Children deserve the very best from the very beginning and the people who care for them every day should help shape the systems supporting them. This month, Small Magic launched the Small Magic Provider Council, welcoming 18 early childhood leaders from across Jefferson County into its inaugural cohort.
These providers represent child care centers and family child care programs serving children in neighborhoods throughout our community. They bring years of classroom experience, strong relationships with families, and a deep understanding of what high-quality care requires.
Child care providers are often overworked and under-resourced. They navigate licensing requirements, staffing shortages, rising costs, and complex funding systems while caring for children during the most important years of brain development. They know firsthand what helps children thrive—and what gets in the way. The Provider Council creates space for that expertise to lead.
Over the next year, council members will come together to strengthen the early childhood workforce and support a more connected child care landscape in Jefferson County. They will share challenges, identify common priorities, and help inform decisions about resources, partnerships, and long-term investments in early childhood.
We’re honored that these 18 leaders chose to step into this first cohort. Their leadership reflects the strength already present in classrooms across Jefferson County.
Welcoming the inaugural council
Courtnye Carr, The Learning Garden
Constance Davis, Precious Moments Daycare
Jennifer Davis, J Alex
Jillian Wyatt Fancher, Childcare Resources
Whitney Garner, Birmingham Public Library
Rohaun Green, United Ability
Tiffany Hamilton, Birmingham City Schools Pre-K
Renesha Herbert, Kidz Connection Child Development
Inger Holloway, Annie Lee’s Daycare
Java Lacey, YMCA
Tyler Lewallen, America’s First Credit Union
Kamil Goodman Lumzy, YMCA
Tamara Matthews, The Cross at Clay
Patricia McGrue, Jolly Bunnies CDC
Mallory Messersmith, The McWane Center
LaKesha Petty, Pamper Me Nursery
Matisha Taylor, Alabama Department of Youth Services
Tonya L. Wilson, New Beginning Child Development Center