About Me

Hi, I’m Kellie, an educator, child development expert, calm parenting advocate, and founder of Little Learning Table.

✨ Why I Created Little Learning Table

After over 15 years as an early childhood teacher in both public and private schools, I’ve supported hundreds of children and families through the earliest, and often most tender, years of learning. Families today aren’t just looking for answers; they want to feel seen, understood, and equipped with tools that honor their child’s individuality and full potential.

That’s why I created this space: to share the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that help families raise confident learners in healthy, intentional homes.

My work blends early education expertise with a holistic lens, offering low-tox learning tools, parent resources, and real-life tips to support everything from kindergarten readiness and emotional regulation to parent–teacher communication and nourishing routines.

I believe in:

Firm and kind, with clear boundaries and lots of love
Connection over perfection
Growth that’s rooted in rhythm, not rush

Whether you’re looking for a simple visual schedule, guidance on managing big feelings, or just a fresh perspective on the school-to-home partnership, I’m so glad you’re here.

Welcome to Little Learning Table, where children are supported with heart, intention, and whole-child wellness.

📘 Education & Training

2018-2020

Masters of Curriculum and Instruction
Bank Street College of Education

I earned my master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Bank Street College of Education, a progressive institution known for its deep commitment to whole-child development and experiential learning. During my time at Bank Street, I studied the work of John Dewey and the value of using children’s natural interests as the foundation for meaningful, integrated instruction.

My studies emphasized inquiry-based learning, social-emotional development, and interdisciplinary curriculum design. I learned to design learning experiences that are responsive, intentional, and grounded in real-world contexts—skills that have shaped every aspect of my classroom practice.

Through hands-on coursework and reflective practice, I honed my ability to:

Create an emergent, developmentally appropriate curriculum
Use observation as a tool for responsive teaching
Integrate academic content across subject areas through play, projects, and storytelling
Partner with families and caregivers to support whole-child learning

This experience strengthened my commitment to teaching with both heart and rigor, honoring the voices of children while providing the structure they need to thrive.

2006-2010

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Texas Christian University

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Texas Christian University, where I received a strong foundation in child development, curriculum design, and responsive teaching practices. My time at TCU was both academically rigorous and deeply enriching, shaped not only by coursework but by transformative global experiences that continue to influence me as an educator.

💫 Global Experiences That Shaped Me

During college, one of the most formative moments of my teaching journey took place in Gothenburg, Sweden, where I had the chance to student teach in a diverse, inquiry-driven classroom.

I watched children from many cultural backgrounds dive into meaningful projects, like exploring the carbon footprint of their grocery store produce or managing their recess transitions by watching an outdoor analog clock. The school community was built on mutual respect and collaboration, and I was struck by how happy, confident, and empowered the children, families, and teachers were.

I often return to this experience as a model for what joyful, intentional education can look like.

During my studies, I also explored the Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches, which emphasized the power of the environment, child-led inquiry, and the educator as facilitator. I had the privilege of visiting Reggio Emilia and a Montessori school in Italy, further deepening my appreciation for these philosophies and their focus on the whole child.

I’m profoundly grateful for the education I received at TCU, it laid the groundwork for the educator I’ve become: one who leads with curiosity, connection, and intention.

Kindergarten teacher reading an enlarged book to students while teaching punctuation. She and the students are holding up the

🧩 Journey Through Education

Unlocking Learning Potential

Join us at Little Learning Table for expert advice, engaging content, and valuable resources to enhance your child's learning journey.

Explore Now

After graduating from TCU, I spent two years teaching first grade in my hometown of Norman, Oklahoma. I later moved to Dallas, where I taught kindergarten in a large public school for four years and deepened my passion for early childhood education.

In 2016, I moved to New York City, where I supported young learners and families at independent schools while earning my master’s from Bank Street College of Education. That same year, I also worked as a mindfulness tutor, helping children develop emotional awareness and calming strategies in the midst of big-city life.

In New York City, I taught at two leading independent schools, one of which was a dual-language immersion program. These experiences allowed me to partner closely with families on everything from kindergarten readiness and emotional regulation to school admissions and personalized learning support.

Across every setting, one thing has remained true: I believe in helping children thrive through meaningful connection, simple routines, and developmentally grounded support. That’s why I created Little Learning Table.