For Brett Westbrook, being named a 2022 Commonwealth Heroine is indicative that her organization’s work is making an impact. And it’s hard to think of more impactful work than caring and educating 3 to 5 year olds, and setting the foundation of success for young people and their families. For Brett, her inspiration came during her childhood in Pittsfield when her own values and tenacity were shaped by mentors and teachers within the community’s support system. Today, teaching resilience is a core piece of a holistic approach to education, which includes a healthy dose of play as learning and clinical social-emotional support. It’s quite a time for Brett with her recent “Heroine” recognition, and by the way, she’s also engaged to married and planning a wedding. Good times! Also, in our conversation, we cover: her early years in early childhood education as a 16 year old working at Girls Inc., early childhood educators not being paid what they’re worth, challenges including language barriers and transportation, how the pandemic led to some innovation like smaller student cohorts, collaboration with the Pittsfield Public Schools including the early education career program at Taconic High School, what it’s like planning a wedding, and more. I hope you’ll enjoy my conversation with Brett Westbrook.
