Coach & Trainer

Danielle

Hello! My name is Dani Svantner, and I am the Executive Director of Westminster Preschools and The Calm Corner. My favorite part of my job is building connections and advocating for best practices in early childhood programs. I strive to create preschool communities that in inclusive, accessible and cultivate a culture of well-being for the children, families, and staff.

I enjoy studying brain development and connections built through attunement and attachment. My passion is educating the public about well-being practices, social-emotional competencies, and best practices in early childhood. My favorite role is the role of the trainer. I have created and implemented many trainings and well-being-focused approaches to early childhood development. I have worked with programs across Indiana, as well as individual families through coaching and consulting.

In 2020, I co-wrote a well-being curriculum for ages 0-5. The curriculum is designed to create a childcare program that is whole child-focused, rather than strictly academic performance-based. I believe that children thrive in play-based, engaging environments that welcome each child as they are. I love learning, which has driven me to obtain my coaching certification, and Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.

I enjoy a good cup of tea, a book, and being out in nature. I have two little boys of my own, which drives me to continue to learn and grow to be the best I can be for them. We love to go camping (glamping) in our camper, hike, and kayak. We also enjoy a good family night with a classic Disney movie and popcorn. I look forward to meeting you and partnering with you in whatever capacity you desire.

Coach & Trainer

Wendy

Hi there! My name is Wendy Turcott and I am the Development Director of Westminster Preschools and Coach/Trainer for The Calm Corner. Similar to what my favorite part of being a Pre-K teacher was, I love seeing the “AHA” moments in training and coaching events. Where new information finally clicks together and it is clear the benefits and connection in Early Childhood Education. My hope is for communities to grow in understanding of how high quality Early Childhood Education impacts the whole community from family, to workforce, mental health, etc.

Being a trainer and coach, really just means I am a teacher for adults. I get to bring play, messiness, movement, and silliness into each training and coaching event. “Play is my work” is one of our agreements at Westminster Preschools and play is also our work here at The Calm Corner because play is one of the most important aspects of learning, no matter what age you are. I have done various Early Childhood training and coaching events across Indiana and hold a Coaching Certification through Larkssong Inc.

I was born and raised in Missouri, the good old Show Me state. I completed my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Oklahoma Baptist University, then went on to work in Higher Education for a few years. In all the positions I held, I found myself always looking to develop people and community. As a coach and trainer here at The Calm Corner, this is the biggest part of my job, whether the people are little or big or the community is a classroom or a whole school.

I enjoy traveling and finding unique little coffee shops, but always ordering a vanilla latte. My husband and I love being outside whether fishing or hiking or biking or just walking around. I am an avid Lord of the Rings fan and love reading Agatha Christie, among the many brain and early childhood books.