Leadership Q&A: Jacinda Kirk, Director & Owner of Learning Lodge West

In this Leadership Q&A, we are honored to speak with Jacinda Kirk, Director and Owner of Learning Lodge West Early Learning Center. Jacinda’s career has been defined by a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of children and her community. From working in marketing research to finding her true calling in early childhood education, Jacinda’s leadership journey has been shaped by a commitment to servant leadership. In this conversation, she shares the lessons learned from her mentors, the challenges she’s faced, and how she’s building a supportive, growth-driven environment at Learning Lodge West.

Can you share your career journey and key transitions?

Throughout high school and college, I always worked with children. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others and have a positive impact in my community. When I finished my education, I worked in marketing research. I enjoyed the work, but missed having a more fulfilling reason behind what I was doing. I decided to switch gears back to working with children and haven't looked back. I've worked in early childhood programs, as well as our local school district. Seven years ago, I was given the opportunity to open my own early childhood center. It's been the most challenging and rewarding thing I've ever done.

How would you describe leadership style?

I am a servant leader. At the heart of everything is being humble and the willingness to learn. I had multiple servant leaders that were my supervisors. It changed how I saw my own sphere of influence. I want to continue to equip and raise up each person I work with, so that they succeed. I revisit my purpose and goals daily before I go to work. If I don't do this, how can I successfully steer the ship and invest in others?

Can you share an experience that shaped your leadership?

I vividly remember being in a room full of people whom I looked up to and thought they "knew it all". I made the assumption that they were in leadership because of their level of education. That wasn't true. They were in their roles because they were resourceful, willing to listen and collaborate with a team. It was a pivotal experience for me to understand how to be a good leader.

What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Let's be honest, the hardest thing for me is being disliked. I've accepted that you cannot and will not please everyone. And frankly, if you're in leadership, you have to hold the line. I overcome these moments with graciousness and remember to honor every person with kindness and respect.

How do the company’s values align with your leadership style?

Yes, they reflect my personal beliefs about education and honoring people. Our core values are Safe, Educational, Intentional, Collaborative and Community. In order to learn, someone needs their basic needs met (safe), have the opportunity of educational materials (educational), purpose behind the learning (intentional), a village of caregivers that work together (collaborative) and a supportive environment (community).

We look to our Core Values when we make decisions for our students, families and team. If something doesn't align with our values, it has to be addressed/removed.

What advice do you have for aspiring leaders?

It starts with your professional growth. If you don't regularly invest in your learning, how will you give to others? Surround yourself with healthy people who value growth and learning. It will have a positive impact on you.

Can you describe initiatives or programs that support leadership development within your company?

Each year, our team focuses on a learning initiative building wide. We structure our trainings and staff meetings around this goal. We also started a Director-in-Training program this past year. It's a one-year program for a teacher who desires to learn the administrative side of running a school, plus grows our bench strength.

What excites you about Learning Lodge West's future?

I am so encouraged to see our parents value early childhood education. I hope that this generation continues to invest in our children in this way. It will change the future of the industry, our community and the world.

As we wrap up our conversation with Jacinda Kirk, her deep-rooted commitment to servant leadership and her vision for early childhood education are truly inspiring. By fostering a culture that values safety, education, collaboration, and community, Jacinda is shaping not only the future of her center but also the lives of the children and families she serves. Her dedication to growth, both personally and within her team, is a testament to her leadership. We look forward to seeing how Learning Lodge West continues to impact the community and lead the way in early childhood education.

Meet Jacinda's Team