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