The Lily Pad ELA Mission:

Our Vision:

We believe every child deserves to fee secure, appreciated, and encouraged as the explore, discover, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Our Team:

Our team of teachers is carefully selected for their dedication to early childhood education and their genuine passion for nurturing young learners. Each member of our staff brings warmth, patience, and a strong commitment to supporting children’s growth and development. We take pride in having a team of caring, knowledgeable educators who work together to create a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment for every child.

Taylor Echols

Owner/Operator

Sherry Hollingsworth

Director

My name is Taylor Echols, and I am truly honored you are taking the time to learn more about me and The Lily Pad. Choosing who will care for your child is one of the most important decisions you will ever make, and I want you to know that I understand that responsibility deeply , both as an educator and as a mother.

The Lily Pad is more than a childcare program to me; it is the fulfillment of a calling God placed on my heart. I bring over 10 years of experience in early childhood education, beginning my journey as a nanny and growing into a lifelong passion for nurturing children during their most formative years. Over time, I saw firsthand how much the right environment, consistency, and loving guidance can shape a child’s confidence, emotional well-being, and future success.

My path also led me to nursing where I discovered a strong love for pediatrics. While I cherished helping others heal, I realized that my heart was being drawn in a different direction. I knew I wanted to care for children not only when they were unwell, but every day, supporting their growth, development, and sense of security from the very beginning. After becoming a mother myself, that calling became undeniable. I knew I was meant to dedicate my life to serving children and families in a meaningful, lasting way.

At The Lily Pad, my philosophy is simple: children thrive when they feel safe, loved, and valued. I believe every child deserves to be seen as an individual, to be encouraged at their own pace, and to be cared for with patience, kindness, and intention. My goal is to create a warm, structured environment where children feel confident to explore, learn, and grow — while parents feel peace knowing their child is in capable, caring hands.

The Lily Pad is locally owned and deeply personal. When you choose us, you are not funding a corporate name—you are directly investing in the people who care for your child each day. Our staff is here because of their own calling to work with children, not because they were placed here by a company. Every educator at The Lily Pad is valued, supported, and chosen for their heart, integrity, and dedication to children. This allows us to create a level of consistency, connection, and genuine care that sets us apart from other childcare programs.

Faith plays an important role in my life and in the values I bring into our program. I believe God has entrusted us with these children, and I take that responsibility seriously. Through gentle guidance, love, and example, we help children build strong character, compassion for others, and a foundation rooted in faith and kindness.

Family is at the center of everything I do. My husband and I are high school sweethearts, and we are blessed with a precious daughter who is our entire world. Being a parent myself allows me to see childcare through the eyes of the families I serve while understanding the worries, hopes, and trust that come with leaving your child in someone else’s care. I strive to create a partnership with parents built on open communication, respect, and shared goals for their child’s success.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, being on the water, reading, and coaching my daughters soccer and T-ball teams.

It is truly a blessing to walk in the purpose God has placed on my life. I am honored to care for your child, to support your family, and to provide an environment where your little one can feel safe, loved, and excited to learn each day. At The Lily Pad, your child is not just another enrollment — they are a cherished part of our family.

My name is Sherry Hollingsworth, and I am thrilled to begin the next chapter of my early childhood career as the director of The Lily Pad Early Learning Academy! With over 40 years of experience as an Early Childhood Professional, my journey in this field has been both rewarding and inspiring.

My Professional Journey: My passion for working with children began when I started volunteering at my church as a teenager. It was there that I discovered the immense joy and fulfillment that children bring to our lives. Over the years, I have been privileged to hold a variety of positions in early childhood education, working in both private and military settings. I started as an assistant teacher, then became a co-teacher and eventually a lead teacher in classroom settings. My dedication and love for this profession led me to become a section supervisor, followed by positions as an assistant director and director.

In addition to my work in classrooms and administrative roles, I have also served as a trainer, worked for the Early Learning Coalition, and operated my own family childcare home. These diverse experiences have shaped my holistic approach to early childhood education.

My primary mission as an Early Childhood Professional is to treat all children and families as unique individuals, providing personalized care and attention to support their growth and development.

A Little About My Family: Family is at the heart of everything I do. My husband and I are high school sweethearts who met in band, and after dating for six years, we married in 1988. We have been happily married for 37 years. Together, we have three wonderful children ~ a son and two daughters ~ and are blessed with three amazing grandchildren: one grandson and two granddaughters.

As a military family, we have had the opportunity to live in many unique places, beginning our journey in Florida, then to Okinawa, Montana, Ohio, Germany, and finally back to Florida, where my husband retired in 2010. We cherish the experiences and memories weve made along the way.

Our family loves to travel, especially in our Brinkley RV, accompanied by our beloved fur babies, Finway and Tigger. Our lifelong dream is to continue traveling and exploring new places together.

Looking Forward: As I take on the role of director at The Lily Pad Early Learning Academy, I am committed to fostering

a nurturing, inclusive, and inspiring environment for all children and their families. I look forward to building meaningful relationships, supporting the growth of our students, and leading our academy with compassion and dedication.