ABOUT

Play Shapes Pedagogy

I am an inspirational and transformational leader with a passion for lifelong learning and empowering early childhood educators to elevate their practices. Through mentorship and facilitation, I guide educators to embrace play as a foundational element of their pedagogy, inspiring them to shift their perspectives and enrich their work with children and families. Everything I do comes from a place of love, acceptance, and valuing each educator for who they are, building meaningful relationships rooted in mutual respect and growth.

Empower Educators

I celebrate and integrate the diverse cultures, identities, and ways of knowing that shape our learning environments. By building strong relationships with families and embracing inclusive practices, I help educators develop skills to plan, observe, research, and imagine possibilities. Through scaffolding and reflective practice, I mentor educators to meet each child where they are and guide them toward their full potential.

Elevate Early Years

As a licensed early childhood educator, mentor and consultant, I use my understanding of the early childhood education and my passion for infusing play into our educator role to empower and elevate educators to step into who they really are.
By tuning into their abilities, needs, and unique dispositions, I help them craft a practice that is responsive, reflective, and deeply impactful. Together, we elevate the quality of early years education, ensuring educators feel inspired, supported, and ready to embrace the joy of learning alongside the children in their care.

I'M HESTER

I am a Level 3 Early Childhood Educator, certified play-based leader and mentor in Calgary, Alberta, with over a decade of day home experience running my licensed day home (Teeny Tykes Home Daycare). I have an Early Childhood Education and Development Diploma. The day home children and I spend one to five hours outdoors each day; together, we nurture a deep connection to nature, fostering stewardship, sustainability, well-being, and belonging. My day home follows a play-based approach, emergent curriculum, seasonal pedagogy, place pedagogy, land-based learning, Wunderled Approach and lastly Flight: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework. I understand the challenges and joys of day home operations, including the importance of seasonal rhythms and spending time in nature, green spaces, and outdoors.

I've demonstrated my commitment to fostering thriving, connected communities through projects like Alberta's Flight video series and ARCQE’s Outdoor Play initiative. Additionally, I am a mentor and consultant in the Early Years, and I specialize in empowering educators through seasonal pedagogy, strength-based approaches, time management, and self-care practices.

My work is deeply informed by theorists such as Malaguzzi, Vygotsky, Piaget, Steiner, Maslow, Dewey, Waldorf, Bruner and Bronfenbrenner. I view educators as resourceful, capable learners alongside the children they care for.

MY STORY

A Journey of Passion, Growth, and Leadership in Early Childhood Education

Born and raised in White River, Mpumalanga, South Africa, my life’s purpose has always revolved around connection, learning, and fostering growth in others.

My journey within early childhood education and development began over a 15 years ago when I immigrated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and opened my day home in June 2013. I earned my levels 1-3 Early Childhood Educator and got my diploma in Early Childhood Education and Development.

Throughout my career, I have remained committed to lifelong learning, deepening my knowledge through completing FLIGHT: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework Course and applying research-based practices to create meaningful relationships and impactful early childhood experiences.

At the heart of my philosophy lies a belief in “family grouping” and “continuity of care”— practices that ensure strong, bi-directional, and reciprocal relationships between educators and children.

Drawing on attachment theory, I emphasize the importance of close, nurturing bonds, creating a home-like environment that fosters belonging, well-being, and community. These values are not just for children but also guide how I work with educators within my field. I saw how educators were struggling in feeling seen, heard and valued. I started my role as a mentor in July 2020 and it is rooted in building trust and inspiring early childhood professionals to elevate their practices through play, reflection, and innovation.

My mentorship approach focuses on learning and researching alongside educators and children as well as imagining possibilities alongside educators, helping them align their pedagogy with the natural rhythms of children’s development.

Play is not just an experience; it is the cornerstone of learning, shaping how educators create responsive environments where children are trusted to explore, discover, and lead their own learning.

Through my Early Years Mentorship and Consulting business, I empower educators to embrace their strengths, reflect on their practices, and implement holistic, play-based frameworks that prioritize children's and professionals' well-being.

Whether addressing time management, self-care, or curriculum planning, my approach is rooted in strength-based language, collaboration, and continuous growth. I believe in meeting educators where they are and for who they are, helping them reflect, adapt, and succeed.

Over the years, I’ve built a strong foundation in advocacy, trauma-informed practices, and community collaboration.

I encourage educators to value diversity, equity, and inclusion, embedding these principles into their daily practices while building partnerships with families and communities. I support educators in documenting and celebrating their own learning journeys and the children within their care, as well as emphasizing the importance of family input and shared experiences.

By combining expertise, relationships, and an unwavering belief in the power of play, I help educators feel empowered to create nurturing environments where children thrive, families feel supported, and educators find renewed purpose and joy in their roles.

My story is one of love, acceptance, and dedication—building a community where everyone feels valued and has the tools to reach their full potential.