MS. Maria Bumeh

My name is Maria Bumeh.

I have been working at Church Childcare Plus for over five years, and I truly love every part of it. Becoming a teacher has always been my dream, a dream that started when I watched my father work as a kindergarten teacher in a refugee camp.

I was born in Kayah State, Burma, but because of the war, my family fled to Thailand. We lived in a refugee camp there for 15 years. Eventually, we were able to come to the United States in hopes of a better future.

When I arrived in America, I was a teenager and didn’t speak any English. Starting high school was very difficult for me, but I was blessed to have supportive ESL teachers who helped me through it all. They believed in me, guided me, and made sure I graduated. Although my GPA was low, I didn’t let that stop me. I kept learning, studying, and working hard toward my goal of becoming a teacher.

Now, I get to live that dream every day. I work with wonderful children, and I’m able to teach, guide, and share what I’ve learned with them. But it’s not just me teaching them; they teach me, too. Every day, I learn something new from my students. The staff I work with are also incredibly supportive, always there to help and guide me.

Three years ago, I had the chance to go back and visit the refugee camp in Thailand where I lived. It was emotional to see the place where I spent so many years of my life. Sadly, there is still a war going on in Burma, and many of my people continue to flee their homes, just as my family once did. New families and children are arriving at the camp, hoping for safety and a better future.

The most rewarding part of being a preschool teacher is seeing my students grow and graduate, moving on to the next step in their journey. That moment always reminds me why I chose this path. It fills me with pride and gives me hope for their future, just as I once had hope for mine.

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MS. LAURIE

Meet Ms. Laurie: The Heart Behind the Meals at Church Childcare Center & Church Childcare Plus

At Church Childcare, our meals are more than just food—they’re made with love, thanks to our incredible Executive Chef, Ms. Laurie. Known for her motto, “Live to Love,” Laurie’s warmth, energy, and joy shine through in everything she does. Whether she’s preparing nourishing meals, connecting with the children, or offering a helping hand to her fellow team members, Laurie’s heart for service is unmistakable. She has a gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved—a true testament to her dedication and compassion.

For Laurie, serving others is a way of life. She’s passionate about reading, cooking, and being fully present with the people around her, especially the children, who naturally gravitate toward her welcoming personality. “Life is too short—take the risks and be present in the moment,” she says, sharing advice for parents. “Don’t get caught up in worrying about problems, because things always work out better than we expect.” These words capture her outlook on life, encouraging all of us to embrace each day with open hearts and a positive spirit.

But Ms. Laurie’s journey to becoming this source of light wasn’t always easy. As she vividly recalls, there was a time when she faced a deeply challenging period in her life—a turning point that tested every bit of her strength and faith. Working long hours at Gold’s Gym, she was often away from home, only to find that her house had become “the party house” in her absence. Her once-peaceful space had changed, and it was a heavy realization. Then came a day when things finally reached a breaking point, and Laurie found herself in a moment of truth, feeling the weight of it all. “I can’t do this no more,” she said, realizing it was time to take action.

Determined to find peace and guidance, Laurie reached out to her mother, who stood by her side, helping her navigate tough decisions. Needing deeper answers, Laurie felt drawn to her Papa’s gravesite, where she poured out her heart, searching for strength. This moment marked the beginning of a transformative journey. With courage, she opened herself up to new perspectives, reading widely, reconnecting with her faith, and learning lessons that would stay with her forever.

“Every path holds its own truth, and we’re all seeking peace and purpose in our own way,” she reflects, remembering the moment she surrounded herself with religious readings—including the Bible, the Quran, and Eckankar, as well as other teachings she was raised with. Exploring these different perspectives ultimately led her back to her Christian faith, but with a newfound understanding and peace that now guide her every day.

She discovered that while we can’t control the world, we can choose our words and actions. “You can’t control anything but yourself. The only thing you truly own is what comes out of your mouth and what you say. So let it be the truth. Let it be you.”

Now, as our vibrant Executive Chef, Ms. Laurie pours her heart into every meal and every interaction, embodying her life motto, “Live to Love.” She’s known for her infectious laughter, joyful spirit, and unwavering support for everyone around her, brightening each day for the children and staff alike. Her dedication, energy, and positive attitude make her an invaluable member of our team, and we’re truly blessed to have her.

So, here’s to Ms. Laurie—the heart behind the meals, the laughter that fills our center, and the love that touches everyone she meets. Thank you, Ms. Laurie, for being such a shining light in our community!

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THERESSA STEPHENS

Theressa Stephens, the co-owner of Church Childcare Center, oversees daily operations to fostering an environment of love and support, she is deeply committed to the center’s mission of providing exceptional care and nurturing for children.

Theressa was raised by her grandparents, and her grandmother played a pivotal role in shaping who she is today. Her grandmother didn’t just look after children in the neighborhood—she was an entrepreneur long before Theressa understood what that meant. People called it babysitting, but it was much more than that. Their home became the place where neighbors trusted them with their spare keys or where kids would wait for the bus. It was the hub of the neighborhood, a place where everyone felt safe and welcome.

As Theressa grew older, she helped her grandmother care for the children in their neighborhood, a formative experience that lasted through her teenage and high school years. By her senior year of high school, Theressa took her first official steps into the childcare field through a co-op program. During 6 period of her high school senior year, she worked from 2 to 6 PM every day. It was clear that this path had a deep impact on her.

Though she went to college and worked in childcare while studying, Theressa decided against pursuing a degree in the field at that time. She knew it wasn’t considered a high-paying profession, so she shifted her focus to business. After earning her degree, she worked in banking and health insurance, but despite her success, she felt unfulfilled.

