My name is Erin Brandes, and I have been involved in childcare since 2012, joining the Play & Grow Learning Center team in 2013. My career in childcare began with a strong interest in working with infants and observing their environmental explorations. In August 2023, I assumed the role of Education Director, which provided me with the opportunity to gain comprehensive knowledge of administrative functions. Concurrently, I pursued further education, obtaining my Child Care Administrator Credential to go with my Associate's Degree in September 2025, both from FVTC. My favorite aspect of working in childcare is that each day presents a new challenge for my team and me to overcome. Outside of Play & Grow, I enjoy lighting a candle and relaxing reading my kindle. I also frequently attend concerts and musicals.

My name is Melissa Roskom, I am the Education Director at Play & Grow Learning Center – Darboy. I have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and over 25 years of experience working with children of various ages. I love watching children learn, grow, and discover the world around them while giving them the tools they need to succeed. My years in the classroom have helped shape my passion for creating positive and engaging learning environments. I stepped into the Education Director role in August 2025 and enjoy supporting our teachers, answering questions, and providing the resources they need to create successful classrooms for our children.

My name is Maddie Westover, and I am the Assistant Director at Play & Grow Learning Center – Darboy. I began my journey with Play & Grow in March 2023 as a 2-Year-Old Teacher. After taking some time to explore other career opportunities while continuing to work part-time at Play & Grow, I returned to the Darboy team full-time. In February 2025, I stepped into the Assistant Director role, giving me the opportunity to support our children, families, and teachers in a new way. My classroom experience allows me to bring a teacher’s perspective into leadership while continuing to build connections throughout our center.