, is due for release later this year. Known for her honest, warm, and deeply hopeful approach to teaching and advocacy, Heather continues to inspire educators globally to reclaim the joy and integrity of play-based learning.

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That Early Childhood Nerd

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What if burnout isn’t personal failure—but a signal that the system needs to evolve?

How might our schools and workplaces transform if we centred emotional awareness and regulation in professional practice?

🎙️ Episode Summary

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, host Amie Fabry is joined by Carry Hansell, educator and lead health practitioner at Atriba Collective. Carry shares her personal journey from classroom burnout to becoming a passionate advocate for educator wellbeing. Together, they explore how our emotional, mental, and physical states directly impact the way we lead, teach, and connect with others.

From the myth of “leaving it at the door” to the transformative power of self-awareness and nervous system regulation, this episode invites listeners to consider a more grounded, heart-centred way of working. Carry offers practical insights on how we can reclaim agency in our lives, lead with authenticity, and shift from burnout to balance—both personally and professionally.

Whether you’re an educator, leader, parent, or advocate for change, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to reimagine wellbeing at the centre of educational practice.

About Carry Hansell

Carrie is an educator turned holistic wellbeing specialist and mindset coach. After experiencing burnout during her time as a primary and early childhood teacher, she immersed herself in personal development, hypnotherapy, and nervous-system regulation. She now leads the Wellness for Educators program through Atriba Collective, delivering practical strategies to support emotional resilience, authentic leadership, and educator wellbeing.

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What if leadership in early childhood wasn’t about having the answers, but about cultivating the courage to ask better questions—of children, educators, and ourselves? In a sector where change can feel slow, how might your voice, your email, or your conversation be the catalyst for systemic transformation? 🎙️ Episode Summary In this inspiring episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, host Amie Fabry sits down with Ciara Conran, a passionate educational leader and advocate for the early childhood sector. Together, they explore Ciara’s journey from educator to curriculum leader across five services, delving into her commitment to play-based and inquiry-led learning. Ciara shares how her lived experience as a mother of three and a lifelong learner shapes her leadership, and how her courageous advocacy is helping influence change at both the service and systemic levels. With warmth and conviction, Ciara unpacks the power of voice, the importance of listening, and the urgency of acting on behalf of children, educators, and the future of early learning. About Ciara Conran Ciara Conran is a dynamic early childhood education leader who brings over a decade of experience to her role as a curriculum and pedagogy leader across five early learning centres. Originally from Ireland, Ciara studied Education and Training at Dublin City University before immigrating to Australia in 2014, just as the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) was gaining traction nationally. Her practice is grounded in a belief in the autonomy and capability of young children, and she champions play- and inquiry-based learning. Ciara is also a relentless advocate for sector reform—speaking at national forums, engaging directly with government ministers, and working alongside policymakers to address issues such as workforce qualifications and immigration pathways for educators. Known for her deep sense of justice, tireless energy, and commitment to elevating others, Ciara is driven by one clear purpose: ensuring all children have access to empowered educators and meaningful early learning experiences. She continues to study, mentor, and lead with an unwavering belief in the collective capacity of the sector to drive real change.

In this rich and heartfelt conversation, host Dr Amie Fabry speaks with Adam Christie, early childhood educator, leader, consultant, and co-author of Redefining Planning and Assessment. Together, they explore the layered journey of leadership in early childhood education, emphasising the intertwining of personal and professional identities. Adam reflects on the pivotal role of values-led leadership, the importance of pedagogical companionship, and how educators can create brave, vulnerable spaces that lead to deeper professional reflection. He encourages leaders to “play the long game”—to slow down, listen to context, and co-construct meaningful change with children, families, and colleagues. The conversation touches on the need for clear visions, systemic advocacy, and rethinking outdated structures that may no longer serve. Adam also offers insight into finding hope and joy in everyday moments with children, framing this as a powerful form of advocacy and professional sustenance in challenging times. About Adam Christie Adam is a passionate early childhood teacher with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Arts from Flinders University, South Australia. He holds a Diploma in strategic leadership and is currently studying a master’s in educational leadership at the University of South Australia. Adam has 17 years experience in early childhood education and care working across non-government and government services as an educator, teacher and leader. He has extensive experience as a systems leader in Government organisations, coordinating networked approaches to leading learning. Adam is now an early childhood consultant working alongside leaders and teams with a focus on leadership, pedagogy and practice. Areas of research interest include early childhood ethics, systems leadership, pedagogical documentation and practitioner inquiry.

In this heartfelt and deeply reflective episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, host Dr Amie Fabry is joined by Sam Jockel, CEO of ParentTV and co-creator of the documentary Seen. Sam opens up about her personal and professional journey—from building one of Australia’s most trusted parenting platforms to confronting the uncomfortable truths of modern parenting.

Together, they unpack the emotional labour of parenting, the disconnect between intention and presence, and how our cultural obsession with productivity often comes at the cost of connection. Sam shares her hard-won insights on family leadership, self-awareness, and the power of slowing down to truly see our children.

What does true inclusion look like when viewed through the eyes of families, educators, and allied health professionals—together?

Are we unintentionally maintaining silos in early childhood support by clinging to language, systems, or assumptions that exclude?

📋 Episode Summary (Show Notes)

In this rich and reflective episode of Leading the Early Years, host Amie Fabry speaks with Blake Stewart—lecturer, new author, and Director of Engagement at Reimagine Australia. Blake brings a powerful blend of lived practice, sector-wide advocacy, and systemic insight into the inclusion of children with disabilities, developmental differences, and neurodivergence.

