Jocelyn Manzanarez

Jocelyn Manzanarez is an early childhood educator, trainer, and professor at Green River College who is on a mission to help teachers thrive at circle time — and beyond — by combining brain-based strategies with engaging, developmentally appropriate practices that bring the joy back to teaching and learning.

Her secret? Music and movement. These powerful, research-backed tools are often overlooked in classrooms, yet they can capture attention, support memory, build connection, and make learning stick.

Jocelyn is also the founder of Musically Minded, a Seattle-based early childhood music education program providing weekly music classes in childcare centers, preschools, and virtually. Through her teaching, training, and work with educators, she helps early childhood professionals create playful, engaging classrooms where children — and teachers — can thrive.