From Caregiver to Credential Champion: Cathy’s Legacy in Early Childhood Education

Published October 14, 2025 as a part of the Career Exploration Tool: Stories from the Field series. This series of stories brings to life the many pathways members of Michigan’s early care and education field have taken to achieve their goals, nurture their interests, and achieve success.

Initially on track to become a nurse, Cathy discovered in college that nursing wasn’t the right fit. After starting her family, she chose to stay home and eventually opened a licensed family childcare business in 1989. What started as a small, in-home program blossomed into a licensed group childcare program that became a trusted fixture in her community. Her leadership extended beyond her business—Cathy built a home child care network with support from her local 4C’s office, empowering other providers through connection and collaboration.

Twelve years later, her journey took another unexpected but transformative turn. Cathy received a call from her local high school asking if she would consider teaching the Career Technical Education (CTE) Early Childhood Program. She took a leap of faith, closed her business, and stepped into the classroom. This move reignited her love for learning: she returned to college, earned her bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science with a minor in psychology, received her secondary teaching certification, and eventually completed her master’s degree in 2008.

Cathy spent years inspiring high school students, many of whom have gone on to become early childhood center directors, K–12 teachers, professors, and engaged parents. Today, she continues her work with Michigan AEYC, supporting anyone on the CDA Credential journey and the Michigan After-School Partnership, managing the MI-YDA credential and supporting CTE instructors across the state.

“No two days are typical,” she says, reflecting on her dynamic schedule filled with Zoom meetings, curriculum alignment, candidate mentoring, conference presentations, and cheerleading future educators every step of the way. What drives her is simple: “creating a future where every child and family has a chance to thrive because they are met with compassionate, high-quality care.”

Challenges come with the territory—especially the constant interruptions and the balancing act of trying to support everyone at once. Cathy manages it all with detailed calendars, daily task lists, and a mindset of service. Over the years, she’s developed skills she never expected: public speaking, advocacy, and advanced tech proficiency. But more than that, her career has deepened her compassion and her belief in the power of mentorship.

Her advice to those starting out? “Go for the big dream—even if you pivot. Seize every opportunity to connect. You never know where those connections will lead.” She urges new professionals to engage with their AEYC state affiliate and to find mentors early in their journey.

Though Cathy didn’t participate in TEACH herself, she’s a lifelong learner who constantly sought out professional development and networking opportunities. The result is a career filled with purpose, impact, and deep relationships.

Her favorite memories aren’t singular—they’re collective. Former students now lead classrooms, run programs, teach at colleges, and raise families of their own. They often tell her how much her class inspired them.

Cathy’s message is clear: “This is one of the most important and fulfilling careers you can have. Your work with future educators and learners is valuable beyond measure, and the impact you make should be respected as much as any other profession.”

From home-based care to statewide leadership, Cathy’s story is one of reinvention, advocacy, and unwavering belief in the power of early childhood education.