Founder, Early Learning Advisor & Organizer
Warm Welcomes!
As Founder of Cornerstone FUNdamentals my goal has been to reach and enable even more families and caregivers to help provide their children with supportive learning environments, toys that teach and learning FUNdamental guidelines through play!
My Purpose & Experience
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I am proud to have 9+ collective years of rewarding experience guiding and teaching children in early childhood development phases. Additionally 8+ years within project managing, training and leading in various health and wellness sectors.
- My cornerstone has centered on current researched based best practices to observe and support children's day to day learning and their developing emotional wellbeing. Creating and maintaining healthy bridged transitions for children's different environments has been a key factor. I have had the best of outcomes by teaching with a play based - practical life approach, while using authentic, age appropriate communication and empathetic patience to guide during key learning activities. providing and promoting elements of movement, kitchen time, hands on creating and being immersed within natures classroom. Passing these elements along to a broader audience has been an imperative step personally and professionally.
- As a small business owner promoting children’s play based learning materials and playroom set ups, it is imperative and a fulfilling drive to continue working with children in my community!
- I carry a wealth of professional experience in relatable sectors; program and client management within health care programs and alternative health fields, combined with my educational course work within youth programs and early childhood development.
ABOUT ME:
- I was raised in Columbus, OH and often reflect on fond early memories or exploration, creativity and enjoying the outdoors! Which supported my love for nature, experimenting and inventing. I was fortunate to have both parents who encouraged creating and playing outdoors with my younger sister. Forever grateful for a resourceful and summers off mother who was a first/second grade school teacher. My father worked professionally supporting state run programs as well as passing on his creative and musical influences along the way. Needless to say as a empathetic booster my patience, a love of learning, teaching and creating during my career journey! Which helped fuel my passion and chosen path into supporting young children and their families during early learning and developing stages.
- I love San Diego (CA) and take pride in my chosen city & home. I feel so fortunate to have access to its vast and various natural landscapes! I truly love all things outdoors! For a good balance and break, when I’m not creating or researching all things children, you can find me sea side, running, biking, paddle boarding or wake surfing! I have a love for cooking as well as creating new works of art.
- I truly thrive when I know I am making a positive impact and impression within my friendships, family and community. My mantra is to “strive to be the change I want to see & be in the world!”
Would love to hear from you and thank you for your interest!
With much gratitude,
Steffani Smith ~ Founder
