

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!