Meet Phebe West
Founder & Lead Educator, Learn By Heart
From the Kindergarten Classroom to the Heart of the Home
My journey in education began at Indiana University, where I earned my Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education. From 2006 to 2015, I served as a Kindergarten teacher, spending the majority of my career at Taylorsville Elementary.
During those nine years, I saw a recurring heartbreak: many children entered the formal school system without the foundational tools they needed to succeed. I worked with students who lacked social-emotional skills or had never experienced a learning environment, yet they were held to the same rigid expectations as those who came in "ready." I realized that to truly help our community’s children, I needed to work at the root cause.
The "Insider" Advantage
In 2015, I opened Learn By Heart to bridge that gap. Because I have spent years on the "other side" of the Kindergarten door in the BCSC school system, I know exactly what local teachers are looking for. My passion is meeting children exactly where they are—not where a curriculum says they "should" be. By integrating high-level social-emotional skills with intentional early learning, I ensure my students don’t just enter Kindergarten; they enter it with the confidence to lead.
Our Dedicated Learning Environment
I live here in Columbus with my husband, Nate (an owner / agent of Holbrook & West Insurance), and our two children, Ruthie and Theo. In 2015, we fully converted our 4-bay garage into a custom-designed, 1,000+ sq. ft. childcare wing. This space is entirely separate from our personal living quarters, providing a professional, high-quality "school" environment with the safety and warmth of a home.
When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll usually find me cheering on my kids at their various extracurricular activities or enjoying a hike!
Meet Lesley Moss
Lead Educator & Quality Coach, Learn By Heart
From the Heart of the Home to the Forefront of the Field
My journey at Learn By Heart began in 2016, and what started as a supporting role has evolved into a lifelong passion for early childhood excellence. I’ve discovered that while my background didn't start in a traditional classroom, my natural drive for nurturing growth makes this my true calling.
Expertise Rooted in Research
I am committed to bringing the absolute latest research-based care to our families. After graduating from Ivy Tech in 2021 with an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, I am now pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree at Ball State University. This ongoing education allows me to implement "best-practice" strategies in real-time, ensuring every child at Learn By Heart benefits from the most up-to-date developmental science available.
The "Power of Two" & Community Impact
There is a special dynamic that comes from working alongside my sister, Phebe. Our shared vision and complementary strengths create a learning environment that is unmatched in its stability and heart. Beyond our own walls, I am passionate about elevating the standard of care across our entire community. Through our provider coaching programs, I help other educators identify gaps and transform their classrooms into high-quality spaces where children can truly thrive.
Our Family & Roots
I live in Scipio with my husband, James (who serves our city at the Department of Public Works), and we have three children: Leah, an Indiana University student; Everett, and Milo, both at Rockcreek Elementary. Whether we are at work or at play, we are proud to support Bartholomew community.