Some of the most meaningful learning moments happen quietly:

• A child who tries something new for the first time

• A child who builds confidence and joins a group activity

• A child who finds their voice — however that looks for them

These moments matter. They are the building blocks of lifelong learning.

Our lead educator, Joanne Mendez, intentionally builds her classroom around this belief. With a background in early childhood education and years of experience supporting children with diverse learning and communication needs, Joanne understands that every child enters the classroom carrying their own emotions, experiences, and comfort levels.

Homemade play doh is more than a craft.

Joanne brings both strong academic training and deep, hands-on experience into the classroom. She earned her Bachelor of Education from Arizona State University and has worked across early childhood settings through interning, student teaching, and substitute teaching. Beyond traditional classrooms, Joanne has spent several years tutoring students in special education environments, including working closely with nonverbal learners — an experience that profoundly shaped her teaching approach.

This past week, I’ve shared pieces of my heart, my family, bits of my motherhood journey, and the “why” behind Play Academy.

Every story had one common thread: Children thrive best when they are deeply known, supported, and loved.

And as much as this vision began with me, I always knew it couldn’t stay that way.

Baby Got Bright Play Academy was never meant to be built around one person.

It was meant to be built around shared values, trusted hands, and educators who see children not as a checklist, but as whole humans.

This week is a little extra special for me. Thursday marked 21 years of marriage with my husband.

Over those years, I’ve learned that love isn’t always about big, sweeping gestures—it’s about showing up.

Even on the hard days. Even when we were at odds.

Because no matter what, our kids were always our main focus. And somehow, they always brought us back together.

learned early on that dinner didn’t need to be impressive—it needed to be reliable.
Something I could put together quickly. Something that fed everyone on time. Something that didn’t create extra fuss when my hands (and brain) were already full.

Monday mornings have a way of arriving already full.

To the mom who feels tapped out but still wants to show up—this one’s for you.
This blog is a reflection, a reassurance, and a reminder that presence matters more than energy.

I’m sharing what I learned then—and how it’s shaping the heart of our Play Academy now.