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 is the Assistant Infant Room Teacher at Inspired Play Learning Center. At just 20 years old, she brings several years of experience working with children of all ages, including time as a lead infant teacher and teacher assistant in preschool and elementary settings.
Originally from South Dakota, Lillian relocated to St. Paul this fall and is grateful to be part of the Inspired Play community. She is passionate about supporting early development and creating a warm, nurturing environment where infants can learn and grow.
Outside of work, Lillian enjoys hiking, quiet evenings watching movies, and spending time with her cat. She looks forward to building meaningful connections with the children and families she serves.
Teacher Assistant
Becca
Rebecca is thrilled to join the Inspired Play Learning Center team as a Lead Teacher. She brings over a decade of experience in early childhood education across a variety of roles and settings. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Education and Human Development—credentials she takes great pride in.
Much of Rebecca’s career has been spent in schools that honor children as capable, curious learners and embrace play-based approaches. She is passionate about creating environments where children feel empowered to explore, grow, and express themselves.
Rebecca and her family recently relocated to the Twin Cities after eight years in Denver, Colorado. Outside of the classroom, she finds joy in sparkles, self-care, camping, making bar soap, and cheering on the Denver Nuggets. She is excited to bring her experience, creativity, and enthusiasm to the Inspired Play community.
Preschool teacher
Porschea
Porschea brings nearly a decade of experience in early childhood education, supporting infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with gentle care and consistency. Her background as a Teacher’s Aide at New Horizon Academy—and additional experience in custodial and hospitality roles—has strengthened her skills in classroom support, sanitation, communication, and creating safe, welcoming environments for children.
She is experienced in diapering, potty training support, daily routines, and maintaining clean, organized classroom spaces. Known for her reliability and warm presence, Porschea loves helping children feel comfortable, confident, and cared for each day.
Teacher Aid
Teacher Assistant
See is passionate about early childhood education because she believes that the early years lay the foundation for a child’s confidence, curiosity, and lifelong love of learning. Helping children feel safe, valued, and excited to explore is what inspires her most each day.
In the classroom, See loves to engage in imaginative play, sing children’s songs, and create through arts and crafts. Outside of work, she continues her love of creativity through sewing, knitting, and crocheting.
See brings hands-on experience working with children of diverse ages and developmental needs. Her background includes supporting children with a variety of behavioral, developmental, and learning differences, using empathy, positive behavior strategies, and warm, consistent communication to help each child thrive.
See
Jaylin has always been passionate about early childhood education, and feels grateful to be part of those meaningful moments where young children grow, learn, and reach new milestones. Her background includes years of nannying experience, time in Montessori environments, and ongoing studies toward my degree in early childhood education.
In the classroom, Jaylin loves creating hands-on, playful learning experiences through reading, arts and crafts, and imaginative activities. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, visiting local coffee shops, and tending to her garden when the Minnesota seasons allow.
Jaylin's goal is to support each child’s unique development with warmth, creativity, and a strong focus on building confidence and strong social-emotional skills.
Jaylin
Teacher Assistant
Gail is a compassionate, team-driven professional with strong communication skills and a natural ability to support others with patience and leadership. With experience as a CNA, she brings valuable strengths in documentation, technology, infection control, and providing attentive, empathetic care. Gail excels at collaborating with colleagues, maintaining accurate records, and making thoughtful decisions that support both children and fellow staff.
Her background includes roles in healthcare, sales, and direct care, where she built exceptional skills in communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building. Gail is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in education at Concordia University, where she is preparing for a future career in teaching. She is excited to bring her dedication, teamwork, and heart-centered approach to Inspired Play.
Gail
Teacher Assistant
Lexie
Toddler Teacher
Lexie has worked in early childhood education for five years and truly loves getting to know each child as an individual—supporting their growth, confidence, and curiosity is her favorite part of this work. She currently leads classrooms ranging from infants to preschoolers, creating safe, engaging learning environments and building strong relationships with families through consistent communication.
Lexie is also pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Western Governors University with the goal of becoming a second-grade teacher. As the oldest of eight siblings—and a parent herself—caring for and understanding children has always been a natural part of her life.
Outside of the classroom, Lexie enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new places, and enjoying quiet moments at home. Her goal each day is to foster a warm, supportive space where every child feels seen, valued, and excited to learn.
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 Machkhashvili is the founder and heart behind Inspired Play Learning Center. Her journey in early childhood education began in 2017, when she opened Missy’s Daycare while raising three young children of her own. What started as a small, licensed family childcare grew into a high-quality program where children learn through exploration, creativity, and play.
Missy is passionate about creating calm, organized spaces that nurture confidence, independence, and joy. She believes play is a powerful way for children to build lifelong skills in science, math, and the arts—while fostering curiosity and resilience. Her teaching philosophy blends her expertise with a love of designing engaging, nature-inspired environments, always keeping the warmth and personal connection of family childcare at the center.
Outside of work, Missy enjoys dancing, gardening, adventure seeking, and spending time with her family. She is inspired daily by the joy and pride children feel when they discover something new.
Meet our Educators!
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.”