Love and Sun Learning Center

Yesterday we had one final opportunity to gather and celebrate the twenty little sunshines who helped Hillary and I write this final chapter of Love and Sun. Fourteen years later, 108 students and 88 families later, my heart is full knowing this year was exactly how I wanted this story to end. To say this school year was special is an understatement. After the past three years with COVID restrictions, it was amazing to do it all “the Love and Sun way” one last time. From units of study, to favorite centers and crafts, to the best field trips, to ALL the holiday celebrations…each day offered up (what I hope was) the BEST experiences for our littles and their families but also offered Hillary and I the closure to know this was exactly how it was supposed to end. We made the perfect memories with the sweetest sunshines that will live on in our hearts forever.

Reflecting back on the past fourteen years, I simply feel gratitude. Not many people can say they truly love their work and I can honestly say Love and Sun never once felt like “work” for me. It was a labor of love, a labor of sunshine and I loved every moment of every day. What began as a simple “daycare” gig to allow me to stay home with Baby Cole, grew into a passion that allowed my greatest dream to come true: to be at home each day with my babies as they grew up. I will forever be grateful to those who trusted me with their own young children so I could be there for mine. I am thankful for families who stuck with me as the program morphed over the years, who stuck by us during a pandemic and who offered nothing but kindness, understanding and support when I announced last summer that it was time for this final chapter.

I am beyond proud of the reach and impact Love and Sun has offered over the years. Fourteen years ago, I would have never imagined it would have grown as it did. This experience has taught me to trust in the greater plans and to have courage for the road less taken. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it!

Throughout the years, people have often asked me “How do you do it?” and my answer is always, “I have a lot of help!” The truth is, the magic of Love and Sun has never come from just one single person or thing…it has simply been the right mix of people and opportunities at the right time. There are so many who have contributed over the years to the entity of Love and Sun, and I’d like to take a moment to offer my sincere appreciation…

To each student I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my classroom with…you truly are the lights of the world. Whether you’re one of my “originals” currently in high school or my most recent 2022-2023 class, always remember you are capable of anything you set your mind to. The power is within you.

To each parent who partnered with L&S for your child’s preschool experience…thank you for trusting us to share this special time with your child. The preschool years are some of the most important developmentally and it was an absolute honor to be your child’s teacher.

To each mentor and colleague I worked with in both HCPS and BCPS…thank you for offering me a strong foundation as an educator. Each experience from my public school days led me to create a program where individual needs and all areas of child development were honored.

To Ryan and Laura…thank you for saying “How do we sign up Jake?” when we sat around your dinner table one evening in early 2009, our newborn boys hanging out in bouncers, and chatted about this notion of me resigning from BCPS and trying this venture. Your immediate support gave me the confidence to think it wasn’t such a crazy idea.

To my Dad, thank you for always saying, “No problem!” any time I had an idea to improve our learning environment. You helped us create the original classroom, installing the kitchen and bathroom. You later knocked down a wall and created our entire small group room one week while I was on a vacation in the OBX and when it was time to explore the notion of an outdoor classroom, you built all the beautiful pieces from a simple vision I tried to articulate to you. You’ve hauled rubber mulch, fixed plumbing issues, repaired anything we’ve asked of you without asking for anything in return.

To my first teaching partner, April, thank you for navigating those early days of the Nursery School transition with me. Our class was larger, we had a firmer schedule but you simply did what you do best…LOVE. You helped so many preschoolers feel welcomed, safe and confident.

To Sara…thank you for taking the reigns and leading our classroom for 5 years. Because of our similar vision and approach, you offered me the time freedom to step out of the classroom when needed. I got to experience all the early elementary fun with Cole and McKenna because I was confident you would uphold the vision and mission of L&S. We were a great team and I am beyond proud you continue to impact little lives with your own program, Homegrown Learning Center. I am thankful some of my L&S friends will be able to continue their preschool experience with you!

To all the substitute and enrichment teachers we’ve had over the years…thank you for sharing your special talents and love of children with the littles who walked through our doors. Because of you, our preschoolers were able to explore various interests and were exposed to experiences beyond our classroom.

To Ashley and Deana…our “networking nights” were always the best. I’m so thankful our shared experiences brought us together, gifting me with two incredible friends. Thank you for all the inspiration, support and laughs along the way!

To my mom, Debbie…I am so thankful we’ve been able to share the L&S classroom for the past 14 years. “Nanna Wednesdays” have been a “thing” since our very first week of school in 2009. How special so many have been able to call you “Nanna” through the years! You are the most caring person I know…not just to me or your family, but everyone who ever has the pleasure of knowing you. Thank you for teaching me how to deeply care for others. It has been a root belief of L&S, one that you exemplify in everything you do.

To Hillary…there are no words to express my gratitude for the decade of service you have offered to L&S. I did not know you when I named Love and Sun back in 2009, but I truly believe God knew you would be joining us in the future to become the love to my sunshine. You found your calling in teaching and it has been an honor to partner alongside you all of these years. I am beyond proud of you for taking on everything I’ve ever asked of you. You will continue on, impacting many more little lives in your career. How lucky those children will be to have our “Miss Hillary!”

To Cole and McKenna…there is no greater joy than being your mom. Love and Sun began because of you and filled my heart each day for 14 years. Those first five years with you both in the Love and Sun classroom are some of my most cherished memories. It’s hard to say goodbye to L&S because it also feels as if I have to say goodbye to that part of your childhood. There will no longer be the visual reminders of how small you once were…the toys that became L&S centers, where you measured in height long ago on our mural or the learning carpet where you’d join in preschool circle time as an infant, sitting in your Bumbo. Instead, I will have to trust that my heart will hold on to those memories. Rather, I will have the pleasure of being more present with you in your teen years as I enjoy the front row seat to the incredible humans you are becoming. You have and always will make me proud.

To John, my biggest supporter…When I was a new mom of a six week old, hysterically crying about having to return to my 60+ hr/week job, you were determined to find a solution. I honestly wanted no part of starting “a daycare” but the more we discussed it, the more it made sense. It was a huge risk and sacrifice to give up my salary and the career I was building but you told me “we will make it work.” YOU made it work…you essentially worked two full-time jobs for years while you grew your real estate business. You were ok with my classroom taking over your “mancave” and whenever I would mention, “I think it’s time for Love and Sun to…” you were right there to have my back. Thank you for suggesting this idea. Thank you for welcoming so many children and families into our home. Thank you for helping me build and live a dream I didn’t even know I had.

There is no doubt when I reflect on my life, this season of Love and Sun will be filled with my fondest memories. Thank you to everyone who has ever held a piece of this puzzle. It is beautifully complete now and my only wish is that anyone who has been a part of our story, does their part of spreading a little love and sunshine into the world.

With Love,
Miss Maleena

Words can not describe all the love, learning, laughter and sunshine we had this year. It was truly an amazing year with amazing little friends!

Our last day was filled with water play, bubbles, ice cream and so much fun! ❤️