Tune in to Episode 7 in Season 4 of our BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast.In this inspiring live episode, recorded at the ECEBC Conference in Richmond, we return for Part Two of our conversation with Bridgitte Alomes of Natural Pod and Rory Richards of NUQO Modular.Together, we explore how their powerful collaboration is addressing the urgent need for high-quality, sustainable, and community-rooted child care spaces—especially in underserved communities. Building on our first conversation, we dive into the real-world lessons, challenges, and momentum that have emerged as their work evolves.Topics covered include:New projects and partnerships since their initial collaborationLeadership and transformation in early learningNavigating timelines, funding, and government processesDesigning with equity, sustainability, and Indigenous leadership at the coreScaling their model to meet the diverse needs of communities across BC and beyondWhat’s fueling their hope and determination as they look aheadWhether you're a policymaker, child care provider, designer, or advocate, this episode offers tangible insights into how bold, values-driven collaboration can shape the future of child care.We are grateful to have Bridgitte Alomes & Rory Richards on our podcast once again and to share valuable insights with us.

Tune in to Episode 5, Season 4 of BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast! Host Gyda speaks with two innovative leaders: Bridgitte Alomes, founder of Natural Pod, and Rory Richards, President & CEO of NUQO Modular.Learn how these two B Corp certified companies are tackling BC's urgent need for high-quality childcare spaces. Learn about their unique partnership combining Natural Pod's sustainable, non-toxic learning furniture with NUQO's expertise in modular, culturally grounded construction. They discuss streamlining the entire process – from funding applications right through to fully furnished classrooms – making it easier for communities, especially underserved ones, to create inspiring, durable learning environments where children and educators can thrive. It’s a look at practical solutions shaping the future of early childhood education in BC.

Bridgitte Alomes, founder of Natural Pod learning furniture, joins the ONEder podcast to advocate for creating healthy, sustainable and intentional learning environments for children. Inspired by her son's allergic reaction to toxic chemicals in a toy, Bridgitte envisioned, founded and leads a company to deliver beautiful, functional, and eco-friendly learning spaces that foster creativity and well-being. Encouraging involvement from both children and educators in the design process, Bridgitte shares highlights from successful projects at Thrive Community School and Explorer Academy. Listen in for a dose of passion, focus and commitment to empowering beautiful, durable and sustainable learning spaces. Originally posted at oneworkplace.com

When designing learning spaces to support the unique interests and needs of younger children, having an understanding of how the built environment can contribute is vitally important. By creating a system of environments that complement one another; it’s possible to craft an ecosystem where children can thrive.  In this episode, our host, Bridgitte Alomes, CEO of Natural Pod will be in conversation with Suzy Potts and Amanda Barrett of Creekside Creative Academy, about how Creekside Creative Academy designed a range of spaces that create one cohesive and functional environment. They’ll examine Creekside Creative’s process from ideation to implementation, and explore the impact on the children and the community this environment created. Watch live to learn how designing cohesive environments can support whole-child learning. About Natural Pod™ LIVE Natural Pod™ LIVE has been created for, and by, our incredible community of educators, students, architects and anyone with a stake in creating better learning spaces and experiences. It’s an online streaming talk show where we interview education leaders who are sharing their personal stories behind the challenges and opportunities of creating exceptional learning environments. Join us as we explore the new approaches for what’s possible in the future of education with the people who are making it happen. This is your opportunity to learn directly from them about the challenges and successes and how they are approaching this work. Watch and listen to all episodes at https://naturalpod.com/live

Each choice we make, leads to an outcome, whether intended or not.  In this episode, our host, Bridgitte Alomes, CEO of Natural Pod will be speaking with Jennifer Seydel, Executive Director for the Green Schools National Network and Keith Reeves, Discovery Elementary,  on Making sustainable choices for an impact that matters.  They’ll discuss how to put action behind our intended outcomes of making choices today, that create a more sustainable tomorrow.  Watch live to learn about what each of us can do, now, to continue the positive momentum in the sustainability movement. About Natural Pod™ LIVE Natural Pod™ LIVE has been created for, and by, our incredible community of educators, students, architects and anyone with a stake in creating better learning spaces and experiences. It’s an online streaming talk show where we interview education leaders who are sharing their personal stories behind the challenges and opportunities of creating exceptional learning environments. Join us as we explore the new approaches for what’s possible in the future of education with the people who are making it happen. This is your opportunity to learn directly from them about the challenges and successes and how they are approaching this work. Watch and listen to all episodes at https://naturalpod.com/live

