Age: 30
Director, Linda's Angels and Owner, B-Brighter Visions (New Castle)
Introduction: Linda’s Angels Childcare and Development Center is a family-owned child-care center that began as a home day care in 1990. In 2010 our first center was opened by Linda (my mother) and me. In March, we opened a second building with a capacity of 274. I am part owner, director, counselor and parent/teacher educator. We are a five-star facility that teaches children kindergarten readiness, mindfulness, self-love, independence, effective communication skills, and much more.
Professional accomplishments: I received my undergraduate degree in behavioral science in January 2010. In September 2010, my mother Linda and I opened a child-care center, starting out with three children, yet having a capacity of 169. By April 2011, we were filled to capacity. In 2011, I took ECE courses to obtain my Early Childhood Administrator certificate. In September 2012, I assisted a lady in opening a large family child-care center. I was the director at this center from September 2012 to June 2013 when I hired someone to take over the director’s position at that facility.
In 2015, I obtained my National Directors Credential. In 2016, my facility became a Delaware five-star center, which we have maintained since. In May 2018, I received my master’s in school counseling. March 2019, we expanded and opened another building now having a capacity of 274, in which we have almost reached capacity. This past May, I launched my business BBrighter Visions, which will soon offer online classes on the UD ECE website.
Community service: I have partnered with a battered women and children’s shelter and organized a bookbag and school supplies giveaway along with women’s care packages. Before winter, I collect clothing donations to give to the Christina School District for elementary students. In November we participated in Move for Hunger where we collected enough food to serve 92 families. For Halloween each year I host a “Trunk or Treat” event for the surrounding community. This year on June 15 we will participate in a breast cancer walk to support one of our parents currently in treatment. Last Christmas one of the children at the daycare lost her father, so we adopted her family along with another family that we adopted.
Tell us a few things that aren’t on your resume or your LinkedIn profile. I have a 10-year-old son who was diagnosed with ADHD while I was in my first semester of grad school working on my master’s in school counseling. Since I was learning all about the disability, and I began doing in depth research about ADHD, I was able to help my child in ways that I know other parents may not know as much about because they are not thoroughly educated on the disability. I now hold information sessions for parents so that they are educated on the signs, coping strategies, etc., to help their child be successful.
Hidden talent? I worked in a hair salon from the time I was 12 through my college years. At this point in my life if someone asks me about doing their hair, I act as if I never did hair a day in my life! My other hidden talent is that I’m a bartender! I actually bartended part time for about five to eight years in my 20s. I still have clients who will call me up even today to work their private parties.
Current go-to-song: “Soulmate” by Lizzo. (I could run six miles with this on repeat)
Advice 10 years ago?Always remember who you were before the heartbreak, baby, and high school. Remember that quiet yet joyful, kind, loving, caring, and fun person you were before life took hold of you. Keep that innocence, keep that heart, keep that kind spirit and never let anyone or anything take it away from you. Stay focused, stay consistent, and always remember “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” There will be no greater satisfaction then accomplishing a goal and proving the doubters and naysayers wrong!
Currently reading? “Wholeness,” by Touré Roberts, “Can’t Hurt Me,” by David Goggins
Family and education: I am the mother of an 11-year-old brilliant young boy named Micah Jalen. I have a bachelor’s in behavioral science and a master’s in school counseling. I have taken many college courses for ECE and have a couple certifications such as a National Directors Credential and an Early Childcare Administrator Certification. I have developed a quality assured curriculum now on University of Delaware’s Institute for Excellence in Early Childcare available for all child-care professionals.
