Ms. Vonnie is the Director of the Children’s Choice Too Daycare facility on Hardesty at Independence Avenue. She has been in the childcare business for 39 years.

She said it’s amazing to see the kids grow up over the many years she’s been in the area.

“I’ve got teachers working here that used to come here when they were babies,” she said.

Ms. Vonnie said after opening a childcare facility in the northland area, she decided to come back.

“I grew up here. I opened a center north of the river eight years ago. I worked there for a few years and came back here because this is where my heart is– with the Northeast children.”

She said her favorite part of working in a childcare facility is making a difference in the lives of children.

“I feel like I really make a difference in their lives. Every single day, someone comes to the door that I used to care for that’s grown now, and it makes me feel so wonderful.”