Philosophy:
We started this journey 28 years ago when Gary started working in Williamson
County schools as a summer program teacher and Selena started working in
Hickman Schools as summer program teacher. Little did we know then at age 18
(eighteen) we would meet and our love for this field would grow. Selena always
dreamed of having a community- based early childhood program in her
hometown which would provide quality services and strong foundation for the
children in our area. Gary & Selena continued working in childcare and soon
would meet and work together in the field of early childhood in their hometown.
While both in school as Education majors, Gary and Selena decided to open a
group home childcare program. After2 ( two) years as a group home, Gary and
Selena moved the program for expansion on Highway 46 in Bon Aqua. After
expanding at that location and growing their business, they decided to build at a
location closer to the public schools- all while providing a building more equipped
with a better design for our mission. We broke ground in the year 2000 at our
current location on Hwy 100 in Lyles. Since the early beginnings, we have grown a
family- 3 wonderful children: Brock (20), Cooper (17), and Hillary (13) who keep us
busy and happy. During those years we built a stronger philosophy on what we
feel early childhood pedagogy should embrace. We opened The Learning Loft
(Dickson) in the Spring of 2019 and Loblolly Preschool in the Spring of 2021.
Selena graduated from Dickson County High School and holds a Bachelor’s Degree
in Interdisciplinary Studies from Austin Peay State University & a Master’s Degree
in Early Childhood and Administration from Walden University. Gary graduated
from Fairview High School and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from
Ashford University. In addition to the listed history above, Gary has been a long
time football coach (which may be one of his most favored roles in life) and public
school teacher. Selena has been a public school teacher for 13 of those years, in
addition to the early childhood field they both share. They reside with their family
in Bon Aqua, Tennessee, with several dogs, a cat, sheep, rabbits, & chickens.
“What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child that must the
community want for all of its children”- J. Dewey