Are you ready to grow stronger as a leader and show up bigger for your center? This week, Kris sits down with Cynthia Maher, owner and founder of Bedford Child Development Center in Michigan, and a proud finalist in the 2025 Child Care Rockstar Contest. Cynthia shares what it felt like to be on that big stage, the personal breakthroughs she experienced, and the mindset shifts that are helping her move forward with more clarity and confidence than ever before.

With over 20 years in the field, Cynthia opens up about her team culture, marketing strategies, and why her center's motto, "treat others as you want to be treated", is more than just words on a wall.

Key Takeaways:

[3:14] A big podcast announcement!

[8:04] Cynthia shares how she's using discounts and community awareness to drive enrollment at Bedford Child Development Center.

[9:21] She's been in the field her whole adult life and has owned her center for over 20 years.

[10:10] Cynthia lights up when she talks about watching children grow and hit those magical "lightbulb" moments.

[12:49] For her, this work is more than a job — it's a calling and a ministry.

[13:44] Cynthia reflects on how much she's grown as a leader, especially in shifting her mindset around business ownership.

[15:13] She gives a peek into her personal life, from her supportive husband to the joys of being a grandmother.

[18:21] Cynthia breaks down the community partnerships that are helping her center thrive, like working with the local library and schools.

[23:24] Her leadership style centers on treating staff like family and making sure every team member feels supported and properly trained.

[24:34] Building a strong, connected team culture has always been a top priority at Bedford.

[26:06] Cynthia walks through how her admin team is structured to help things run smoothly and support both teachers and families.

[27:53] She talks about what it was like to be a finalist in the Rockstar Contest, and how it helped her step more fully into her power.

[31:20] Her "why" keeps her going: helping kids, building a legacy, and showing her team what's possible.

[33:12] Cynthia encourages other leaders to take the leap, invest in themselves, and keep learning, no matter what stage they're in.

Quotes:

"The development and watching children grow and flourish and getting those aha moments with the light bulb has always been like something that just drives me." — Cynthia [10:10]

"It has always been my ministry to be with children and to work with the children." — Cynthia [12:49]

"Our motto has always been to treat others as you would want to be treated." — Cynthia [23:24]

"Just building that sense of teamwork and a culture that inspires excellence has always been what we have been focusing on." — Cynthia [24:34]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

@iamkrismurray

The Child Care Success Company

The Child Care Success Academy

The Child Care Success Summit

Grow Your Center

Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

Bedford Child Development Center

Cynthia Maher LinkedIn

The 77 Best Strategies to Grow Your Early Childhood Program

Kyleigh Tolman and Keaton Ross are the powerhouse sister duo behind Klever Kidz Academy in rural Southeast Oklahoma. With three centers and over 300 children served, Kyleigh and Keaton have built something deeply rooted in family, community, and intentional leadership.

During their chat with Kris, they share how they've infused fun, core values, and heart into their culture, from heart-shaped tattoos with their leadership team to parent survival kits and walkout-proof staff meetings. They also open up about enrollment challenges in rural areas, personal development routines, and how finding the right community has shaped their success. This episode is a playbook in purpose-driven leadership and the impact of building a strong internal culture in early education.

Key Takeaways:

[4:48] Kyleigh started Klever Kidz Academy in 2011, and Keaton joined in 2023; together, they now lead three centers serving over 290 children.

[6:32] As co-owners and sisters, they divide responsibilities based on strengths and have found a rhythm that balances business and family.

[8:32] Kyleigh shares the origin of the Klever Kidz name and her early passion for creating a safe, loving environment for children.

[11:10] The sisters share personal insights about their families and the importance of maintaining a supportive work-life balance.

[11:52] The leadership team bonded so deeply they got matching heart-shaped tattoos — on their left feet!

[14:02] They've built a close-knit team culture grounded in core values, with staff meetings so engaging that no one wants to leave.

[20:48] In a unique Oklahoma model, they've built contracts and partnerships that help sustain their rural enrollment.

[22:34] Their personal development practices include books like The Miracle Morning and strong morning routines to lead with intention.

