The Mompreneur Behind Kiddie City:

How One Woman Is Reimagining Childcare—And Rewriting What Leadership Looks Like.

Before the morning sun settles over the Hood River Valley, Cara is already in motion — balancing motherhood, business ownership, and the nonstop demands of running three childcare centers that now serve families across Parkdale, Hood River, and Cascade Locks. To the outside world, the growth of Kiddie City looks effortless. To those who know her, it is the result of relentless drive, strategic thinking, and a level of entrepreneurial stamina few can match.

Photo Credit: Amy Eastman - Pickles Photography

Kiddie City began in Parkdale just four years ago with a single building, four employees, and a vision far bigger than its footprint. Today, the company has expanded into three thriving locations and a team of more than 30 women who have built their careers under Cara’s leadership. But the real story isn’t simply about growth — it’s about the woman who believes in possibility, in ambition, and in the idea that women can build something extraordinary when given the tools and encouragement to do so.

Cara’s leadership is distinctive because she vowed from the beginning to become the boss she always wished she had. A boss who leads directly, clearly, and confidently. That personal promise has shaped Kiddie City’s entire culture. Her team feels it in the way she shows up, pushes forward, and empowers others to do the same. She designed Kiddie City not just as a workplace, but as an environment where women are challenged, supported, and reminded that they are capable of far more than they ever imagined. She invests in her people and sees their worth, proudly providing top-tier wages and exceptional benefits for the Gorge region.

Inside Kiddie City, professional development isn’t an afterthought — it’s a cornerstone. Cara has built a culture rooted in determination, excellence, and personal growth. Team experiences like discovering your love language and how you like to be recognized at work, teacher in-service days, leadership trainings and conferences, baking and cooking classes, and paint-and-sip gatherings aren’t simply learning and bonding events; they create space for staff to connect, refresh, and build the kind of trust that strengthens a workplace from the inside out. Cara knows well that shared experiences help people understand who they’re working alongside — and that understanding matters.

But perhaps the most defining element of Cara’s mission is her commitment to building up other women. Entrepreneurship, for her, isn’t just a personal pursuit; it’s a pathway she works to open for others. She is passionate about showing her team what’s possible — about teaching them how they too can one day run a Kiddie City of their own, lead teams confidently, and build legacies that support their families for generations. Many of her staff now talk about dreams they never had before meeting her: running centers, directing teams, building their own brands, creating something lasting.

This mindset comes naturally to Cara — she has always been driven by entrepreneurship. Long before Kiddie City existed, she imagined a life she would design for herself, built through hard work, resourcefulness, and vision. Her resilience is unmistakable. That same entrepreneurial spirit now spills into everything she does: the systems she builds, the opportunities she creates, the way she pushes her centers to exceed expectations and be the best in the region. She makes complex decisions, thinks several steps ahead, and refuses to settle for anything less than progress.

Cara also leads from the ground up. She has completed every level of childcare training available, reaching the highest certification in the state — not because she had to, but because she believes no leader should ask of their team what they haven’t done themselves. Her staff regularly see her sub in classrooms, tackle licensing paperwork, prepare projects over weekends, or drive between locations to check on morale. She is deeply involved in the work — hands-on, informed, and visible.

Kiddie City stands out because it was built from scratch by someone who truly cares — someone who understands that childcare is more than supervision: it’s about shaping lives, nurturing curiosity, and building community. Under Cara’s leadership, Kiddie City is not just a daycare — it’s a warm, multilingual, inclusive space where kids are seen, valued, and encouraged to thrive.

The Kiddie City environment fosters inclusion, curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Children are encouraged to explore the world around them, engage with their peers, and build social, cognitive, and emotional foundations that will serve them for years to come.

Cara’s perseverance, care, and vision turned a scarcity into support, uncertainty into opportunity, and simple childcare into a community cornerstone. In every bright playroom, every smiling child, and every grateful parent, you can see what happens when leadership is rooted in love, purpose, and relentless dedication.

And through it all, Cara remains deeply rooted in her most important role — being a mother. Her three children, Avia, Aidan, and Acre, are at the heart of everything she builds. Her choices as a leader are shaped by the kind of world she wants for them: one filled with possibility, community, and the courage to dream big. She shows them what ambition, ownership, and resilience look like not through words, but through her daily actions — whether she’s leading her team, solving a crisis, or pouring herself into the tiny details that make Kiddie City exceptional.

On weekends, you can find Cara, her husband Micah, and the kids hiking to waterfalls, picnicking in the park, cold-plunging in the river, playing in their yard by the orchard, or enjoying good food and conversation at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. These slow, intentional moments are where Cara refuels — and they are a reminder of what all the hard work is for.

Photographer: Amy Eastman - Pickles Photography

Even with so much on her plate, she remains closely connected to Kiddie City graduates, current families, and the children who walk through her centers each day. She is present, visible, and engaged — the kind of owner who knows names, remembers stories, celebrates milestones, and cares deeply about the families she serves.

