Empress and her son Enzo’s journey at Bright Beginnings is nothing short of inspiring. As a dedicated student at UDC, Empress was determined to earn her Child Development Associate credentials, but she faced a significant challenge: how to complete her internship hours while also being there for her son. Then she discovered Bright Beginnings’ Evening Care Program—a game changer that allowed her to bring Enzo along as she worked toward her certification. For Empress, it was a perfect solution. “With me going to school during the day, and Evening Care remaining open through the night, it just all works out perfectly,” she shared, her gratitude evident.

But what truly sets Bright Beginnings apart for Empress is not just the schedule flexibility, but the exceptional care and understanding she and Enzo have received. Despite Enzo’s medical challenges, including his use of a gastrostomy tube for nutrition, the staff at Bright Beginnings has treated him with nothing less than kindness, patience, and respect. "They never saw him as a liability," Empress recalled, deeply touched by their willingness to learn how to care for him properly. The team’s commitment to his well-being has made all the difference, providing Empress with peace of mind as she works, knowing that Enzo is thriving in a safe and nurturing environment.

For Empress, the joy of seeing her son’s progress is a constant source of motivation. Enzo is eating more by mouth and using his feeding tube less—proof of the remarkable strides he’s made. But Empress doesn’t just find fulfillment in Enzo’s success; she’s deeply passionate about early education and loves working with toddlers. Bright Beginnings has helped her gain valuable hands-on experience, further fueling her desire to expand into working with infants and newborns. “Seeing Enzo smile, and the smiles of the little ones I care for, helps me keep going, even when life gets tough,” Empress said, her love for children and determination radiating through her words.

Empress’ story is a powerful testament to resilience, the importance of community support, and the life-changing impact of compassionate care. At Bright Beginnings, we’re incredibly grateful to have Empress and Enzo as part of our family, and we’re excited to watch them both continue to flourish in the future.