Ep: 63 - The Ins and Outs of Field Placements with Fanshawe College
With special guests, Mary Mitches, Kelly Patterson, and Emily Purdon
Welcome to Leading Inspired Learning: A Strive Podcast! In this episode, Ally, Strive Manager, hosts Mary Mitches, Kelly Patterson, and Emily Purdon from Fanshawe College! Get an inside look at how Fanshawe supports Early Years field placements, from student preparation to mentor expectations. They clarify key logistics, debunk common myths, and highlight the role of OER and inclusive practices. Listen, learn, reflect, enjoy!
Learn more about the Open Education Resource through our blog or Episode 51 of Leading Inspired Learning.
Just here for the myth-busting? Skip ahead to 39:10!
Guest Bios
Mary Mitches (she/her) (left) has been a registered Early Childhood Educator for over 30 years working in before and after school programs, childcare, EarlyON, and Kindergarten classrooms. In these varied Early Years settings, she has mentored ECE students, new educators and co-created a mentoring program for one of our local school boards and the ECL program. Mary has been teaching at Fanshawe for almost 7 years, first in the ECE diploma program and then moving to the Early Childhood Leadership degree as faculty and field coordinator. Mary is passionate about children as active agents, working collaboratively with educators, families, and each other to be empowered and engaged learners. Relationships Matter!
Emily Purdon (she/her) (middle) is the Field Liaison for the Early Years programs at Fanshawe College. With 13 years of experience in the community sector—specifically in developmental services and supporting individuals with disabilities—she brings a deep commitment to inclusion and community collaboration. In her current role, she bridges the gap between students and placement agencies, ensuring that field experiences are enriching, supportive, and aligned with both academic and community standards. Passionate about mentorship, she is dedicated to guiding future educators in exploring inclusive learning environments that reflect the diverse communities they serve.
Kelly Patterson (she/her) (right) is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with over 23 years of experience supporting children and families across a range of meaningful roles. Her work has included time in childcare settings as well as supporting individuals as a crisis responder, offering calm and compassionate care to children and families during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Kelly has also worked in a 24-hour emergency program at a space for women and children who have experienced harm, providing support grounded in safety, dignity, and empathy. Since 2017, she has been a professor and faculty advisor in Fanshawe College’s Early Childhood Education program and now serves as the Field Coordinator. Kelly is passionate about inclusive, relationship-based education and is committed to helping future educators grow into responsive and confident professionals.