My name is Ashley Hodkiewicz, and I am the Center Director of our Greenville location. I began my journey with Play and Grow Learning Center in February 2023 as an assistant teacher in the toddler rooms. After completing my book courses I was promoted to Lead Teacher in one of our Infant classrooms. I spent just over a year in that role before stepping into the Assistant Director position.

During that time, I also had the opportunity to work at what was our Sherwood location for about six months—first as a Lead Infant Teacher, and later as the Assistant Director. I eventually returned to Greenville to support the leadership team by taking over as Assistant Director. Not long after I was given the opportunity to take on the Center Director role at Greenville, where I currently serve.

I truly love working with children and watching them learn, grow, and gain independence. It’s such a rewarding and heartwarming experience to see their personalities blossom and to be part of the environment where they feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.

I knew from a young age that I wanted to go into the education field, inspired by my 2nd grade teacher. I graduated from Arkansas Tech University with my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education in 2008. I substituted in a public school and worked the summer camp program at a child care center, where I was later hired full time as the 3 year old teacher. After a few years I began working in developmental preschool and worked with 1-2 year olds when I was introduced to Conscious Discipline and Handwriting without Tears. I have taken these key learning and teaching methods to all my other centers with me. I moved to a different area of Arkansas where I was the Jr. Kindergarten teacher preparing the children for Kindergarten with hands-on methods of learning. In 2020 my family and I moved to Indiana where I worked in the 3's, served as the School Age Coordinator, and spent 2 years as the Assistant Director until moving here at the beginning of August. I love working in child care, creating connections with the children and their families, as well as setting the foundation for successful learning into elementary school and beyond. These younger years are crucial to development when minds are soaking up so much and learning to manage the big emotions in a positive and supportive manner. I am excited to support the teachers in creating healthy routines and classroom practices.

My name is Paige Harner, and I’m proud to serve as the Assistant Director here at Play & Grow Learning Center. I’ve been passionate about childcare since 2018 when I began working as a nanny, and that passion has only grown stronger over the years. I hold an associate degree from UW Oshkosh, where I completed a variety of early childhood education courses to deepen my knowledge and skills in the field. I joined the Play & Grow team on June 10th, 2025, starting as a float staff member supporting all classrooms. My flexibility and dedication to the children were quickly recognized, and I was honored to be offered a leadership position shortly after. What I love most about working at Play & Grow is building connections with each child. Watching them develop their unique personalities, learn new skills, and grow both mentally and physically brings me so much joy and fulfillment.