Meet Ellen

Ellen M. Drolette has more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education and is widely respected for her passion, insight, and unwavering dedication to children, families, and the professionals who support them. A dynamic speaker, Ellen has led keynote presentations across the United States and has presented globally, inspiring audiences with her warmth, practical wisdom, and strengths-based approach.

Ellen has held multiple roles, from previously owning a family childcare program for three decades to serving as a mentor, consultant, and trainer. She has contributed to the field globally as a World Forum Foundation Global Leader and as a past board member of the National Association for Family Child Care. Her writing has appeared in Exchange Magazine, and for many years, she wrote the “Positive Parenting” column in Vermont newspapers.

In 2018, Redleaf Press published Ellen’s first book, Overcoming Teacher Burnout in Early Childhood: Strategies for Change, and her second book is scheduled for release in late fall 2025. A certified Appreciative Inquiry practitioner (Champlain College, Cooperrider Center), Ellen integrates AI principles to support early learning programs in fostering collaboration, possibility, and sustainable change. Recognized as a Master Leader by Exchange Magazine in 2016, she now channels her experience through Positive Spin VT, partnering with programs and leaders to cultivate growth mindsets, vibrant team cultures, and joyful practices rooted in strengths and well-being.

Ellen works full-time for Seed and Sew, supporting educators and directors in implementing practices strongly rooted in social-emotional learning for the educators and the children.

Ellen M. Drolette: Early childhood educator, author, overcoming teacher burnout, growth mindset, appreciative inquiry
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Voices of Your Village-Back to School

A table with a woven basket filled with small rocks and seashells, with more seashells and plastic insects on a dark cloth on the table.
Seven women standing outdoors in a line, holding a colorful parachute, with trees and a house in the background on a sunny day.
Two women are sitting on the floor of a gymnasium, laughing and smiling. The woman on the left is holding a yellow ball and has short dark hair. The woman on the right has shoulder-length light brown hair and is wearing a white shirt. They appear to
Two women sitting on a multicolored blanket outdoors, smiling and playing with a yellow ball, surrounded by grass and trees.
A woman pushing a young girl in a wooden wagon in a parking lot.
A woman pushing a young girl in a wooden toy car on a parking lot with a sidewalk and some plants in the background.
Three people sitting on a brown leather couch, smiling, with patterned curtains and windows in the background.
Two women are dancing outdoors on a grassy area with a brick building and trees in the background, enjoying sunny weather.
Two transparent boxes filled with small, colorful, round beads sitting on a table near a window with sunlight shining through
Glow-in-the-dark jars with star-shaped stickers on a shelf under black light, with a child's face partially visible in the dark.
Two young children are playing in a room with jars of yellow slime on a colorful play mat. One child, wearing a blue shirt with a design, is standing and reaching out, while the other, with blonde hair in a ponytail and wearing a checkered shirt, is
Child sitting on green carpet playing with colorful felted balls and small containers filled with similar balls; some balls are on the carpet.
Four women sitting at a table with various egg cartons, paper plates, and other party supplies.
A person pours a pink liquid into a plastic bottle over a red container, with other objects including a pink tray and ice cube tray visible in the background.
A group of women and a child gathered around a table during a childbirth class, observing a demonstration with a doll.
Group of women playing a game outdoors in a park, with some standing in circles, raising their arms, and a woman on the right side raising her arm high, with parked cars and houses in the background.
A woman sitting cross-legged outdoors on a blanket holding a yellow ball in her left hand and pinching her nose with her right hand.
An elderly woman in a striped jacket holding a yellow weight close to her shoulder outdoors in a grassy area with trees and houses in the background.