Our opening date has been delayed, but we're hopeful we will be able to open one week after our anticipated opening date! We’re now on the homestretch and are so excited to be meeting all the littles who will be a part of Little Hearts. In the meantime, we're screening families and tying up loose ends, making sure everything is ready for a smooth and joyful start. Thank you so much for your patience and support as we get closer to this exciting moment!
If you have not already done so, please fill out a waitlist form on the For Parents tab and we will set an appointment for your screening interview.
Our Dedicated Team
Experienced & Caring
Yvette Cantu
Director
Hi, I am Ms. Yvette Cantu, I am excited to be the director of Little Hearts Child Development Center. I am originally from Uvalde Texas and happily re-located from Houston Tx to Fredericksburg TX to be a part of this stunning and growing community. I have 3 grown sons Stephen, Chrystian and Spencer a beautiful daughter in-law Crystal and two grandchildren Roman 5 and Reina 1 ½. I absolutely love life and live it to the fullest as much as humanly possible. I enjoy swimming, dancing, reading, outdoors, long walks, on-going education and delight spending time with my grandbabies and parents. I have over 30 years of experience and a passion for working with children of all ages. Specifically, as a preschool director working with infants to pre-school aged children through various non-profit organizations. I have worked with children of all ages with special needs, including those on the autism spectrum and those who have experienced trauma. I believe in a holistic approach to child development. This ensures that children not only develop academically but that they acquire and develop multiple skills to include emotional, physical, mental, social and spiritual development. Certifications & Qualifications: Childcare Worldwide Institute, Professional Administrator National Credential CDA, Directors Credential Child Development, Early Childhood Administration, Alvin Community College Food Handlers’ Certificate CPR & First Aid Instructor
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JJ Bryant
Assistant Director
With 19 years of experience in the child care field, I have spent the last 12 years serving as a director in both nonprofit and for-profit settings. My passion lies in guiding children as they grow and develop with confidence, fostering independence through self-help skills that set them up for lifelong success. Outside of my role as Assistant Director, I enjoy gardening, reading, camping, and spending time with my family. Additionally, I actively contribute to our family craft business by creating unique items. Currently, I am pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Development, and I am excited to soon be able to apply my expanding knowledge to further enhance the programs I oversee. I am very excited to join the team at Little Hearts Child Development Center.
Meet the Lead Teachers!
Maria Juliet Gonzalez
Lead Teacher - Infant
Hello! My Name Is Maria Juliet Gonzalez, I am 28 years old. I was born and raised here in the Hill Country of Fredericksburg Tx. I am Excited to be the lead teacher in the Infant room! I graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 2015, where I went straight into child care. I have been in child care for 6 years, within those 6 years of caring for Infants It became a very big part of my life. Another fact about me is I am also a full time student studying to become a Texas Social Worker where I believe in the safety and care of all children. More facts about me are, I am Bilingual, My favorite colors are orange and purple, my favorite comfort food is anything made with love, and lastly my favorite sport is soccer. My commitment to my title is very important because while these babies tend to grow I would like to be the reason each one reaches their developmental goals. Whether it's a roll over from tummy to back, a new sign language, a crawl to walking, or their first words, these milestones will be something I’d care for a lifetime.
Jalyn Baskin
Lead Teacher - Infant
Hi! My name is Jalyn Baskin. I was born in Montrose, Colorado. I moved to Fredericksburg when I was a couple months old, I am 21 years old. I am so excited to be a part of Little Hearts! I have been in childcare with the primary school here in Fredericksburg since December of 2022. I graduated in 2022, I immediately knew I wanted to work with kids! I love watching kids smile and grow on a daily basis, watching them smile when they achieve something even so small, warms my heart. I love to travel and see new places. My favorite way to travel is by taking cruises. By far the best cruise I’ve taken was in June of 2024, when I got engaged in Roatan, Honduras! I am hoping to make each and every one of y’all feel welcome and safe! I will create a warm and loving environment for each child that walks in the doors, I’m excited to help each child grow as an individual and to make them feel at home.
Sally (Araceli) Gonzalez
Lead Teacher - Infant
Hello, my name is Araceli Gonzalez, but I prefer to go by Sally, and I am excited to be a lead infant teacher. I was born and raised here in Fredericksburg, Tx. I am a mom of 3 and they are my whole world! Xander is my oldest, about to be 7. My daughter, Ximena, is about to be 3. My youngest, JJ is going to be 2 in October. My oldest, Xander, is on the Spectrum for Autism and is nonverbal. It has been a journey but he has come so far and I am very big on getting the resources my son needs in order to progress and move forward. I was a stay-at-home mom for about 7 years and loved being able to watch my babies reach milestones and as they continue to do so. I graduated from Fredericksburg High School and went on to earn my associates degree with Central Texas College. I am currently going for my bachelor’s with Texas Tech. Although I may not have much of a profession in childcare other than being mommy to my 3 beautiful babies. I am very eager and excited to be able to contribute to Little Hearts and be able to make a difference. I feel like there aren’t really many resources here for kids with special needs, and this is something that hits home for me due to having to travel out of town for my sons’ resources.
