August Manager Spotlight: Shelly Gardner

We are very excited to re-introduce you all to Shelly Gardner! Shelly previously worked for the company at Springfield I for several years before taking a short hiatus to focus on school and obtain her Master’s Degree. She is now back with us and leading our Springfield III program!

Shelly began her career in the childcare industry at a very young age. While growing up, her mother had her own in-home child care service and Shelly always enjoyed being her “little helper”! As she worked her way through college, she realized how much she loved to learn about children, their development and growth, and the interactions they have with their parents!

She truly enjoys watching kiddos learn and grow in their development, and it’s one of the most rewarding parts of her job. She stated, “It gives me such satisfaction to see the achievement skills that they once struggled with. I also love the interaction with parents and my staff. Building positive relationships and bonds are vitally important to me, and I thoroughly enjoy getting to know new families and staff.”

 Shelly’s Assistant Director, Taylor Hardman, had the following to say about Shelly, “Shelly is such a wonderful leader for our school! She knows Little Sunshine’s like the back of her hand with all of her experience within the company. Since day one, she has had high goals and expectations for our school and ensures we uphold them. She is very team-oriented and builds such meaningful relationships with the staff and families. Thanks for all your continued hard work, Shelly! I love being your teammate!”

Outside of work Shelly enjoys spending time with her family as much as possible. It doesn’t matter what they’re doing, be it a game night, going to the mall or movies, or just hanging out together, they all love to spend time with one another!

One special fact about Shelly would be that she married her high school sweetheart! They went to school together all the way from Kindergarten to their Senior Year! They were also born one day apart, and were in the baby nursery together at their local hospital. She likes to say, “We have practically been together since day one!”

We are so fortunate to have Shelly back on our team and to be a part of our Little Sunshine’s Family! We are beyond grateful for all the years of service she has given us and all of her kiddos and families!