

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.
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.