Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Lazarus
Hi Jennifer, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a Holistic Speech-Language Pathologist and Children’s Communication Expert. For over 15 years, I have helped children find their voice—only to realize, in the process, that I was finding my own.
For much of my career, I was content as a Speech-Language Pathologist in both the school system and private practice. But there was always a quiet, persistent voice telling me there was something more—something beyond the constraints of traditional education, both for the children I served and for myself. That voice grew louder in 2020 when the world collectively shut down. And yet, even then, I remained where I was.
It wasn’t until my sister was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 and passed away a year later that my entire foundation crumbled. Everything I thought I knew shattered. I was broken. But I discovered that pain can be a powerful catalyst for change. It set me on a journey of self-discovery, allowing me to question everything—life, religion, education, and beyond.
In that deep reflection, I saw how education was confining our children instead of inspiring them. I had spent years in the school system, and I could no longer ignore the troubling patterns—students drained of curiosity, stuck behind desks, while teachers struggled with overwhelming class sizes. Recess was cut short or moved indoors, playgrounds sat empty, and learning had become more about memorization than true understanding. It was heartbreaking to witness, and I knew there had to be another way.
As a Children’s Communication Expert, I have always believed that every child deserves the space to explore, express, and grow. I started taking my small groups outside for therapy, integrating movement and real-world experiences. It was a step in the right direction, but it wasn’t enough. Children needed more—more freedom, more connection, more experiences that made learning feel alive.
That’s when I discovered microschools—an innovative model that bridges the gap between homeschooling and traditional schooling. And with that, Heart Expressions Microschool was born. Here, education is an adventure, rooted in curiosity, creativity, and emotional well-being. We learn through nature, hands-on experiences, and real-world exploration. We don’t just teach kids what to think—we empower them with a strong foundation in critical thinking skills that allows them to explore the world with innovative perspectives.
At Heart Expressions, we don’t wait for weekends to enjoy life. We celebrate learning every single day. It is a place where children rediscover their innate love for discovery, where education meets joy, and where the whole child is nurtured—mind, body, and heart.
Taking this leap of faith has been the most rewarding journey of my life, and I’m honored to share this hidden gem with families who are ready for an education that is innovative and new. Because learning should be magical—and at Heart Expressions, it is.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This path has definitely been filled with obstacles, and I believe it’s the challenges that allow us to see the true magic. A month after my sister’s funeral, my right hip collapsed. My heart was deep in agony as I was emotionally broken from the loss of my sister—and, in the same way, my body decided to break too. This powerful experience opened my eyes to the profound connection between our mind, body, and spirit.
In the midst of this, I sought healing and discovered incredible practices—regulation tools, journaling, meditation, sound baths and more. These practices not only helped me find clarity and peace, but also led me to a deeper spiritual connection. It was through this journey that I found Heartway Church, which is truly my hidden gem. Heartway became a place where I continued my healing and transformation, where I found strength, peace, and a community of like-minded individuals who shared values of love, growth, and connection.
This new spiritual foundation became the cornerstone of everything I do. Heartway Church is not just where I found peace; it is also the very place where Heart Expressions Microschool now thrives in Davie, FL! The challenges I’ve faced have shaped me in ways I never imagined, leading me to create a space where children can grow, learn, and discover their true potential—just as I did.
The road was rocky, but every obstacle opened doors to something greater. Each challenge was an invitation to expand, and through it all, I discovered my purpose. Now, I have the privilege of sharing that journey with the children at Heart Expressions Microschool, helping them find their own paths to joy, fulfillment, and growth.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I would love to tell you more about Heart Expressions Microschool! At this school, we believe education should be an enriching experience—one that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and emotional growth. Our approach to learning goes beyond traditional methods by fostering a space where children’s emotional intelligence, well-being, critical thinking, and hands-on experiences are at the heart of everything we do.
One of the most important aspects of our school is our focus on social-emotional intelligence. We understand that a child’s ability to navigate their emotions, relationships, and environment plays a pivotal role in their learning journey. That’s why we prioritize creating a supportive environment where each student is heard, seen and valued. By integrating mindfulness practices, social-emotional learning, and emotional regulation tools into our daily routines, we help our students develop resilience, empathy, and a strong sense of self-worth.
At Heart Expressions, learning is deeply connected to nature and real-world experiences. We believe that children learn best when they can actively engage with the world around them, which is why outdoor exploration and hands-on activities are central to our curriculum. Whether they’re studying the ecosystem, engaging with animals, or getting their hands dirty in soil, we bring lessons to life through experiences that spark curiosity and ignite creativity! The outdoors becomes an extension of our classroom, where children can touch, see, and experience what they’re learning in a truly meaningful way.
We’re also passionate about fostering critical thinking and passion-based learning. Education shouldn’t just be about memorization; it should empower children to think for themselves. At Heart Expressions Microschool, we go on field trips each month to spark children’s curiosity! We encourage children to ask questions, explore answers, and develop their own solutions. Our environment supports active learning, where children engage deeply with what they’re learning and begin to take ownership of their educational journey. This approach fuels a lifelong love of learning and helps develop independent thinkers.
What sets us apart is our micro-sized structure, which allows for a deeply personalized experience. We believe in the value of quality over quantity, and by keeping our class sizes small, we can provide individualized attention and foster stronger relationships. This creates an environment where each child’s needs are met with intention, and every student is given the space to thrive. This smaller setting also allows us to build a close-knit community that prioritizes connection and collaboration among students, families, and educators.
We pride ourselves on creating an environment that integrates social-emotional intelligence, hands-on learning, and critical thinking, all while maintaining an intentional focus on quality. It’s not just about what we teach, but how we teach it and the environment we create to nurture the whole child. This focus on quality, coupled with our intimate class sizes, helps us maintain the kind of individualized attention that truly makes a difference.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the vibrant, heart-centered community we’ve cultivated. Heart Expressions Microschool isn’t just a place of learning; it’s a family. We’ve created a space where children, families, and educators come together to share in the journey of growth, connection, and discovery. This sense of community is the foundation of our school, and it’s what truly sets us apart.
What I want readers to know is that Heart Expressions Microschool is more than just an educational setting—it’s a transformative experience. We’re here to nurture the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—and empower them to discover their true potential in an environment that is joyful, fulfilling, and meaningful. Our smaller structure allows for a more intentional and personalized experience, which is at the heart of what makes us unique.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is to use my voice. I’ve come to realize that there is an urgent need for innovative education opportunities for students, and it’s my mission to shine a light on microschools and new ways of learning. Education doesn’t have to be rigid and uninspiring—education can be fun, engaging, and full of excitement! When learning is meaningful and joyful, that’s when students truly thrive and develop a lifelong love for learning and life. My journey has shown me how important it is to use our voice for advocating positive change in our community. Together our small change will make a powerful ripple effect and allow our world to flourish! When we embrace new approaches to education and life, we open the door for limitless possibilities!
Pricing:
- Accepting Step-Up Scholarships
Contact Info:
- Website: https://heartexpressions.org/
- Instagram: @heart_microschool
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069768681286
