My Unique Approach…
I partner with early childhood communities to put mental health and well-being at the heart of daily practice—helping both educators and young children truly thrive. By blending psychological insights with trauma-informed, healing-centered practices, my professional learning sessions give educators the confidence to navigate big emotions, cultivate a sustainable joy for practice, and create a regulated classroom culture that embraces the natural ups and downs of human connection. Whether you are looking for an inspiring keynote, an interactive workshop, or an ongoing partnership, my sessions are thoughtfully designed to honour your team’s current strengths and inspire next steps.
See My Full Portfolio of Sessions Below:
Are you interested in booking a time to chat? If so, please contact me at: [email protected]
Together, we can curate a one-of-a-kind offering for your organization or community!
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“Listening to Mary is like sitting down with your best friend, in a safe space, to have a conversation that is deep and reflective. Thank you, Mary!”
Linda Magill, RECE Inclusion Coordinator
“Mary captivated the audience from start to finish and left a lasting impression on everyone in the room. Mary’s contributions have helped shape how we approach our work, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with her in the future!”
Margo Smith,
Manager of Children’s Services
“The sessions you led did more than just deepen our knowledge…I now feel more aligned, confident, and intentional in my role!“
Carole Metivier, Child Care Centre Supervisor
👉 Big News!
Mary was honoured to be selected as a Speaker for
NAEYC’s Annual 2025 Conference in Orlando to speak on the topic of
Trauma-Informed Care in ECE!
I’ve Been Published In✏️ :
Some Organizations I’ve Worked With So Far :
MEET MARY…
Mary Hewitt, founder of Unlocking Childhood, is an experienced public speaker, writer, and consultant specializing in the well-being of children, parents, educators, and child-centered professionals. With 16 years in the Early Learning field as a classroom educator, early childhood education professor, and early years system leader—she leverages her expertise to develop engaging and meaningful learning experiences for her clients. Mary holds a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor of Education degree, a diploma in Early Childhood Education, and a Psychology degree.
Mary dedicates much of her work to topics such as: well-being and mental health; the ‘childhood trauma-informed’ approach; how to develop an ‘attachment lens’; and nurturing emotional competence. Currently, she is writing a book with Redleaf Press on the topic of trauma-informed care in ECE.
She has supported thousands of educators to-date and has delivered her work in a variety of contexts from large-scale arenas to individual classrooms. Mary offers keynotes, workshops, conferences, virtual sessions, and even one-on-one coaching and consultations. She has appeared as a guest on several podcasts and as a writer for various publications.
Mary credits her eclectic experiences, extensive education, and neurodivergent mind for her dynamic approach—and is passionate about sharing it with the world!
Mary resides in rural Ontario with her husband and beloved dog.