Raevyn (Amanda) Rowe
Lead Teacher - Toddler
Greetings! I am delighted to introduce myself to you. My name is Miss Amanda Rowe. Most loved ones refer to me by my artist name, Raevyn. I have an idiosyncratic personality with an intuitively holistic approach to life and the way I consciously connect with others. I believe laughter and dancing are medicine for our hearts. “How do you get a Kleenex to dance? You put a little boogie in it”! I am a virtuous woman who has courageously designed a new beginning to life alongside my two dazzling daughters and merrymaking son. They are a bright light in my life and what a cherished gift it is for me to be their nurturing, yet cool mom! Everyone holds a story. I have lived in many places and have experienced many chapters. I have found Fredericksburg, Texas to be home for nearly eleven years! Am I considered “local” yet? Hill Country does have a special place in my heart. I take pride of the repertoire I hold within my work abilities. Some of which include full time motherhood, six-time award-winning pie baker, certified nurse assistant, veterinary medicine technician, youth development professional, property and hospitality management, and most recently volunteer training with the local fire department. Ask me about my interests, they do not end there! We grow wise with the experience and knowledge that we gain with age! Although I do not have an extensive background in childcare, other than being a mother and my most recent endeavors as a youth development professional, I am inspired to create meaningful connections with the young children and their families of our community. I am enthusiastic in supporting each child through their milestones within our integrated learning format here at Little Hearts. I eagerly look forward to sharing each of their triumphs with you, their loved ones. I hold a non-judgmental and safe space for others around me. There’s nothing more powerful than the magic of community and the empowerment we graciously share to help guide each other to greater heights.
Destiny Read
Lead Teacher - Toddler
Hi! I am Destiny Read! I am so excited to be the leader teacher in the Fox Room! I graduated high school a year early with a child development certification. During high school I discovered my love for golf, which is now one of my regular hobbies. I’ve worked in child care for 2 years, and it has been such a rewarding experience that has helped me grow both personally and professionally. I absolutely love working with toddlers because this age is full of curiosity, growth, and joy. It’s amazing to watch their personalities blossom, their independence develop, and their excitement for learning to grow. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places. My favorite destination so far has been Peru. I was truly fascinated by how Peru celebrates its Incan and Spanish heritage through art, music, and colorful clothing. My goal is to create a fun, nurturing, and safe environment where children can learn, explore, and grow. I am so grateful for this role at Little Hearts Child Development Center!
Meet the Assistant Teachers!
Taylor Baskin
Assistant Teacher - Toddler
Hi, my name is Taylor Baskin. I am 21 years old. I was born in Montrose, Colorado, and I moved to Fredericksburg when I was a couple of months old. I graduated in May of 2022 from Fredericksburg High School. I’ve worked in childcare at the primary school here in Fredericksburg since 2022. I enjoy helping kids grow and learn. It has been my passion to work in Early Childhood Education since before I graduated high school. I am a new mom to my son as of October of 2024! Some of my favorite things to do in my downtime are to travel to new places, paint, and spend time with my family. I love that I get to wake up every day to go to a place where I love and enjoy the kids surrounding me!
Meet the Support Staff!
Dora Sanchez
Cook
My name is Dora Sanchez. I have lived here in Fredericksburg for 53 years. I am grateful for the opportunity to maintain a life in Fredericksburg because my children were raised in a wonderful little town. I have a son and a daughter who are now adults. As time went by the family grew and now I have 3 grandchildren. I worked in the Fredericksburg School District for 25 years. After retiring from school, I started working in daycare centers. I have been happy and pleased to be a daycare worker. Children are the future of this world. A good foundation begins at the very beginning of their birth. This is the opportunity to get a head start on their future. THIS IS A REAL GIFT. Mi nombre es Dora Sanchez. Ha vivido aquí en Fredericksburg por 53 años. Estoy agradecida por la oportunidad de mantener una vida en Fredericksburg porque mis hijo/a fueron crecidos un pequeño por márvioso pueblo. Tengo una hijo y un hijo que ahora son adultos. Como fue pasando el tiempo fue crecido la familia ahora tengo 3 nietos. Trabajé el la escuela de distrito de Fredericksburg por 25 años. Después de retirarme de la escuela comenzé a trabajar en las guarderías. Con gustó y placer ha estado en la carrera de guardias. Los niños/as son el futuro de este mundo. Un buen fundamento comenza desde el precipo de sus nacimiento. Esta es la oportunidad para comenzar en sus futuros. ESTO ES A VERDADERO REGALO.
Rachel Pogue
Floater
I recently moved here from Missouri to Texas and I am excited to join the Little Hearts Child Development Center team. I am a devoted Christian. I love spending time with my family, including my grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with nieces and nephews. I also enjoy quilting and I bring a wealth of life experience from my travels across the United States. I look forward to caring for and nurturing the children in our care.
Abby Neri
Floater
Hi! My name is Abby Neri! A little bit about me. I am 27 years old. I have 2 daughters who keep me very busy and currently expecting another child who is also a girl. I enjoy being a mom so much. I have been living in Fredericksburg for 10 years now. I started working in childcare in 2019. I am looking forward to being a part of Little Hearts as a floater. I love working with children and seeing their eyes light up when they discover something new. I look forward to working with your children, seeing them grow, and accomplish new things.