And somehow, amid all of this, she still finds time to pursue creative learning, nurture her artistic talents, and lace up for her local softball league — proving that balance, joy, and passion can coexist with ambition and leadership.

As the holidays arrive — a season of reflection, appreciation, and community — the women of Kiddie City wanted to recognize the person who is usually the one giving the recognition.

From Cara’s Leadership Team:

“Most days I truly don’t know how you do it, Cara. You’re raising three incredible kids, you’re a devoted partner, and you’re constantly showing up for the community through your work with Rotary, your generous support of local groups and so much more. You run three childcare centers and lead a team of more than 30 people, all while navigating daily challenges, helping staff grow into their best selves, and finding new ways to support the children at Kiddie City as they learn and thrive.

You hold our centers to the highest standards of care, and somehow you’re still the person we can always count on to step in, problem-solve, and lead with strength, grace, and a willingness to give people second chances. I’ve never met a leader who believes in her team the way you do—who recognizes and uplifts others so intentionally, who works long days and weekends, and who still manages to be kind, thoughtful, and remarkably generous. You are truly one of a kind, and I’m grateful for everything you are and everything you do.” Samantha - Kiddie City COO

“I am so beyond thankful to have a job and boss like this one. Cara you saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself, you push me to become a better person and leader everyday. Your ability to manage all the aspects of life is beyond amazing. Your determination and dedication to each and every one of your staff is truly inspiring. I can’t thank you enough for the opportunities you have given me. I absolutely love working somewhere that is in a constant growth pattern and takes every challenge as a step to grow. I am so thankful for Kiddie City and you, Cara!” Zoe - Kiddie City Regional Director

“Cara, you have inspired me in ways I can barely put into words. You’ve pushed me to believe in myself, to work for what I want, and to see the potential in me even during moments when I couldn’t see it myself. Working at Kiddie City has truly changed my life. I’ve grown so much as a person and as a worker, and that growth is because of the constant support, encouragement, and guidance you give, not just to me, but to everyone here. You make us feel capable, valued, and appreciated every single day. Your dedication and love for Kiddie City shines through in everything you do. This place wouldn’t be what it is without you , your leadership, your heart, your strength. We are all so grateful for you. Cara, we love you, we appreciate you, and we respect you more than words can ever express. You are the world’s best boss, and we are so lucky to have you.” Joanna - Kiddie City Parkdale Sub Director

“There are so many things I could say about Cara, so I will keep it short. Cara is an awe inspiring person, leader, boss and friend. She never backs down from a challenge and faces things head on with clarity and confidence. Watching her grow Kiddie City and being a part of it all from the beginning has been the best thing that's happened to me. I came on board with her new adventure with nothing but hope and drive; Cara met me where I was and then raised the bar. Countless times over the last three years I have grown and become a bigger and better human solely because of who she is as a boss and who she is at her core. Cara is a fearless leader that picks you up and takes you with her. I could not be more grateful to have her in my life. I truly am an entirely new woman and I have her to thank for that.” Miss Ashley - Kiddie City Hood River Sub Director

“At the helm of Kiddie City Parkdale stands Cara, a remarkable leader whose impact on my life and the lives of countless others is immeasurable. When I first arrived in Oregon, filled with uncertainty, and not knowing anybody at all, it was Cara who offered me a lifeline, a job and a chance to grow in an environment that felt like home. My kids are both enrolled in her daycare program and it's felt like a family ever since. Cara's leadership style is rooted in kindness and empathy. She doesn't just manage; she mentors. Under her guidance, I am learning not only the intricacies of running a daycare, but also the importance of being a compassionate leader. She encourages me, along with all of her employees, to take on challenges and develop skills in the field by offering continuous education, staff development and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. Thanks to Cara, I've been able to step into a leadership role that I never thought possible, and grow as an individual. I began as a teachers aide and, with Cara's guidance, confidence and trust in me, I worked my way to a Director position and I have been given support to grow within the company. Her unwavering support has allowed me to develop skills I never knew I had, all while building lasting friendships within our daycare community. As I reflect on my journey so far with Kiddie City, I am filled with gratitude for Cara. She is more than just a boss; she is a friend and a true champion of our careers. Thank you, Cara, for believing in us and for being a beacon of light in our lives. You are always going the extra mile and extending yourself above and beyond for the company and staff. I am proud to be part of what Cara has worked so hard to build, and I am excited to continue to follow her as a leader, and a role model.” Megan - Kiddie City Parkdale Director

Cara, thank you.

For the hours no one sees.

For the support you give so freely.

For the strength you model.

For the kindness you lead with.

For the opportunities you create.For believing in big dreams — not just your own, but ours too.For showing us what entrepreneurship can look like when women lead boldly.For challenging us, supporting us, and reminding us that we can build legacies of our own.For the dedication you pour into Kiddie City every single day.

For the legacy you’re building — one staff member, one child, one family at a time.

Your team is grateful. Your community is grateful. And your story — a story of drive, vision, and women empowering women — is only continuing to unfold.

Thank you for being you and Happy Holidays from the Kiddie City Team!