Roots and Wings

Roots & Wings, from the Fox Hill School and hosted by Melanie Little, serves parents of young children at Fox Hill and throughout the wider community. With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, Melanie has built strong collaborations with educators, specialists, and families, and brings those connections to the podcast. Each episode offers trusted guidance, expert insights, and real-life conversations on child development, parenting, and early learning. Our mission is to nurture parents’ confidence, provide practical tools and encouragement, and strengthen the partnership between families and educators. By sharing knowledge, stories, and strategies, we help parents raise children who grow with strong roots of responsibility, independence, and self-confidence—and wings to thrive as lifelong learners in the world around them.

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Episodes

Oct 9, 2025

7 min

Join host Melanie Little as she introduces Fox Hill School teacher, Ms. Christina Hatch. Learn how Ms. Christina found the school when her daughter, Emma, was a preschool student in Danvers, transitioning from parent to dedicated teacher. Discover the powerful community established at Fox Hill and hear about Ms. Christina's latest project: organizing the school’s vast library of children’s literature.
 
Meet Our Guest: Christina Hatch is a dedicated teacher at the Fox Hill School. After interning in early childhood education, she joined the staff and helps keep the school organized. She loves the Fox Hill community, noting: "It really is a fun community and the parents are friends".
 
Top Takeaways
How Ms. Christina transitioned from a Fox Hill parent to a beloved teacher.
Fox Hill creates a strong, lasting community for students and parents in Danvers.
The extensive school library of children’s literature is being cataloged and numbered.
 
Helpful Links & Tools
Fox Hill School Website: https://www.foxhill-school.com/

Oct 9, 2025

7 min

Oct 9, 2025

7 min

This episode introduces Michele Sumner, lead teacher and architect of the Fox Hill School's kindergarten readiness program. Discover her 17-year journey from a parent to a pivotal educator, her "magic" in preparing children for success, and how life's unexpected turns and transitions, like her children leaving for college, shape new experiences. Explore the dedication behind creating an enriching learning environment.
 
Meet Our Guest: Michele Sumner is a lead teacher at the Fox Hill School and architect of its kindergarten readiness program, with 17 years of dedication. Her passion ensures children are "ready to go" for success.
 
Top Takeaways:
Architect of Fox Hill's renowned kindergarten readiness program.
A dedicated lead teacher for 17 years, starting in fall 2008.
Joined the school as a parent, pursued master's in early childhood.
 
Helpful Links & Tools:
Fox Hill School Website: https://www.foxhill-school.com

Oct 9, 2025

7 min

Oct 7, 2025

7 min

Join us as we chat with Lauren Bosse, a Fox Hill School teacher and proud mom of two alumni. Lauren shares her diverse journey from a decade in social work and running a children’s consignment business to becoming an integral part of the school community. Discover how her unique background informs her teaching and parenting, plus a surprising fun fact about her alter ego, Dr. Beaker.
 
Meet Our Guest: Lauren Bosse is a teacher at Fox Hill School and a mother of two alumni. With a background in social work and entrepreneurship, she brings diverse experience to her teaching. Inspirational tip from guest: Her social work experience was "really helpful in teaching now and raising my kids," even if it made her want to "put them in a bubble".
 
Top Takeaways:
Takeaway 1: Diverse professional backgrounds enrich teaching and parenting approaches.
Takeaway 2: Passion for a school community can lead alumni parents to become staff.
Takeaway 3: Embracing creativity, like an alter ego, can make learning engaging and fun.
 
Helpful Links & Tools:
Fox Hill School Website: https://foxhill-school.com

Oct 7, 2025

7 min

Oct 7, 2025

7 min

Join Melanie Little in a conversation with Erin Lundberg, a dedicated teacher and proud parent of three alumni from Fox Hill School. Discover Erin’s journey to Fox Hill, her unique perspective as both an educator and a parent, and how her diverse background in various preschool philosophies enriches the school's program. This episode offers insights into the vibrant Fox Hill community.
 
Meet Our Guest: Erin Lundberg is a teacher at the Fox Hill School and a mom to three alumni. Living in Danvers, she brings a wealth of experience from previous roles at Montessori schools and as a kindergarten assistant. Inspirational quote: "I love getting to teach the children yoga. It's one of the highlights of my week."
 
Top Takeaways
Dual Perspective: Gain unique insights from a teacher who is also a parent of Fox Hill alumni.
Diverse Experience: Learn how varied educational backgrounds enhance a school's program.
Community & Fit: Discover the value of finding a supportive and long-term professional environment.
Helpful Links & Tools
Fox Hill School Website: Fox Hill School website

Oct 7, 2025

7 min

Sep 26, 2025

7 min

In this episode of Roots and Wings, we introduce Emily Carter, a lead teacher and assistant director at Fox Hill School. Discover her inspiring 17-year journey from intern to assistant director, her unique perspective as both a teacher and parent, and her family's deep, multi-generational connection to the school. Learn how her diverse experiences contribute to making Fox Hill a valuable resource for families.
 
Meet Our Guest: Emily Carter is a lead teacher and assistant director at Fox Hill School, with almost 17 years of experience. She holds a master's in early education and is also a parent, with two children who are Fox Hill alumni. Inspirational tip from Emily: "We can be a resource for our families as teachers, but also as parents".
 
Top Takeaways:
From intern to assistant director: Emily's 17-year journey at Fox Hill School.
Teachers as parents offer invaluable insights and resources to school families.
Multi-generational connection: Emily's family history with Fox Hill School runs deep.
 
Helpful Links & Tools
Fox Hill School Website: Fox Hill School website

Sep 26, 2025

7 min

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