About Branch & Bloom Childcare
in Burlington, KY

Our Mission

Branch & Bloom Childcare Center, located in Burlington, KY, cultivates a warm, faith-centered setting for children 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten, with before- and after-school enrichment and summer programing for elementary students. Guided by Christian faith, our mission is to nurture every child’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual growth—laying a strong foundation for school success and a life of purpose.

Our Vision

At Branch & Bloom, every day follows a gentle rhythm that anchors children while inviting adventure. Habit-shaping moments like greeting friends in Bloom Circle or creating together at Branch Table provide structure and security. Between these activities, children explore imaginative centers and stretch out in Sunshine Meadow, discovering at their own pace. By weaving guided practice into playful exploration, we spark curiosity and nurture the attention, kindness, and resilience that help young learners blossom long after they leave our care.

Our Method

Our method is simple: pair living stories with hands-on play, weave in steady habits of attention and kindness, and let curiosity lead. Teachers stage inviting centers, pose “what if” questions, and encourage children to retell discoveries in their own words—cementing knowledge and confidence at once. The result is a classroom where minds stretch, language flourishes, and problem-solvers bloom every day.

A woman holding a baby and a woman in a black blazer smiling at the baby in a colorful room.
Children gathered around a table in a classroom or daycare, engaging in a hands-on activity with colorful playdough, with an adult showing them how to manipulate it.
  • A woman with long brown hair, wearing a light gray T-shirt, standing in front of a red brick wall with a smile.

    Erika Gunning, BS

    DIRECTOR

    Ms. Erika serves as Director of Branch & Bloom Childcare Center. A California native, she holds a bachelor's degree in Marine Science, and although her career took an unexpected turn toward early childhood education, her passion is helping young minds grow through curiosity and hands-on learning. As a mother of two, she understands the trust families place in her team. Her goal is a warm, faith-based environment where every child blooms into who God created them to be.

  • A woman with long dark hair and glasses smiling in front of a brick wall, wearing a white shirt with black horizontal stripes.

    Hope Bergfeld, MA, BCBA

    ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

    Ms. Hope serves as Assistant Director of the preschool and is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. She works closely with families, teachers, and staff to support high-quality early childhood education while ensuring that daily operations run smoothly. With a strong focus on positive relationships and each child's unique needs, Hope strives to build a welcoming community where every child feels valued, safe, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

  • A woman with curly red hair, glasses, and a tie-dye shirt standing in front of a brick wall. She is smiling and has her hands folded in front of her.

    Jeri Griess, BS

    ADMIN. ASSISTANT

    Ms. Jeri brings seven years of childcare experience and a deep appreciation for watching children learn, grow, and explore at every stage of development. She believes preschool should be a fun, safe, and nurturing place where children build confidence and discover a lasting love of learning. Ms. Jeri values strong partnerships with families and looks forward to getting to know each child and their loved ones throughout a wonderful year of growth together.

  • A woman with black hair smiling, wearing a light gray shirt, standing against a brick wall.

    Maranda Mason

    JR. KINDERGARTEN

    Ms. Maranda brings more than ten years of childcare experience and a heart for nurturing creativity through arts, crafts, and holiday celebrations. She is a warm, dedicated educator who takes joy in bringing energy and encouragement to a Christian preschool setting. As a mother of three, Ms. Maranda understands what it takes to create a nurturing, engaging classroom where children feel cherished, supported, and inspired to learn something new every single day.

  • A young woman with long, wavy blonde hair smiling, standing against a brick wall background.

    Brooklyn Lytle, AS

    PRESCHOOL

    Ms. Brooklyn brings a lifelong love of teaching and experience working with children across many age groups. After exploring several age levels, she has found that preschool is where her heart belongs. She favors hands-on learning and designs creative, engaging lessons that invite children to explore new ideas and think independently. Ms. Brooklyn is committed to building a classroom where every child feels loved, supported, and excited to learn as they begin their educational journey.

  • A young woman with blonde hair styled in two braids, wearing glasses, and smiling, stands against a brick wall. She has tattoos on her arms and is wearing a light-colored t-shirt with a floral outline design.

    Rylie Saunders

    EARLY LEARNERS

    Ms. Rylie has always loved working with children. Although she has explored many different paths, she continually returns to teaching, drawn to the classroom environment and the opportunity to help shape young minds. She finds great joy in watching little ones grow into kind, capable, and amazing people. Outside the classroom, Ms. Rylie enjoys time with her husband, Kole, and their pets: a dog named Cooper and two cats, Cheddar and Tiger.

  • Samantha Slaven

    INFANTS & TODDLERS

    Ms. Sam is a proud mother of four who spent eight years at home raising her children and watching them learn, grow, and become their own unique people. That experience inspired her to extend the same love and care to other families' little ones. She is grateful to do work she loves, helping young children explore the world around them in a safe, warm, and joyful environment where lasting memories are made every day.

  • A person with dark hair in a bun standing against a brick wall, wearing a striped shirt with buttons on the shoulders.

    Brooke Wright

    INFANTS & TODDLERS

    Ms. Brooke was born and raised in Northern Kentucky and is a graduate of Walton-Verona High School. A proud mother to a little girl, she brings more than seven years of experience caring for children from infancy through age two. Ms. Brooke is passionate about providing a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels loved, supported, and encouraged. She looks forward to knowing each family and being part of their child's earliest learning experiences.

  • A young woman with brown hair, wearing a black and white floral dress, standing in front of a brick wall, with her hands clasped in front of her, smiling softly at the camera.

    Lacey Fryman

    TEACHER ASSISTANT

    Ms. Lacey is a sophomore at Northern Kentucky University studying Elementary Education. During high school at Calvary Christian, she served two years as a teacher's assistant, where classroom life captured her heart, especially guiding children toward Jesus with joy, patience, and gentleness. She views teaching not simply as a career but as a calling, and is eager to learn and grow alongside your little ones. Outside the classroom, Ms. Lacey enjoys time with her pets, family, and friends.