08/19/2026
What a journey this has been!
In 2007, when I decided to go back to school, I honestly never would have imagined that my passion for children would become as big a part of my life as it has. I knew I was always seen as the “cool aunt,” and all the kids in my family somehow migrated toward me at every house party.
Honestly, though, I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy working with children until I found myself in my first classroom. Children have taught me so much—especially about the things I thought I knew but really didn’t.
Children are the most genuine and pure part of life. They are explorers and sponges. They can love and dislike everything at the same time. They experience every emotion possible throughout the day, yet somehow close out their nights with an “I love you” so freely.
I got my degree in 2009 and thought I knew a lot. As the years went by, I even reached a point where I felt like I knew it all when it came to children.
And then came motherhood…
These past three years have been so enlightening.
I have always been a compassionate and empathetic person, but wow! I had no clue how much it truly took to be a parent.
It’s for this reason that I always do my best to make sure my parents know that I am easy to communicate with and always willing to help. Motherhood has given me an entirely different understanding of the parents who trust me with their babies every day.
I never thought I would be blessed to become a mother at the age of 39, and here I am with two beautiful boys!
The community my children get to share their everyday lives with has become an extended family. I have always said, “It takes a village,” but I never truly understood what that phrase felt like emotionally until I experienced that level of support myself.
To me, it means that a simple smile or a moment of understanding can change a parent’s entire outlook. Feeling supported, understood, and knowing someone is rooting for you through all of the sacrifices can mean so much.
Your babies, like mine, are blessed to have us—and I feel even more fortunate that I now truly understand what it means to say, “It takes a village.”
My children have gained an extended family through the daily experiences we all share, and I will forever be grateful for that.
This season is always special, and I’m so excited for the 2026–2027 school year. ❤️
Amy
