We're excited to welcome Kenna Powell to Curricula Concepts as our new Family Engagement Trainer. In this role, Kenna will focus on strengthening relationships between early childhood educators and families while championing the importance of early childhood development. Read below to learn more about her! 

Who inspires you professionally or personally? And why?
Someone who inspires me is my mom. She works two jobs and often doesn’t get home until late, yet she approaches both roles with her students and with the dancers at her studio with unwavering passion. Her selflessness, dedication, and genuine love for teaching have shaped who I am. She never complains, always puts others first, and has shown me what it looks like to pour your heart into helping the next generation grow. She taught me everything I know about teaching and inspired my own love for supporting and uplifting others. 

What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy a variety of creative and active hobbies. Crafting is one of my favorites, whether it’s home projects, DIY crafts, or seasonal decorating. I’ve recently taken up needlepoint, which has become a relaxing new pastime.

Beyond crafting, I enjoy reading, traveling, going to the lake, golfing with my husband, watching any Razorback sports game, and spending time outdoors, whether that’s catching a sunrise or sunset or simply going for a walk. Quality time with my husband and our golden retriever is one of my greatest joys.

What is your most treasured accomplishment?
My most treasured accomplishment is earning a degree in a field that aligns with my true passions. It represents years of dedication, personal growth, and a commitment to pursuing work that feels meaningful to me.

What do you do to treat yourself?
To treat myself, I love having a self‑care day. That usually starts with a fun morning coffee and a little treat, most likely followed by shopping for home decor or clothes. My ideal night is relaxing in my favorite pajamas and watching a rom‑com. It’s simple, but it’s the perfect reset.

What is one thing you cannot do without? 

One thing I could never do without is my family. Their support, love, and presence ground me and bring joy to every part of my life. 

To the parents sending their little ones to school…

For their whole little lives, we have been their world and they have been ours.

But this year their world will grow a little bigger. They will be in a place they love, and be with people who love them just as much in return. Their little personalities, minds, and hearts will blossom in ways that we could never get them to grow. And for that I know your heart is so thankful. 

The majority of you have spent every waking hour of their little life learning and loving them. You know all about them. You know they will cling to your hip or squeeze your hand as tight as they can while walking in. They may nervously have their fingers in their mouth or bury their head in your chest until they warm up. And if you're anything like me, you're squeezing and holding on just as tight. In these few moments of uncertainty and and sometimes fear, the only thing they think they need is you. 

But what they are really needing is to feel that everything will be okay. And through your tearful eyes or trembling smile, the excitement you show allows them to trust you as you hand them off to their teacher who meets their nerves with that same excitement and trust too. 

Us as parents are still learning to be brave, and how special is it that you go to grow and learn right alongside them. You’ve got this, and so do they!

PS. Nothing compares to the hugs you’ll receive at pick up. Those hugs have more depth than they’ll ever know. 

- Katie Kirkland, Well-Being Coach

If you're looking for ways to nurture connection at your center, we're here to help! Email us at info@curriculaconcepts.com to get started!