[25:09] Facing inflation, low birth rates, and local competition, they've used strategic enrollment tools like waived fees and parent survival kits.

[29:11] They prioritize building strong relationships with licensing reps and being visible in their communities.

[31:11] Their marketing strategy includes going back to basics and focusing on human connection and word-of-mouth.

[32:30] The Parent Survival Kit is a small but thoughtful gift for new families that makes a lasting impression.

[35:07] Their biggest advice: build a trusting, collaborative relationship with your licensing rep. It pays off long-term.

Quotes:

"Heart-shaped tattoos because we lead with heart." — Kylie [12:21]

"We always try to make sure we have the right people in the right seats." — Kylie [13:49]

"I'd say we are really a close-knit leadership team. We're like a family, and then we are intentional about that, and that's one of our core values as well. And we're always incorporating our core values and making sure our leadership team is instilling those core values into our staff." — Kylie [14:16]

"We are their family. We are that connection they're looking for." — Kylie [20:17]

"Align yourself with the right people and then implement as fast as you can without burning out. It's a hard one, but it is possible." — Kris [38:49]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

@iamkrismurray

The Child Care Success Company

The Child Care Success Academy

The Child Care Success Summit

Grow Your Center

Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

Hal Elrod — The Miracle Morning

Klever Kidz Academy

Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! In this episode, Kris sits down with Megan Ferring, a dynamic regional director at Hamilton Heights Child Development Center, where her 16-year journey began as a preschool teacher. Megan's deep commitment to both operational excellence and playful leadership recently earned her the Director of the Year award.

Kris and Megan talk about how Hamilton Heights approaches leadership structure, branding, and enrollment strategy across its six locations. Megan shares her perspective on centering community connections, building team culture, and developing consistent processes across all sites. She also reflects on her growth from shy teacher to confident presenter, the importance of celebrating wins through initiatives like the Hammy Awards, and how servant leadership, inflatable silly Santa costumes, and "yellow box" muffin runs all play a role in culture-building.

Key Takeaways:

[7:24] Megan shares about her family life, including her 17-year-old and 12-year-old sons and her love of camping with her husband of 18 years.
[8:01] She began working in early childhood during high school and has now been with Hamilton Heights for over 16 years.
[9:12] Her leadership journey has included roles as a preschool teacher, toddler teacher, assistant director, director of special projects, and now regional director.
[13:06] Megan emphasizes the importance of building brand recognition and making your center a household name in the community.
[14:17] Community outreach strategies and partnerships with early childhood networks.

[17:43] She encourages leaders to recenter on their program's unique strengths to maintain and grow enrollment.
[19:52] In her new company-wide compliance role, Megan oversees SOP alignment, staff file audits, and training expiration alerts using BambooHR.
[24:05] She finds value in the Academy's team program for helping leaders feel less alone and more connected.

[27:05] Megan uses playful leadership tactics like inflatable costumes, scavenger hunts, and holiday games to boost team morale.
[30:27] She prioritizes understanding how each team member feels appreciated using workplace love languages.
[33:59] Megan shares how her leadership team supports one another through challenges with trust and shared commitment.
[34:24] She defines a childcare rockstar as someone who shows up every day to serve children and families with heart.
[36:28] Hamilton Heights recognizes excellence through company-wide shoutouts and the annual "Hammy Awards" celebration.

Quotes:

"The thing that I've recognized about myself is that I'm a lifelong learner. That fuels me. So being able to do that and put it into my toolkit is just great." — Megan [12:31]

"I think the big thing to learn in all of this is that it's important that you put your footprint in the community that you're serving." — Megan [14:09]

"I think that in that team room, something special happens. In the main room, too. You don't feel alone; you're hearing that people are struggling with the same issue you are, and it makes you feel better. And that you're not in it alone." — Megan [24:02]

"Not everybody has the same heart and drive that I do, and that's okay. It's what sets me apart." — Megan [37:44]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

@iamkrismurray

The Child Care Success Company

The Child Care Success Academy

The Child Care Success Summit

Grow Your Center

Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

Ep 202 with Adrianne Agulla

Hamilton Heights Child Development Center