Together, they explore:

The evolving meaning of inclusion and the concept of “inclusion confusion”

The critical role of language as a gateway to inclusion

Blake’s passion for co-design, where educators, families, and allied professionals collaborate equitably

His journey from early childhood teacher to advocate, lecturer, and policy contributor

Navigating the challenges of advocacy, emotional resilience, and reflection

The importance of personal renewal, “white space,” and slowing down to lead with intent

About Blake Stewart:

Blake Stewart is a dedicated teacher, lecturer, author, and advocate with over 12 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Intervention. Holding a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth – 5 years) and a Graduate Diploma in Health Studies (Occupational Therapy), Blake is passionate about embedding inclusive, evidence-based practices into early childhood settings. Blake has led national initiatives focused on early childhood inclusion, and sector-wide capability building, ensuring children with disabilities, developmental differences, and neurodivergence can realise their potential.

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AMBA Press: The Inclusive Early Childhood Educator

Early Childhood Australia: The Inclusive Early Childhood Educator

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In this episode of Leading the Early Years, host Dr Amie Fabry is joined by Dr Fiona Boylan, senior lecturer and researcher at Edith Cowan University and author of Fostering Children’s Growth Mindset in the Early Years. Fiona brings her 25 years of experience as an early childhood educator into a compelling conversation about mindset theory, advocacy, and the power of embedding growth mindset practices into daily early years pedagogy.

Together, they explore Fiona’s research journey—from classroom observations to her PhD—and the development of nine key design principles to help early childhood educators foster resilience, persistence, and self-efficacy in young children. Fiona also shares personal insights into navigating leadership, public speaking fears, and the importance of advocacy in education.

This inspiring episode offers practical strategies, heartfelt stories, and a powerful reminder that children are capable of deep metacognitive thinking from a very young age—and that educators have a vital role to play in nurturing that.

In this episode of Reclaiming Nature, Movement and Wellbeing in Childhood, host Amie Fabry speaks with Cath Fitzhardinge an occupational therapist, nature space consultant, and passionate nature play advocate. Together, they explore the essential role of outdoor environments in child development, the importance of sensory-rich play, and how advocacy can shape school and community design. Cath shares her personal journey, research insights into restorative play, and practical ways educators and parents can foster meaningful nature connections in everyday settings.

About Cath:

I grew up in Shark Bay & Leeman, two small fishing towns along the West Australian coast. My dad was the school principal who encouraged all types of experiential learning and tree climbing! My mum always encouraged us to take time to go for a bush walk, and notice the little things…

My children are primary school age and I have worked with their school community to enrich their play and learning spaces with exciting and inviting low-cost play elements. This has led me on a path to share my knowledge and experience with others.

Being outside is a huge part of my life, allowing my children to spend time in nature and experience the joy that it brings has brought my childhood memories flooding back.

The recent loss of my parents within twelve months of each other gave me pause to realise my passion and how I can share the legacy of my parents and our story for future generations to come…

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Anecdotal Research - Can assist schools looking at creating nature play spaces

Tool for Observing Play Outdoors - Loebach, J. & Cox, A. (2020)

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If we continue prioritising early academic instruction over child-led play, are we unintentionally creating the very literacy crisis we’re trying to solve?

What would shift in our education systems if we treated early childhood educators as the experts in child development that they are—rather than expecting them to conform to top-down academic mandates?

In this energising episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, host Dr Amie Fabry is joined by Stacy Benge—early childhood educator, speaker, and author of The Whole Child Alphabet. With over 30 years of experience, Stacy challenges the “earlier is better” narrative in literacy and shines a light on the crucial, often-overlooked developmental foundations that support reading and writing. Together, they unpack why true literacy starts long before phonics—through physical development, visual perception, and rich, child-led play. Stacy shares practical strategies, powerful metaphors, and tools educators can use to advocate for developmentally responsive practices in their classrooms and communities.

If you’re an early childhood educator, leader, or advocate, this conversation will remind you of the power of play—and your role in protecting it.

Stacy Benge is an early childhood speaker who approaches learning in the early years with practicality and common sense. Standing firm on the truth that children learn best through simple, authentic experiences, Stacy advocates for child-led play to build solid foundations for child development. In addition to a Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies, Stacy spent 10 years in the early childhood classroom teaching children ages birth to five. As she has for the past 20 years, Stacy shares her passion for child development with fellow early learning professionals with enlightening and informative presentations.

Stacy is the author of The Whole Child Alphabet: How Children Actually Develop Literacy published by Exchange Press. She is available for keynote presentations. Located in Texas, she presents virtually, locally, nationally, and internationally.

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5 Mistakes Early Childhood Professionals Make When Teaching Literacy (and How to Fix Them) - Free Guide

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Book - The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy

Kindle version - The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy

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In this episode, join Dr Amie Fabry as she chats with Georgie Dent — CEO of The Parenthood, bestselling author, and fearless advocate for families, children, and gender equality. Georgie shares her powerful personal journey into advocacy, the bold mission to make Australia the best place to raise a child, and why real change takes persistence and heart. From major wins in early childhood reform to practical advice for staying hopeful and driving impact, this conversation is packed with inspiration for anyone passionate about building a better future for families and educators.

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- Membership is free.

- Open to parents, carers, grandparents, educators — anyone passionate about improving early childhood and family outcomes.

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