Missy has been a licensed family childcare owner for 8 years. She bring 12+ years of experience in early childhood development, and 20+ years of program development as a Director of Therapeutic Recreation, Executive Director for membership organizations, and fundraising for Saint John's School of Little Canada. In 2017 Missy founded Missy's Daycare which quickly grew in capacity and reputation—earning Childcare Provider of the Year honors in both 2021 and 2024. Her passion for creating enriched and inspired experiences for people young and old, has led her to embark on creating an Inspired Play Learning Center for the surrounding communities.
At its heart, Inspired Play Learning Center is motivated by her own enriched childhood. Growing up, Missy's mother was a preschool teacher for Creative Play in Robbinsdale school district. She would bring home STEM kits with iron filings and magnets and Missy would tinker and beg for more! Those early experiences set the stage for a lifelong love of learning. Opening a center allows her to work with other passionate educators who crave those enriched, hands-on, learning-through-play experiences.
Now, as Missy's Daycare grows into a full-service center with a new name, we are excited to bring the same heart and excellence into a larger space. Our balanced, play-based approach blends science, math, and the arts in a prepared environment that fosters confidence, independence, and connection with nature.
Our Story
Our Story
Lillian
Lillian brings a calm, caring presence to Inspired Play and especially enjoys working with our youngest learners. She is continuing her education in early childhood and working toward teacher qualifications. Lillian loves helping children build confidence and independence through nurturing relationships and consistent daily routines.
Teacher Assistant
Cecilia
Cecilia brings more than four years of childcare experience, including working with infants and toddlers. She holds an Associate of Liberal Arts degree and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Business Leadership. Bilingual in English and Hmong, Cecilia loves building relationships with children and helping them feel safe, supported, and confident.
Teacher Assistant
Assistant Director
Emma holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and brings experience as a Lead Teacher, Assistant Director, Education Coordinator, and Site Supervisor. She enjoys supporting educators and creating calm, engaging environments where children can learn through play. Outside of work, Emma enjoys yoga, painting, reading, movies, and time with her cat.
Emma
Jaylin brings nannying and Montessori childcare experience to Inspired Play and is continuing her education in early childhood education. She loves creating hands-on learning experiences through books, art, and imaginative play. Jaylin’s goal is to help each child build confidence, independence, and strong social-emotional skills.
Jaylin
Teacher
Lexie
Toddler Teacher
Lexi brings experience, warmth, and a genuine love for early childhood education to Inspired Play. She enjoys creating engaging experiences that encourage children to explore, learn, and develop independence. Lexi values strong relationships with children and families and works to create a classroom where every child feels safe, supported, and celebrated.
Essence
Infant Teacher
Essence has spent the past six years working in early childhood education, supporting infants and toddlers as they grow, learn, and discover the world around them. She is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to explore at their own pace.
Essence believes that strong, trusting relationships form the foundation for lifelong learning. Through gentle routines, sensory exploration, and responsive interactions, she strives to help each child develop confidence, curiosity, and a deep sense of security.
Outside the classroom, Essence enjoys quiet moments at home, listening to music, and spending time with the people she loves. Essence cares deeply about creating spaces—both in and beyond the classroom—that nurture joy, comfort, and a genuine sense of belonging.
Missy
Director
Missy is the owner and director of Inspired Play Learning Center. She created Inspired Play from a belief that children thrive in calm, connected environments where play has purpose and independence is encouraged. She is passionate about supporting educators, partnering with families, and creating a community where children feel known, capable, and loved.
Meet our Educators!
Marisa graduated summa cum laude from the University of St. Thomas with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Her experience includes supporting children through Minnesota Math Corps and ArtStart in Pre-K and elementary classrooms. She brings a calm, creative presence to Inspired Play and enjoys helping children learn through exploration, art, and meaningful relationships.
Marissa
Teacher Assistant
Rose holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has completed Montessori Assistant to Infancy training for children birth through age three. She is passionate about creating peaceful, purposeful environments that encourage independence, confidence, and discovery. Rose brings warmth and a strong Montessori perspective to the Inspired Play community.
Rose
Preschool
Teacher
Jennifer
Jennifer brings approximately five years of early childhood experience, including serving as a Lead Preschool Teacher. Originally from Colombia, she holds a degree in Marketing and is currently completing her Preschool Education CDA. Jennifer enjoys creating engaging, organized classrooms where children can build independence, confidence, and a love of learning.
Teacher
Our families are the heart of Inspired Play Learning Center.
Here’s what they’ve shared about their experiences with us:
What families are saying...
“Missy's Daycare offers a rich environment that fosters growth in fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. The center maintains an excellent balance between providing support and encouraging independence. With a structured daily routine that also allows for flexibility, the center has given both of our children the social and academic foundation needed for success in kindergarten.”
– Parent of Two, Enrolled Since 2020
“As parents, we've known Missy for years, and our children adore [Missy's Daycare]. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure each child feels loved and respected. The daycare space is clean, bright, and inviting, with a rotating selection of engaging toys and books that keep children excited and interested. The center's expertise in child development has been invaluable in guiding us through different stages of our children's growth.”
– Longtime Family, Missy's Daycare
“You are one of the most forward-thinking and inspired childcare providers I have encountered. Your decision to expand is well-founded. Many parents in the area are seeking quality childcare, and I believe your programming would translate excellently to a larger setting.”
– Community Advocate
“You are one of the most forward-thinking and inspired childcare providers I have encountered. Your decision to expand is well-founded. Many parents in the area are seeking quality childcare, and I believe your programming would translate excellently to a larger setting.”
Community Advocate
“As parents, we've known Missy for years, and our children adore [Missy's Daycare]. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure each child feels loved and respected. The daycare space is clean, bright, and inviting, with a rotating selection of engaging toys and books that keep children excited and interested. The center's expertise in child development has been invaluable in guiding us through different stages of our children's growth.”
Longtime Family,
Missy's Daycare
“Missy's Daycare offers a rich environment that fosters growth in fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. The center maintains an excellent balance between providing support and encouraging independence. With a structured daily routine that also allows for flexibility, the center has given both of our children the social and academic foundation needed for success in kindergarten.”