In this episode, Jennifer shares a personal moment that slowed her down and clarified what matters most: impact, leadership, and protecting what's been entrusted to you. That framing sets the tone for a grounded conversation with Sharita "Rita" Brown, a long-time early childhood leader and Child Care Success Company coach, about one of the fears many owners carry quietly — the allegation that can shake everything.

Rita walks Jennifer through a season where her centers faced a false report, and they couldn't immediately produce the proof they needed. Instead of spiraling, they tightened their standards: documentation, overstaffing to protect ratios, and leadership that showed up in the building, not just on paper. This conversation is a real look at how "inspect what you expect" plays out when it's no longer a slogan, and why the simplest protection is often the most overlooked: documenting, consistently, as a team.

Key Takeaways:

[:08] Jennifer reflects on a recent car wreck and how being "shaken" clarifies what matters, and why "protect what you've built" is more than a mindset.

[6:07] Rita recounts the moment a false report landed, and they couldn't quickly find documentation to prove ratio coverage.

[8:45] The emotion behind it: feeling helpless — and realizing systems exist to protect children, staff, and families.

[10:24] What changed immediately: pushing systems, tightening documentation, and temporarily overstaffing to protect against ratio risk.

[14:28] "Inspect what you expect" as the non-negotiable leadership shift, especially across multiple sites.

[16:45] The practical reset: going into each center, one-on-ones, rebuilding buy-in, and modeling standards in real time.

[19:26] A more recent allegation (2025) and what it looked like to be ready this time: systems, documentation, leadership alignment, and no case.

[21:36] Rita's "one thing" every owner can do today: document, and make sure your team is documenting.

[28:41] Stepping into the CEO seat means boundaries: staying reachable without being on the floor every day and building leaders who can carry the work.

Quotes:

"What matters to me is not about playing a game. It's not about chasing something, wanting bigger and better. It's more about living a life that matters to me. It's about making an impact. It's about leading well and protecting what's been entrusted to me." — Jennifer [2:43]

"So we really pushed our systems and made sure that our documentation was in place from that moment, because we didn't have any proof to show them otherwise." — Rita [11:43]

"Inspect what you expect." — Jennifer / Rita [14:04]

"I think sometimes, as owners, we don't realize that there's no shortcut to time, there's no shortcut to personal interaction, there's no shortcut to modeling the behaviors you want to see." — Jennifer [18:03]

"Make sure your team is documenting." — Rita [21:08]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

@iamkrismurray

Jennifer Conner

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

Sharita Brown

A new season of Child Care Rockstar Radio begins with Jennifer Conner, CEO of the Child Care Success company, stepping in as host! Jennifer shares the real behind-the-scenes of her own journey: buying a struggling center, realizing "love and passion" alone won't sustain a business long-term, and learning how systems, finances, and leadership create the stability that protects your mission. Then Jennifer welcomes Michael Ingram, a legacy child care leader and school owner with multi-generational roots, to talk about the kind of leadership growth that doesn't show up on an org chart. Michael reflects on moving from defensiveness to connection, mentorship and choosing community over isolation, and learning how to create space. Michael also shares how mentorship changed his leadership, and why being the one everyone calls for answers can be a signal that it's time to find your own room of mentors.

Key Takeaways:

[1:10] Jennifer shares her journey from childcare owner to building a strong leadership team and moving to Mexico.

[1:25] She highlights how systems, finances, and leadership are critical to a sustainable childcare business.

[2:28] Jennifer talks about shifting from running schools remotely to becoming a coach and CEO rooted in love for children and families.

[9:32] Michael reflects on taking feedback too personally early on and learning to get comfortable with discomfort.

[16:20] Michael explains how stepping aside from his own ego and seeking mentorship transformed his leadership.

[20:22] He describes his school's model, which includes on-site OT, speech, and ABA therapy for children with higher needs.

[22:31] The challenges that Michael faces in his school, and how he works to overcome them.

[26:02] Michael's passion for advocacy and advice for someone who wants to get involved but doesn't exactly know how.

[29:11] Finding the right group that advocates for your cause.

