Our Team

The people who raise the bar.

Every Sunflower teacher holds a degree or credential in early childhood education, passes a comprehensive background check, and participates in 30+ hours of professional development per year.

Meet Our Educators

12 educators. One mission.

We hire for heart first, credentials second. Then we invest in both. Our staff turnover rate is under 15% — well below the 33% national average for early childhood programs.

Ms. Patricia Huang, Director

Ms. Patricia Huang

Director & Founder

BS Early Childhood Education, Tennessee State University; NAEYC Accreditation Specialist Training

15 years in early childhood education, including 7 years as a classroom teacher before opening Sunflower

“I opened Sunflower because I couldn't find a Nashville daycare that treated families like partners. We build that partnership intentionally — from the first tour through kindergarten graduation.”

NAEYC Pathway TrainedTDHS Director LicensedFirst Aid & CPR
Ms. Brianna Patel, Pre-K Lead Teacher

Ms. Brianna Patel

Lead Teacher — Pre-K

MEd Early Childhood Education, Vanderbilt University; BA Psychology, UT Knoxville

7 years total: 3 as kindergarten teacher at Metro Nashville Public Schools, 4 at Sunflower

“Kindergarten readiness isn't about drilling ABCs. It's about building a child who loves learning. That's what I show up for every day.”

MEd VanderbiltFormer MNPS TeacherCPR CertifiedReggio Trained
Ms. Keondra Williams, Toddler Lead Teacher

Ms. Keondra Williams

Lead Teacher — Toddler Room

BS Child Development, Fisk University; Certificate in Infant-Toddler Caregiving

5 years at Sunflower, 2 years prior in a university child development lab

“Toddlers are doing the hardest cognitive work of their lives. I take that seriously. Also, they're hilarious.”

Fisk University BSInfant-Toddler CertificateASL Level 2CPR Certified
Mr. Tomás Ramos, Preschool Prep Lead Teacher

Mr. Tomás Ramos

Lead Teacher — Preschool Prep

BA Psychology with ECE Certificate, Belmont University; Reggio Emilia Study Tour, Reggio Emilia, Italy

4 years at Sunflower; previously a classroom aide at Head Start for 2 years

“Children are natural scientists. My job is to get out of their way and hand them the right tools. The garden teaches more than any worksheet.”

Belmont ECE CertificateReggio Study TourBilingual EN/ESCPR Certified
Ms. Yuki Nakamura, Infant Room Lead Teacher

Ms. Yuki Nakamura

Lead Teacher — Infant Room

BS Early Childhood Development, MTSU; Certificate in Infant Mental Health

6 years at Sunflower; previously a nanny for two infants simultaneously (the ultimate teacher training)

“Parents trust me with the most precious thing in their life, often weeks after giving birth. I don't take that lightly. My goal is that drop-off becomes easy.”

MTSU BSInfant Mental Health CertificateCPR & First AidSafe Sleep Trained
Ms. Denise Carter, Pre-K Assistant Teacher

Ms. Denise Carter

Assistant Teacher — Pre-K

AA Early Childhood Education, Nashville State Community College; CDA (Child Development Associate)

3 years at Sunflower

“I love the moment a child realizes they can read. I've had the privilege of watching it happen dozens of times.”

CDA CredentialNashville State AACPR Certified
Mr. Carlos Rivera, Preschool Prep Assistant Teacher

Mr. Carlos Rivera

Assistant Teacher — Preschool Prep

Currently pursuing BS Early Childhood, Belmont University; CDA in progress

2 years at Sunflower, enrolled in Mr. Tomás's mentorship program

“Representation matters. I want the little ones in this room to see that men care too.”

CDA In ProgressCPR CertifiedBilingual EN/ES
Ms. Aaliyah Johnson, Floater Teacher

Ms. Aaliyah Johnson

Floater / Substitute Teacher

BS Child Development, Tennessee State University

4 years across multiple Nashville programs; 1 year at Sunflower

“Every classroom, every age — I love the variety. And having one face that's familiar in all rooms makes transitions smoother for the kids.”

TSU BSCPR CertifiedTN Background Check

Safety & Security

Because your peace of mind is non-negotiable.

We believe the best childcare starts with the safest environment. Here’s how we protect every child every day.

Secure keypad entry system at a childcare facility

Secure Keypad Entry

All classrooms and exterior doors require a unique parent PIN. Visitors must be buzzed in and sign the visitor log. No exceptions.

Childcare staff member with credentials badge

Background-Checked Staff

Every employee undergoes Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and FBI fingerprint background checks before their first day.

Teacher performing a morning health check with a young child

Daily Health Checks

Lead teachers perform a visual wellness check at drop-off and document symptoms. Children with fever or contagious illness must stay home 24 hours after symptoms resolve.

Toddler happily eating a healthy nut-free fruit snack

Nut-Free Campus

Sunflower is a completely nut-free facility. Our kitchen and all snacks are peanut and tree-nut free to protect children with severe allergies.

Fire safety equipment and emergency planning materials

Licensed Fire & Safety

Annual inspections by the Nashville Fire Marshal. Monthly fire drills, quarterly lockdown drills, and CPR-certified staff in every classroom.

Parent checking daily updates on the Brightwheel app with her child

Brightwheel Daily Reports

Photos, meals, naps, diaper changes, and notes — delivered to your phone in real time throughout the day. You’re never left wondering.

Give your child the best start.

Licensed. Nurturing. Rigorous. Sunflower Learning Center is open for enrollment. Schedule a tour and see for yourself why Nashville families keep choosing us.

Schedule a TourCall (615) 555-0184
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