In this episode of Natural Pod LIVE, our host, Michelle Carpenter, CSO with Natural Pod will be speaking with Heather Breton an  educator at Garden City Elementary, Megan Breton, a student at Garden City Elementary, and Enrico Giori with Fielding International,  about how a school has begun to impact cultural change through student co-authorship of their learning environments. About Natural Pod™ LIVE Natural Pod™ LIVE has been created for, and by, our incredible community of educators, students, architects and anyone with a stake in creating better learning spaces and experiences. It’s an online streaming talk show where we interview education leaders who are sharing their personal stories behind the challenges and opportunities of creating exceptional learning environments. Join us as we explore the new approaches for what’s possible in the future of education with the people who are making it happen. This is your opportunity to learn directly from them about the challenges and successes and how they are approaching this work. Watch and listen to all episodes at https://naturalpod.com/live

Educating for a sustainable future is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. In this episode, our host, Bridgitte Alomes, CEO of Natural Pod will be speaking with Jennifer Seydel, Executive Director for the Green Schools National Network on becoming a trailblazer for whole school transformation. They’ll discuss practical tips and examples found in the newly released book, Trailblazers for Whole School Sustainability: Case Studies of Educators in Action.  Watch live to learn about what is possible when educators resolve to blaze a trail to re-imagine K-12 education for a just and sustainable future. About Natural Pod™ LIVE Natural Pod™ LIVE has been created for, and by, our incredible community of educators, students, architects and anyone with a stake in creating better learning spaces and experiences. It’s an online streaming talk show where we interview education leaders who are sharing their personal stories behind the challenges and opportunities of creating exceptional learning environments. Join us as we explore the new approaches for what’s possible in the future of education with the people who are making it happen. This is your opportunity to learn directly from them about the challenges and successes and how they are approaching this work. Watch and listen to all episodes at https://naturalpod.com/live

In this edition of Natural Pod LIVE, our CEO Bridgitte Alomes chats with Jerzell Pierre-Louis, Owner/Founder at Sprout and Bloom Early Education Centers about her journey as an educator. Starting from scratch,  Jerzell followed her passion and opened up an early childhood center in 2013, hoping to make an impact on the lives of children within her community. Today, Jerzell is the Owner of both Sprout and Bloom Early Education Centers, two thriving spaces. Despite adversity, Jerzell channelled her passion toward an impactful mission - to inspire the joy of learning. Bridgitte and Jerzell will reflect on their journeys and share their experiences around lessons learned, and words of wisdom to pursue meaningful work. This session will not only inspire others in following their passions, whether in education or not, but also to know it’s possible to bring a dream to life. About Natural Pod™ LIVE Natural Pod™ LIVE has been created for, and by, our incredible community of educators, students, architects and anyone with a stake in creating better learning spaces and experiences. It’s an online streaming talk show where we interview education leaders who are sharing their personal stories behind the challenges and opportunities of creating exceptional learning environments. Join us as we explore the new approaches for what’s possible in the future of education with the people who are making it happen. This is your opportunity to learn directly from them about the challenges and successes and how they are approaching this work. Watch and listen to all episodes at https://naturalpod.com/live

The idea of Culture of Care + Connection is ever evolving, but at the core it’s simple: to care for ourselves and those around us, by connecting with our communities and the natural environment. Verena Gibbs, Principal/Educational Consultant, and Bridgitte Alomes, CEO and Founder of Natural Pod, will explore how to create space that fosters cultural values and connection to each other. About Natural Pod™ LIVE Natural Pod™ LIVE has been created for, and by, our incredible community of educators, students, architects and anyone with a stake in creating better learning spaces and experiences. It’s an online streaming talk show where we interview education leaders who are sharing their personal stories behind the challenges and opportunities of creating exceptional learning environments. Join us as we explore the new approaches for what’s possible in the future of education with the people who are making it happen. This is your opportunity to learn directly from them about the challenges and successes and how they are approaching this work. Watch and listen to all episodes at https://naturalpod.com/live

In this episode, our host, Bridgitte Alomes, CEO of Natural Pod will be speaking with Kate Mraw, Design Director at LPA about designing an integrated and holistic sustainability journey.  LPA is an award winning design firm, most recently being noted as the California firm of the year by AIA in 2021. Kate has over fifteen years of K-12 educational design experience. This session will inspire both those who design learning spaces and those that have them; with a focus on the design process, sustainability and bringing student voice in. About Natural Pod™ LIVE Natural Pod™ LIVE has been created for, and by, our incredible community of educators, students, architects and anyone with a stake in creating better learning spaces and experiences. It’s an online streaming talk show where we interview education leaders who are sharing their personal stories behind the challenges and opportunities of creating exceptional learning environments. Join us as we explore the new approaches for what’s possible in the future of education with the people who are making it happen. This is your opportunity to learn directly from them about the challenges and successes and how they are approaching this work. Watch and listen to all episodes at https://naturalpod.com/live