She and her husband, Mark, were able to experience Growing Room in a new way after the birth of her daughter in 2001, as parents. Now more than ever, they understood how important quality child care was to working parents. They saw firsthand how their daughter flourished at Growing Room and how well-prepared she was going to be for Kindergarten.

After Growing Room, Inc. was recognized as the 2004 “National Small Business of the Year”, Laura began developing and forming the Growing Room Franchise System with the Growing Room founder, Sheree Mitchell. As the franchise model took shape, she had the idea that would lead to her to becoming a franchisee herself. Since Laura previously worked in Auburn/Opelika, she and Mark knew there was a need for quality childcare in the area. Thus they decided to give the children of Auburn the Growing Room experience and opened the first Growing Room franchise there in January 2008!

Since its inception, Growing Room Auburn has received praise, recognition and compliments from parents and the community alike. Laura and Mark’s passion about Growing Room and the lifelong impact that the center has on children’s lives has led to the opening of a second location: Growing Room of Opelika.

Hollie acquired her expertise in child development through a conduit of studying and research, as well as attending early childhood education classes and conferences. Her most valuable instrument, however, is her experience. She built her management style upon the importance of communication and partnership, and this can be seen through her deep connections with the families of Growing Room Auburn. Hollie believes children learn best through engagement in positive, loving and consistent environments with a well-trained staff, and that parents should feel comfortable going to work each day with their children in great hands. This, coupled with the belief that all children deserve a quality, exciting environment to learn in, is conducive to creating equal opportunities for every child to grow up to be a positive member of the community.

Aside from Growing Room, Hollie enjoys being involved in the community. She has participated in Junior League of Lee County and Dancing Stars of East Alabama (which benefits the Child Advocacy Center). She also actively encourages children of Growing Room to volunteer with a variety of community resources, such as the humane society, food banks, and nursing homes.  Hollie and her husband, Will, enjoy spending time with their two teenage children and their dogs, and cheering on the Auburn Tigers.