[31:17] QTIP - Quit Taking It Personal, and how Michael learned to not take things so personally.

[35:23] Learning how to give and take space as a leader, and embracing the mantra "just for today".

Quotes:

"The version of you that started your center isn't necessarily the version of you that sustains it or carries it forward." [4:44] - Jennifer

"I had to get out of the way of knowing all the answers and allow the people who I am here to serve and work with to help me figure out those answers." [10:05] – Michael

"Where there's uncomfortability, that's where growth is. You know, that's the innovation of growth. And so, I had to be comfortable with being uncomfortable." [11:04] - Michael

"You just have to embrace the uncomfortability, and then you can step into greatness." [11:20] - Michael

"We are doing great things, and we are ready to accept families and support families where they're at. And I think when you have a voice, and you use that voice, other people often will hear it, and it will energize them to rally around a cause that you're passionate about." [29:43] - Michael

"When you operate out of space, that's when things fall into line." [35:09] - Michael

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

@iamkrismurray

Jennifer Conner

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

Michael Ingram

Bedford Heights Daycare Center

In this heartfelt sendoff episode, Kris sits down with her very first hire, Camille St. Martin, for a deeply meaningful conversation about the postpartum experience, nervous system regulation, and the importance of truly seeing and supporting new moms. Camille, now a mother of two and the founder of Ritual Movement Mama, shares how her own experience of isolation and identity loss after childbirth sparked a mission to help mothers reconnect with their bodies, their breath, and their inner wisdom, one slow movement at a time.

Together, Kris and Camille explore what it means to return to yourself after birth, how child care leaders can support the full family system, and why "happier mamas" really do lead to "happier babies." This episode also marks a full-circle moment and a big transition — Kris's final episode as host of Child Care Rockstar Radio before passing the mic to new host and CEO of the Child Care Success Company, Jennifer Conner.

Key Takeaways:

[9:35] Camille talks about her experience of feeling isolated and disconnected after her children were born, and her desire to create a community of support for new moms.

[10:14] Ritual Movement Mama is aimed at helping new moms feel at home in their bodies and regulate their nervous systems.

[15:14] Camille shares her personal journey of quitting drinking and the coping skills she developed, which inspired her to help other new moms.

[17:43] Camille speaks candidly about postpartum depression screenings, the cultural default to medication, and the urgent need for alternative, holistic support.

[23:04] Instead of a rigid routine, Camille now teaches a "wheel of anchors," small, accessible practices like breathwork, movement, and prayer that help moms feel grounded again.

[25:27] Camille's personal life and projects.

[27:05] Fun fact! Camille INDEED was a professional hula hoop performer!

[31:26] Her new virtual program offers guided journaling, somatic movement, and imagery-based integration for women navigating identity shifts in early motherhood.
[34:58] Camille reminds child care leaders that they may be one of the first outside interactions for postpartum moms, and that those early moments imprint deeply.

[35:50] Kris reflects on her own child care experiences as a new mom, emphasizing the power of environments that support both the baby and the mother.

Quotes:

"Moms right now are so isolated, and there is not a lot of support, and there isn't a lot of support around healing as far as stepping into motherhood and transitioning into motherhood and learning how to cope and how to regulate our nervous systems and how to move into motherhood gracefully." — Camille [10:04]

"Lots of times we have the biggest shift of our lives and everything rearranges on the inside, our whole nervous system has been rearranged, and everyone just expects us to bounce back and go back to normal, and there's just not even a witnessing or a holding or a ceremony." — Camille [11:29]

"I would say it's kind of a real honoring and reverence for the transition into motherhood through movement and other integration processes." — Camille [31:18]

"Regulated mothers equal regulated children and happier families." — Camille [33:18]

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

Ritual Movement Mama | IG

Miracle Morning

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

This week, Kris welcomes LaVonda Paul, a trailblazing early childhood leader and fourth-generation entrepreneur, for an inspiring conversation about legacy, leadership, and the power of showing up. As the owner of Small Impressions Child Development Center in Taylors, South Carolina, LaVonda has spent 19 years building a community-first program. In the episode, LaVonda talks with Kris about how she's cultivated deep trust with families, built a rock-solid team culture, and gone all-in on advocacy, helping shape policy while showing up for children, parents, and educators alike. She opens up the community programs she's launched and why she might just run for office one day. This is a powerful look at what it means to lead with heart, purpose, and unapologetic commitment.

