April 11, 2025 with Carla Ward and Amy Reyes-Hauff
Regulation Through Nature
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, host Carla Ward is joined by early childhood education expert Amy Reyes-Hauff to explore the powerful connection between outdoor learning and self-regulation in young children. With over 25 years of experience—from Head Start Director to Montessori Kindergarten Teacher to her current role at the Wyoming Department of Education—Amy brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world insight.
As the founder of Get Wild Wyoming, an outdoor learning initiative reaching nearly 200 early childhood classrooms, Amy shares practical strategies and research-backed benefits of taking lessons outside. Discover how nature can support emotional regulation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being—for both children and educators.
If you’re an early childhood educator, administrator, or advocate looking for nature-based learning ideas, self-regulation support, or fresh inspiration for your classroom, this episode is for you.
Amy Reyes
Amy Reyes-Hauff B.S. Ed,L.L.B, IT/ECMH is an accomplished early learning specialist. Amy has been in the ECE space for over 25 years. Serving as a Head Start Director, Montessori Kindergarten Teacher then moving into administration for the Wyoming Department of Education. Amy is a firm believer in outdoor learning and has found the magical connection between self regulation and the outdoors. Amy truly values the outdoors and the simplicity of taking lessons into the outdoors. Amy started the Get Wild Wyoming program (an outdoor learning initiative) that’s currently serving almost 200 classrooms across the state.