Welcome to Small Wonders! I’m Mary Darden, the proud owner, Executive Director, and Educator behind this warm and nurturing childcare space. With over 40 years of experience in early childhood education and leading Small Wonders since 1997, I am deeply committed to fostering a love for learning in young children.

At Small Wonders, I create an environment where curiosity thrives, play is purposeful, and every child feels valued. Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) program ensures that each child is celebrated for who they are, embracing a world of possibilities through meaningful early learning experiences.

Beyond the classroom, you’ll find me enjoying a good murder mystery or Christian fiction novel, cooking for my family, and recently, discovering the joys of gardening. Early childhood education isn’t just my profession—it’s my calling. I look forward to welcoming new families into our childcare community, where every child is nurtured, supported, and prepared for a bright future.

Let’s grow and learn together at Small Wonders!

Hi! My name is Kit and I have been working at Small Wonders since 2017. I started student teaching at the age of 15, quickly figuring out that this was the career for me. I have a huge passion for science and love doing new science experiments with my students. Some of my favorite things to do outside of teaching are camping and swimming. Teaching is a huge part of my life, and I am always excited to see what will happen next!