Her heart eventually led her back to childcare. She started with just two children in her home, eventually opening a licensed family childcare home. She worked out of her home for seven years before expanding and building her first facility in 2005. By 2018, she had outgrown that space and opened a second location.

Theressa’s approach to childcare is rooted in love. Her motto is simple: “providing care for your child’s home away from home.” She believes in offering unconditional love, building self-esteem, and instilling confidence in every child. At Church Childcare Center, they strive to show each child that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. This love extends to her staff as well. With 40 employees, she fosters a nurturing environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and cared for.

Theressa has been married for over 27 years and credits her husband for supporting her entrepreneurial journey. Together, they have raised four children, and their family wouldn’t be complete without their dog, Poppy.

In addition to her work, Theressa is also an author. She wrote a book called “Terry Tells The Garden,” which reflects her grandmother’s candy story and emphasizes the importance of making healthy choices—something that ties back to the lessons she learned from her grandmother’s entrepreneurial and community-driven spirit.

Theressa loves gardening, working with numbers, and dancing. At one point, she even considered becoming a math teacher. For her, the key message to parents is this: there is no perfect way to parent. As a young parent herself, she believed that everything had to be perfect, but she’s learned that each child is unique. You have to give yourself grace, be patient, and focus on creating meaningful memories rather than worrying about perfection.

Theressa’s grandmother also ran a neighborhood candy house, baking pies and cakes for the church and neighbors. This early example of resourcefulness and community service shaped Theressa’s outlook. Her grandmother’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to helping others left a lasting impression that continues to guide Theressa today.

Church Childcare Center is a reflection of these values—showing unconditional love to everyone who walks through its doors. The center is a place where people are embraced without judgment, just as Theressa’s grandmother once embraced the neighborhood with her kindness and generosity.

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TERRAH STEPHENS

At Church Childcare, we believe in the power of connection and the stories that shape each of us. Our community is made up of amazing parents, teachers, children, and professionals from all walks of life—doctors, lawyers, preachers, and more. Each person carries unique experiences, but our goal is to look past those labels and truly get to know who we are at our core. That’s why we’re excited to kick off a series that highlights these stories, offering a chance to connect with one another on a deeper level.

As co-owner Terrah Stephens puts it: “We all wear different labels—whether it’s being a parent, a teacher, student, or professional. But when you look past those titles, that’s where you find who we really are.”

Terrah’s own story is rooted in values that have been a part of his life from the beginning. Raised in a very spiritual focused family, he learned early on that doing the right thing matters, no matter the circumstances. “My parents always taught me and my siblings that integrity leads to the right path, even when things look uncertain. That lesson has been with me all my life,” Terrah shares.

These values have shaped both his personal and professional life. For over 25 years, Terrah has worked in technology within the trucking industry, traveling extensively and building lasting relationships in companies across the country. “I’ve spent more than 1,400 nights at Marriott hotels over the last few decades, flying with Delta, and hanging out in Centurion Lounges. It’s all part of my journey to connect with people and truly understand their needs—whether in business or everyday life,” he explains.

But it’s not just his professional experience that has shaped Church Childcare—it’s the inspiration from these travels and experiences that Terrah has infused into the center itself. “What I’ve learned from brands like Marriott is how attention to detail can elevate an experience,” Terrah says. “When you walk into our center, you might catch the familiar scent of a JW Marriott or feel the welcoming atmosphere of a Westin. It’s about creating a space that feels premium, comfortable, and special.”

Terrah has even taken ideas from places like the Centurion Lounge to elevate the experience at Church Childcare. From the fresh fruit and unique foods served at teacher breakfast events to the thoughtful details throughout the center, every effort is made to create an environment that feels different—one that echoes the care and hospitality he’s seen at some of the best brands in the world.

“Just like these top-performing companies, my goal is to bring that same level of care to everything we do,” Terrah explains. “It’s not just about running a childcare center—it’s about creating a lifestyle that makes everyone feel valued, whether they’re a parent, teacher, child, or part of our staff.”

Personally, Terrah is a father of four, and he credits his wife, Theressa, who co-owns Church Childcare, for managing the day-to-day operations and ensuring everything runs smoothly. “Theressa is the real force behind everything that happens here,” he says with a smile. Theressa’s own story is also part of this series, giving insight into the values that make Church Childcare special.

FUN FACT:

On weekends, Church Childcare transforms into “UR Coliseum”, where live band events take place, allowing Terrah to indulge in his passion for music and live performances. “It’s a space where people can come together, relax, and enjoy the moment. For me, music is another way to recharge and connect with others,” Terrah adds. http://www.URcoliseum.com

At Church Childcare, we’re all about seeing each other for who we truly are. Whether it’s through stories, conversations, or experiences, our goal is to build a stronger sense of connection within our community. As Terrah says, “The next time you ask yourself, ‘Who am I?’ your mind might immediately start coming up with answers like, ‘I’m a dad,’ ‘I’m a teacher,’ or ‘I’m a manager.’ But then, try asking yourself again—who am I, without any of those titles? When you strip away those labels, your mind will pause. And in that quiet moment, you’ll start to discover who you really are, beyond the roles and the titles.”

And this is exactly why we’re sharing these stories—because once you understand where someone comes from, you gain insight into why they act and behave the way they do. With that knowledge, we become more understanding, more connected, and better able to love and support one another.

We are glad to be part of this community and can’t wait to share and celebrate the stories that make us who we are.

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