CHILD DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
ZOE MATTHEWS
Originally from St. Louis, MO, Zoe began her career in early childhood education after moving to Nashville in 2014. With ten years of experience, including serving as a Quality Coach, Zoe works closely with our educators to ensure every child’s emotional and social needs are met. Grounded in a child-centered, play-based approach, Zoe is passionate about using relationships to promote optimal learning and wellbeing. She holds certifications in Infant Mental Health, the Pyramid Model, and the Strengthening Families Framework.
THE REGULATION STATION
THE REGULATION STATION
The Regulation Station is a designated space where children spend slotted portions of their day practicing self-regulation techniques. It's not only a place for focused skill-building but also serves as a calming area for children to retreat to when feeling overstimulated or navigating strong emotions. This space allows them to regain control, helping them re-engage with their peers and learning activities with renewed focus and emotional balance
Conscious Discipline Integration
Zoe plays a key role in training our educators on the principles of Conscious Discipline, a trauma-informed approach that promotes emotional safety and self-regulation. She works directly with teachers to model strategies for fostering a positive classroom culture where children feel empowered to manage their emotions and resolve conflicts peacefully. By aligning this approach with her developmental expertise, she ensures that every child receives consistent support in developing emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience throughout their educational journey.