breaking down the complexities of child’s play.
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play IS serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” ~ Fred Rogers
LISTEN
your hosts
Jessica Stinson
With a rich history in early childhood education and a natural gift for storytelling, Jessica continues to hone her skills in relating to people from all walks of life. Born in Mobile, Alabama, she has a deep affection for her Southern roots and a relentless desire to see all children thriving in high-quality learning environments. Her personal connections with child care and early learning inform her work at Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services (GRECS), where she has served children and families since 1997.
Over the years, Jessica has cultivated a unique ability to create a comfortable and authentic space for others, allowing them to share their narratives with candor and vulnerability. Her empathetic approach and active listening skills make for compelling and relatable conversations that resonate with listeners. In addition to her work on “Tiny Talks on Early Learning”, Jessica is also the co-host of another GRECS production, “UNrattled: A Podcast for Parents”.
Beyond the mic, Jessica is a mother and a wife who loves strong sweet tea and unplanned road trips. She draws inspiration from the diverse cultures she encounters through her work and travels. She believes in the power of storytelling to bridge divides and foster understanding in an increasingly complex world, and uses that as a tool to educate and inform listeners.
austin lee
Austin resides in the charming town of Daphne, AL. His passion lies in marketing and outreach, where he contributes his efforts to Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services (GRECS). Austin’s amazing wife, Hillary, is a high school math teacher, and together, they navigate the adventures of parenting four awesome kiddos—three fabulous girls and one cool little dude. They are a blended family on a daily quest to find that parenting groove, and having a blast along the way!
Austin’s commitment and dedication to family and personal growth make him the perfect host for “UNrattled: A Podcast for Parents”! Before stepping into the world of podcasting, he spent years working in youth ministry, where he honed his ability to listen, empathize, and provide practical solutions. Inspired to reach a broader audience, Austin uses the podcast to create a space where parents can find guidance, share stories, and build a supportive community.
Tiny Talks on Early Learning is a production of Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services, Inc. {a 501(c)(3) organization located in Mobile, Alabama} with the support of PNC Grow Up Great. To achieve its mission, the organization will implement professional development programs for teachers and child care providers; engage in activities that enrich the lives of children; maintain and disseminate information that elevates early learning as a community resource; and develop partnerships with families, organizations, business and government to increase the availability of high quality early learning child care programs.
