Hidden Gems: Meet Danielle Mimbs of STEAM Made Simple

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Mimbs

Danielle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey in education officially began when I graduated with a degree in elementary education k-9 in 2014. I first started off teaching 6th grade and then transitioned to 2nd grade in a Title I school. Witnessing the academic struggles and the overemphasis on standardized testing, I recognized a critical need for connection and social-emotional learning, so although academics seemed to be an outside need, I prioritized building relationships with students first, believing that a strong foundation was essential for their growth and success.

After obtaining my master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction and special education, I became a Learning Behavior Specialist. During this time, I co-taught and worked with students exhibiting extreme behaviors, making a significant impact. I continued to prioritize social-emotional learning and advocate for individual student needs.

After moving to Michigan with my husband, I taught 2nd grade until the birth of my first son, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to my son’s medical needs, I decided to stay home and focus on my family.

This led to a new chapter in my career. I began creating digital educational products, drawing on my expertise in curriculum and instruction. Initially targeting teachers, I aimed to promote social-emotional learning and STEAM education. I did this though a third party platform designed for teachers as well as led professional developments. When I moved to the Instagram world, I discovered that my primary audience was parents, so that’s the direction I took! Bridging the gap between home and school while supporting and advocating for parents.

Today, I am a parent coach, emphasizing the importance of nurturing essential foundational skills in young children, especially emotional regulation. I understand that many parents may not see this as a pressing issue, but I’ve encountered countless parents who wished they had started earlier. My goal is to empower parents with the knowledge and tools to build a strong foundation for their children, fostering their unique potential and setting them up for success in the future through STEAM education and social emotional learning.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road in education has been anything but smooth. While there are systemic challenges within the profession, the biggest struggle for me has been witnessing the negativity and criticism directed towards teachers and schools. It’s disheartening to see such a dedicated group of professionals, who pour their hearts into their work, face constant scrutiny.

Teachers face immense pressures, from standardized testing to unrealistic expectations, to angry parents who are looking for someone to blame. Yet, they continue to show up every day, not for the paycheck, but because they are driven by a deep-rooted passion to help children reach their full potential. It’s a selfless profession that deserves recognition and support.

Personally, I’ve struggled with feeling put in a box or told how to teach, which stifled the creativity and innovation I believe are essential for true student-centered learning. There were hierarchies at schools, and I never liked being told my place.

While these challenges are real, they don’t diminish the incredible impact teachers have on their students’ lives. I am proud to be part of a profession filled with individuals who are truly dedicated to making a difference. It’s time to shift the narrative and celebrate the incredible work that teachers do, while also advocating for the changes needed to create a more supportive and empowering environment for all educators.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a former teacher and certified Learning Behavior Specialist, I’m passionate about empowering parents to unlock their child’s full potential through playful, personalized learning. My journey into this field began when I noticed a significant gap in how we approach early childhood education. Too often, the focus is solely on academic skills, neglecting the critical importance of social-emotional development, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) exploration, and nurturing the parent-child bond.

My approach is unique in that it emphasizes a holistic approach to early learning. I firmly believe that children thrive when learning is FUN, engaging, and tailored to their individual needs. That’s why I specialize in creating personalized play-based strategies that seamlessly integrate STEAM concepts and foster essential social-emotional skills.

One of the things I’m most proud of is witnessing the growing number of parents who prioritize their child’s well-being and understand the importance of starting from the ground up. They recognize that a strong foundation is essential for a child’s success, and that emotional intelligence is a key factor in that foundation.

This understanding inspired me to create my first digital product for parents, “Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids: The Calm Down Corner Method for Transforming Tantrums.” This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to identify a child’s triggers, sensory profile, and emotional language. It equips parents with the tools to build and nurture the skills their children need to thrive in all aspects of life.

In addition to this guide, I offer numerous free resources, including “Step into STEAM,” which helps parents transform their homes into engaging and enriching learning environments. I also provide one-on-one consultation calls for those seeking additional support.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback I’ve received from parents and educators has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the transformative power of understanding and nurturing a child’s unique needs. My ultimate goal is to help parents help their kids love to learn, recognize their unique strengths, and thrive in a world that increasingly demands emotional intelligence and adaptability.

What sets me apart in the crowded field of parenting and education accounts is my focus on the “why” behind early learning. While many accounts offer play-based activities or educational content, I challenge parents to think deeper about their long-term goals for their children.

My approach is unique in that it requires parents to truly understand the importance of starting early and building a strong foundation. It’s about recognizing that a child’s future success depends on the skills and mindset they develop in the early years. This isn’t always an easy message to convey, as it requires parents to anticipate potential challenges before they arise.

However, this focus on the “end in mind” is what makes my account so valuable. By understanding the long-term benefits of nurturing essential skills, parents are empowered to make informed decisions about their child’s development. They become proactive, rather than reactive, in their approach to parenting and education.

So, while my message may not be for everyone, it resonates deeply with parents who are committed to setting their children up for lifelong success. They see the value in my unique perspective and appreciate the resources and support I provide to help them navigate the complex world of early childhood development.

What does success mean to you?
Success is a deeply personal concept, and I believe it’s measured differently by each individual. For some, external validation and achievements may be the benchmark, while others find success in internal growth and fulfillment. Personally, I’m still discovering what success truly means to me in this new chapter of my life.

However, if I were to define success in the context of my business, it would be measured by the positive impact I have on families. Witnessing the transformation of parent-child relationships, seeing children thrive as a result of the strategies and tools I provide, and fostering a love of learning through play-based and STEAM approaches—these are the true markers of success for me.

Every time I hear from a parent who has implemented my guidance and witnessed a positive shift in their child’s behavior, engagement, or overall well-being, I feel a sense of accomplishment. Each family I help represents another step towards achieving my broader mission of empowering parents and nurturing the next generation of learners.

While I don’t believe success can be quantified by a single number or metric, the collective impact of my work is what truly matters. It’s about creating a ripple effect of positive change, one family at a time. As I continue to grow and evolve as a parent coach, my definition of success may shift and expand, but the core focus will always remain on empowering parents and helping children flourish.

Pricing:

• Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids Guide- $47
• Step Into STEAM- FREE
• STEAM Test Toy Guide- FREE
• Kindergarten Readiness Checklist-FREE
• Picky Eating Hack-Free

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steammadesimple/