Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Miceli.
Hi Alexis, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I developed my love for teaching and learning through a foundation instilled in me by my parents, who were both teachers. I began with a love for children and a belief that the earliest years deserve the same intention, respect, and beauty that we give to any other stage of life. I started my career in a toddler classroom, learning firsthand how powerful relationships, environment, and trust are in shaping a child’s sense of self.. After joining Country Club Methodist Child Development Center as a teacher, I found a deep passion for the Reggio Emilia philosophy. The image of the child as competent and capable, the use of the environment as an intentional learning tool, child-led learning and the Project Approach, documentation, and a strong sense of community and collaboration are all essential parts of what drives me.
Over time, I found myself drawn not only to teaching, but to leadership, supporting teachers, building community with parents, teachers, and children, and dreaming about how to help ignite that same passion for children in others. I wanted to help create and continue growing a center that is not simply “daycare,” but a true learning community rooted in connection, creativity, nature, and the belief that children are capable, curious, and full of potential.
Out of that vision, The Grove Early Learning Center took shape. The rebrand this January wasn’t just about a new name or look, it was about clarifying who we are and who we’re becoming. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we focus on project-based learning, strong relationships, and environments that invite wonder. We see our school as a “grove” in every sense, a place where children, families, and educators grow together, supported by deep roots and surrounded by a caring community.
I feel incredibly grateful and truly honored to walk through our doors each day and to be surrounded by teachers, students, and families who care for one another so deeply and are truly passionate about creating such a safe and rich environment. I am aware that not everyone gets the opportunity to do work that fills their heart in this way, and I do not take that for granted. What began as a personal calling to work with children has grown into something much bigger. We are on a shared mission to create a place where childhood is honored and valued, and where everyone feels they belong. We are so excited to continue building The Grove together for years to come.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been smooth. The shift from being in the classroom to leading adults was a big transition, one that required a new set of skills and a deeper level of emotional awareness. I was fortunate to have directors who guided and mentored me along the way, and I worked hard to learn how to have difficult conversations while still holding relationships with care and respect. Staffing and turnover are ongoing challenges in early childhood education, a field built on relationships yet often strained by burnout and limited resources, and learning how to support, retain, and pour into a team has been one of the most complex and important parts of leadership.
Caring deeply for children, families, and staff also means carrying a great deal of emotional weight. Over time, this has shaped my resilience and taught me how to lead with both compassion and steadiness, holding space for others while staying grounded myself. Balancing big dreams and idealism with the realities of operations, finances, and licensing requirements has been another growth area. We are constantly dreaming of what could be, and learning how to turn those ideas into something sustainable and achievable has required creativity, patience, and problem-solving.
There have also been moments of self-doubt and questioning along the way, but those moments have pushed me to reflect, grow, and become a better leader and a better person. Each challenge has helped clarify my values and strengthened my commitment to building a community that is thoughtful, supportive, and deeply rooted in purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Grove Early Learning Center is a Reggio-Emilia inspired center serving Infants through PreK. We view early childhood not simply as care, but a vital and meaningful stage of life. Our classrooms are designed as environments that invite exploration and wonder, and our teachers act as guides who observe, listen, and build curriculum based on children’s interests through project-based learning and documentation. What sets The Grove apart is our strong focus on relationships and community. We believe children learn best when they feel safe, seen, and deeply known, and we work to build long-term connections between children, families, and teachers. Our nature-rich spaces, emphasis on social-emotional development, and collaboration with families create a true learning community. Brand-wise, I am most proud of the clarity of our vision and the heart behind our rebrand. The name “The Grove” reflects who we are and who we are becoming. A grove is a place of roots, growth, seasons, and belonging, and that is exactly what we strive to offer. The Grove is a place where childhood is honored. We are known for seeing children as thinkers and problem-solvers, for valuing teachers as professionals and creatives, and for partnering closely with families. Everything we do, from our curriculum to our environments to our culture, is grounded in the belief that early childhood matters deeply, and that when we invest in these early years, we are investing in the future of our community.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, I am most excited about continuing to grow The Grove in a way that deepens our sense of community, stability, and purpose. One of our biggest shifts that is currently in action, is moving to a school-year enrollment model, rather than transitioning based solely on birthdays. This change supports stronger relationships, more intentional classroom communities, and a greater sense of continuity for children, families, and teachers. From a leadership and culture standpoint, I am deeply invested in continuing to support and grow our team, while also building connections beyond our own walls. I would love to further connect with other early childhood programs and leaders in our community to learn from one another, share ideas, and support each other in this meaningful work. Early childhood can often feel isolating, and I believe there is so much power in collaboration, mentorship, and collective passion. Creating spaces where educators and leaders can come together to encourage, inspire, and grow alongside one another is something I am truly excited about as we look toward the future. Overall, the future feels full of possibility. The rebrand to The Grove marked the beginning of a new chapter, and I am excited to keep nurturing what our team has worked so hard at. We are always Better Together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TheGroveEarlyLearning.org
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/thegroveearlylearningcenter
