SAMANTHA YARDE

Registered Early Childhood Educator

Children’s Yoga Teacher Trainee

• Mail

An Early Childhood Educator from Toronto, ON.

My journey began in 2012. After spending two years pursuing a Bachelors in Human Resources Management at York University, I withdrew my enrollment when I realized that it just was not for me. I went on to continue my studies at George Brown College in the Early Childhood Education program. By the end of my two-year journey in that program, I officially became a Registered Early Childhood Educator. However, fulfilled by everything I had learned, I still had a desire to continue my studies. I went on to Seneca College where, over the course of two and a half years, I would complete the Honours Bachelor of Child Development program which included conducting a research study. After graduating, I went on to teach preschool then senior kindergarten students. During my time there, my passion and understanding of child development and brain development deepened.

As my knowledge grew, I began to see just how closely children’s learning was tied to their emotional wellbeing. This connection became even more clear in the wake of the pandemic, when I started noticing the emotional toll not just on my students, but on myself as well. The disruptions and challenges brought a new awareness: I wasn’t just witnessing changes in behaviour or learning patterns, I was experiencing them. This personal insight gave me a new lens through which to understand what my students were going through. It sparked a shift in how I approached teaching, making space for more compassion, regulation, and connection in the classroom. It helped me better support my students, not just as learners, but as whole people navigating a rapidly changing world.

Around that same time, I felt a strong pull to share what I was learning, not just with fellow educators, but with families, friends, caregivers, the world. That’s what inspired me to create this website: a space to share the keys to a calm brain and body and tools that contribute to and nurture emotional regulation, mental wellbeing, physical health and connection. What began as my own learning journey became a growing resource for others who believe, like I do, that not only do children thrive when their hearts and minds are supported together, but also grow up to become adults who have the tools and ability to calm their brain and body. The same adults who are learning from my website all the ways this is possible.

In my spare time, I take care of myself by spending time with family and friends, exercising, practicing yoga, reading, listening to music and podcasts to learn something new, all so that I can mindfully teach, lead and support others. That is what I’ve set out to do with this website and I hope that you might find joy and value in what it has to offer.

If you are interested in working with me, I would be more than happy to connect with you.

Thank you for passing through!