Learning Journey Staff

Name: Kimberly Murphy

How long have you worked for the center: Since June 6,2009

Any Significant certifications schooling or if in school at this time: Associates of Science, Continuing my schooling for my Bachelors in Early Childhood. I am CPR & First Aid Certified, Food Sanitation License, Conscious Discipline Trained, Gateway Credentials, ILearning Trainings, Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Years you have worked in childcare: Since 2009

Family: I have two mothers Becky & Kelly. My dad Arthur, and my brother Luke. My significant other is Miles we have been together since 2019. I have one child and two bonus children. We have a pet turtle (Olaf), Leopard gecko (Peter), and two clown fish (Stripy & Nemo)

What do you do on your free time: I love to spend time with my children, go on adventures, camping, riding four wheelers, crafting, Self-Care, Work on Vehicles, Spend time with family & Friends, & Seasonal decorating.



What do you like the most about working with children: I love watching Children grow. I love it! There are thousands of reasons why I think helping children and their families is the best job in the world but some of the things I enjoy the most is being able to admire children’s endless energy, creativity, the bond created between children and teachers. I feel that the children motivate me to be a better person. Helping children (and their families) is the most rewarding job I can think of!

I have been in the educational field since 1997. I started as a Paraprofessional and I am looking forward to being in this role again. In 2005, I graduated from SWIC with my Associates of Applied Science in Early Childhood.

I have a wonderful son, Noah who is 26. My hobbies are bowling, dancing and shopping. Working with children has always been my passion!

I grew up in northern Michigan in a large family; I was number five of eight children. I knew from a very early age that I loved working with children so in high school I went to a vocational school for child care and development. I worked for several years as a teacher’s aide and in military child care centers. When my third child started kindergarten I started college at the University of Nebraska at Omaha to become a teacher, but because of my husband’s Air Force career I transferred to Hampton University in Virginia where I completed my Bachelor’s degree and became licensed to teach early childhood and elementary school. My husband Mike and I now have six children and five grandchildren. Besides spending time with my family I enjoy reading, gardening and riding with Mike on our Harley.I have been in the educational field since 1997. I started as a Paraprofessional and I am looking forward to being in this role again. In 2005, I graduated from SWIC with my Associates of Applied Science in Early Childhood.

I have been teaching Pre-K here at Learning Journey since 2005. My goal is to plan and set up a rich, inviting environment that provides each child the opportunity to learn at an optimal level. I take notes about a child’s individual development and develop methods to customize attention or activities to individual needs. Focusing on all developmental areas is a big part of my daily curriculum with my students. I also use some Spanish and sign language in my classroom and we begin our day with some basic yoga. A teacher’s job isn’t just pure instruction, but rather nurturing students’ interests while guiding them through a structured curriculum.

Hello! My name is Haley, I started working at the Toddler House May 30th, 2017. I have been working as a teacher since January of 2014. In the past, I mainly worked with two-year-old’s but I have experience working with children of all ages. I love working with children because I find it very rewarding to see how they learn! It is the best feeling knowing that you have taught a child something that helps them grow!

I graduated from Belleville East in 2014 and I am currently attending SWIC to get my associates in arts, while taking Early Childhood Education classes. I am certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid. I also have my Food Handlers certificate.

In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my friends and going bowling!

How long have you worked for the center: Since March 23, 2015

Any significant certifications, schooling or are in school at this time?: I am finishing up my associates degree in Early Childhood Education and then I plan to go back to school for my bachelors. I am certified with the Red Cross and also have a certificate in Sanitation and Food Handling.

Years in childcare: I worked at another center briefly before coming to the Toddle Town. I was also a Preschool Sunday School teacher for 2 years.

Why you love children: Children are a blessing from God. I was a bus driver for 15 years. I have a lot of patience and love for children.

Family: I have four boys of my own – one of which is Autistic.

What do you do in your free time?: I enjoy spending time in God’s Word, going to church, reading books, listening to music and camping when the weather is just right.