Our passionate educators

Julie green

Operating Partner

Hi! My name is Julie Green, and I am so excited to be the new operating partner at Kent Island Bright Beginnings. I have been in the childcare business since 1998, and I can’t imagine doing anything else!

I was fortunate to open the original Sweet Bay Bright Beginnings in the old Kent Island High School building in 2018. Before that, I owned and operated an in-home childcare program for 20 years. Childcare has always been my passion—I truly believe everyone has a calling, and this is mine! Watching families grow over the years has been the greatest reward. Seeing toddlers I once cared for graduate high school is an incredible experience.

Outside of work, I love road trips, camping, football, baseball (Go O’s! Go Ravens!), eating at local restaurants, and spending time with my family. I’m a mom of three and a grandma of two—with more to come!

I am looking forward to growing our school and strengthening our connection with the community!

Rebecca Thompson

Director

Hello! My name is Rebecca Thompson, and I am currently the Director of K.I. Bright Beginnings. I have been in education for over 30 years, and I’ve also had the opportunity to teach art programs in several different facilities.

My love for working with young hearts runs deep. There is nothing like walking into a room and having children run up to you for a hug—pure joy! I find so much fulfillment in being part of their growth and learning.

I truly enjoy being part of a community of parents, children, and teachers who work together to create a secure and nurturing environment. Every day, I am grateful to be both a teacher and a director, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

Colleen Romano

Lead Infant Teacher

Hi, my name is Colleen, and I am the Lead Infant Teacher here at KIBB! As a mom of two, I have always loved teaching and watching little ones reach their milestones. I started as an aide in the infant room and immediately began taking classes to become certified.

I have been working here for almost three years and am currently certified in Infants & Toddlers and Preschool. I also hold certifications in First Aid, CPR, and AED.

In my free time, you can find me on the field or in the gym coaching our local Piranhas Cheer teams! I also love camping with my family and taking trips to the beach.

Kayla Houseman

2’s A Teacher

Hello! My name is Kayla, and I am the 2’s A teacher. I have been working with children from 6 weeks to school age for almost six years now. I love teaching new skills and seeing their excitement when they learn something new. Their smiles when I walk into work and their sweet goodbyes at the end of the day make this job so rewarding.

Outside of work, I enjoy going to concerts, spending time with my nephew and friends, and being outdoors.

Emily Vining

2’s B Teacher

Hi there! My name is Emily, and I am the 2’s B teacher. I have worked with children from 6 months to 9 years old for almost six years now. I love seeing their smiles and witnessing their joy as they explore new activities each day.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, fishing, and going to church.

Iris Miller

2’s Classroom Aide

Hi, my name is Iris Miller, and I’m so happy to be caring for the wonderful children at Bright Beginnings! I have been working in childcare for over a decade on Kent Island and have lived here for almost nineteen years.

Whether I'm spending time with my grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, or with the children in my class, I love watching them grow, learn, and explore the world around them.

Kaylee Zador

Infant and Toddler Aide

Hi! My name is Kaylee but mostly everybody knows me as Miss Kay :) I was born and raised on Kent Island and I graduated from highschool online in 2024. I’ve been working here at Bright Beginnings as a certified teacher aide for less than a year but it feels like I’ve known these kids forever! I am also CPR certified, and plan on continuing to take classes to keep learning on how I can improve and maintain a positive work ethic in childcare. 

I absolutely love what I do, and working with children has been a life changing experience. I never thought that I’d enjoy coming to work with kids and now I just can’t wait to see where early childhood education takes me since I have an aspiration to help young minds grow and learn their way to be themselves in life. This daycare for sure has helped me learn so much about my life and I hope my kids see that we have eachother backs, always try to see the positive, be kind to others, & love always, because we are a family! <3