Our Mission

Branch & Bloom Childcare Center 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.

  • Erika Gunning, BS

    DIRECTOR

    Raised in California’s Bay Area and happily settled in Kentucky for a dozen years, I’m both a director and a Branch & Bloom parent—my two children learn and play right here beside yours. I hold a B.S. from Coastal Carolina University, where I led K-12 environmental programs that combined hands-on inquiry with solid academic foundations. Since then, I’ve served Boone County Schools as a long-term substitute and most recently guided students as a lead teacher. As the Director at Branch & Bloom, I am committed to cultivating a place where curiosity takes root, good habits grow tall, and every child finds room to flourish.

  • Hope Bergfeld, MA, BCBA

    ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

    Raised in NW Ohio, I moved to Cincinnati in 2008 to launch my teaching career. After four years I shifted to behavioral therapy, earning ABA and BCBA credentials and serving at Cincinnati Children’s while supporting learners with disabilities in homes, clinics, and community settings. As Branch & Bloom’s Assistant Director I pair classroom know-how with clinical insight to smooth daily rhythms and champion each child’s growth. I live in Union with my family, including my three Branch & Bloom students, and we spend our free time baking, reading, traveling, and crafting together.

  • Maranda Mason

    EARLY LEARNERS

    Florence is home for my family! Two of my children have attended here at Branch & Bloom, so aside from teaching here, I share the parent’s perspective as well. Since I was nineteen years old, I have guided young learners, captivated by their leaps in language, logic, and learning. In our Early Learners room I weave faith-rooted stories, hands-on projects, and play time that nurtures kindness, curiosity, and polite habits. Off campus you can find me with my family, cheering at games or exploring new trails and museums, ever gathering fresh ideas to bring back to class.

  • Mercedes Tanner

    INFANTS & TODDLERS

    My little family welcomed our son in 2024. Becoming a mom myself definitely deepened my respect for parents’ trust. Just weeks before my son was born, I also earned my Kentucky cosmetology license—a lesson in perseverance for sure! Before Branch & Bloom, I spent five years leading one- and two-year-old rooms and two years assisting special-needs teens at Boone County High. These experiences sharpened my eye for each child’s strengths. In our infant–toddler room I blend calm routines, sensory play, and gentle guidance so every sprout grows with confidence. My off hours are spent enjoying car shows and camping, and I look forward to this adventure at Branch & Bloom together!

  • Emma Wiener, BS

    JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN

    Florence is home for my husband and I, and our rescue pup Roxy, and I am excited to lead Jr Kindergarten! I hold a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education from Northern Kentucky University then spent four years at Head Start and Boone County Schools guiding preschoolers. I blend inquiry, song, and purposeful play to help children picture bold futures and practice the skills to reach them. After school you can find my family out on neighborhood trails or cheering NKU hoops, always gathering fresh stories for tomorrow’s classroom lessons.

  • Lacey Fryman

    TEACHER ASSISTANT

    Hello! I’m Lacey—nineteen and beginning my sophomore year at NKU, studying Elementary Education. At Calvary Christian High I served two years as a teacher’s assistant, where classroom life captured my heart—especially guiding children toward Jesus with joy, patience, and gentleness. Teaching isn’t just a plan; it’s a calling, and I’m eager to teach, learn, and grow alongside your little ones. When I’m off the clock, you’ll find me with my pets or gathered with family and friends. I’m grateful and excited to see what the Lord unfolds next!!

  • Rita Gould, BA

    Religious Ed/Classroom Chapel Time

    Hello everyone! I grew up in a rural area in NW Ohio. I graduated from Ohio Northern University with a BA in English and a minor in Secondary Education. I taught in public schools for a few years, then got married, had two beautiful daughters, and then taught for several years in Christian schools. I credit my childhood neighbor with the beginning of my journey towards Jesus. She and her father invited me to church and he became a mentor in my life. As a result of his spiritual leadership I accepted Christ into my heart when I was in the 6th grade. From that moment until now, it has been my sincere desire to be an example in words and deeds of Christ's great love, compassion, and forgiveness. I look forward to sharing biblically centered lessons with your little ones this year!