President/Founder
Small Strides
Type of Business: Childcare
Based in: Northern Nevada
Hails from: Reno
Years Org. has been in Nevada: 16
Years with Organization in Nevada: 16
Employees in NV (approx.): 65
What has been instrumental to your success?
Hiring dedicated and passionate individuals who share my vision for quality childcare has been instrumental in the success of my business. Another contributing factor to my success is my personal drive and passion for business and for early childhood education. Despite having been in business for 16 years, I believe there is always potential for further growth and improvements in my achievements.
What career advice would you give to someone just starting?
For anyone just starting in the childcare industry, my primary piece of advice would be to approach your work with passion and a genuine commitment. Building relationships is key: engage with the families you serve and invest in your people.
What was the most difficult experience you encountered as a leader?
One of the most difficult experiences I encountered as a leader was the realization that it’s normal not to have unanimous support in every decision. Leadership requires courage, and part of that courage is accepting that you cannot please everyone. True leadership involves prioritizing the overall well-being of the organization and the mission we stand for, even if that means making choices that may not resonate with everyone. This lesson has made me a more resilient and effective leader, and it continues to guide me as I grow and evolve in this journey.
What is the best moment of your career?
The best moment of my career undoubtedly has to be the opening of my third childcare center. Opening the third center represented not just growth for my business, but also the expansion of our impact in the community. I knew that with this new location, we could reach more families and provide even more children with the quality education and care that we value so deeply. It was a tangible reminder of why I started this journey in the first place—to make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families. What made this moment even more meaningful was seeing the support of my team that continues to stand by my side as we embark on these new endeavors. I would not have been able to expand into a third location without a strong team at my first two centers.
What do you hope future generations can learn from your professional journey?
I hope future generations learn the value of mutual respect and kindness in leadership and in the business world.