Key Takeaways:

[7:37] LaVonda shares the origin of Small Impressions, which she's led for 19 years. With 90 students currently enrolled, she prioritizes quality over quantity and deep relationships with families.

[8:57] Her journey in early childhood education began at the Urban League of the Upstate and in after-school programs, where she realized the impact she could make by working with younger children.

[10:13] LaVonda reflects on launching her center while going through a divorce, raising a one-year-old. Her leap of faith led to a thriving business — now co-run with her husband, Curtis.

[11:40] Fun fact: LaVonda is afraid to fly, but that doesn't stop her from being a world traveler!

[13:34] LaVonda details what sets her center apart: low staff turnover, deep parent engagement, teacher-parent conferences, onsite therapy, and advocacy for families.

[17:27] She's active at the state level, working with lawmakers and Chambers of Commerce to advocate for childcare investment and workforce development in South Carolina.

[18:06] LaVonda explains her entrepreneurial drive as generational — a fourth-generation business owner who didn't want to live with "shoulda, coulda, woulda" regrets.

[19:41] LaVonda explains running her school like a real school, where she acts as more principal than babysitter.

[21:53] Kris and LaVonda talk about the importance of taking ownership when mistakes happen.

[31:59] Lavonda's advocacy work includes training for childcare workers, as well as expanded services and access for children with behavioral or developmental needs.

[33:06] What's next for LaVonda and Small Impressions?

Quotes:

"I'm about quality as opposed to quantity. I don't want to pack out my classroom because I don't want to lose my sense of being able to connect with my students, um, being able to connect with my families." — LaVonda [8:10]

"That speaks volumes within itself, that children and families believe in our program here, that they stay with us, five, six years. I have a family here that's been here for 12 years." — LaVonda [9:02]

"I'm a risk taker. I'm gonna jump off that cliff. One or two things are going to happen, either God's going to catch me before I fall, or he's going to give me wings and teach me how to fly, but he's taught me how to soar." — LaVonda [10:40]

"It's better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all. So why not try to create something special with my own ideas?" — LaVonda [18:32]

"Take ownership when you screw up. Take ownership when you don't always get it right." — Kris [22:34]

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

Small Impressions

Small Impressions Facebook

First Steps South Carolina

It's solo episode time! Kris shares insights from her new book, The Antidote to Fear, and outlines three practical ways to trust yourself and the process. She talks about embracing fear and self-doubt, including her "yoga mat" moment that changed her career direction. Kris discusses manifestation as a giving process and highlights the importance of creating quiet spaces for intuition and growth. She also gives an update on her recent women's retreat in Maui.

Key Takeaways:

[2:22] Kris explains the concept of "trust the process" from the Success Academy's guiding principles.

[11:11] How fear can come in and stop us from taking action on following our intuition and going towards our calling.

[14:28] The yoga mat moment that came from a moment of stillness and changed Kris's life.

[15:00] Hug your fear? Why going towards your fear is actually one of the best things you can do to alchemize it.

[17:25] The importance of tapping into gratitude.

[18:08] Overcoming self-doubt.

[21:24] Calling out the "B.S." in your life, and why having a coach or mentor to help you through the process is great.

[22:04] Manifestation as a giving process.

[33:26] Kris talks about manifesting a fun book club where she is surrounded by sisterhood, and her beautiful partnership.

Quotes:

"When you feel fear, the ultimate strategy, the ultimate antidote to fear, is to move towards it. It's to actually embrace it and to feel it and hug it." — Kris [15:24]

"The opposite of fear is actually love. So the way to alchemize the fear is to love it, and to tap into gratitude." — Kris [17:25]

"Manifest from the giving energy, the loving energy, and everything in your world can change." — Kris [33:26]

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

Mana Awakening

The Antidote to Fear