Meet the Owner Marissa
Marissa Taylor, along with her husband Johnathan, and three sons, Zak, Seaver and Logan, her daughter-in-laws, Kayla and Jenn, and grandchildren, Beckett, Navy, Pepper and Oakley are the heart of Joyful Journeys. Marissa’s idea to create a childcare center unlike any other has been her biggest dream. Growing up in a family of five daughters, Marissa knows that it takes a village to raise a child. She attributes her passion for helping children learn and grow to being raised (right) by the best parents in the world. Bill and Jennie McRae taught her that it all came down to love, so each day, Marissa aims to make Joyful Journeys the best village around. With over 30 years of experience in the childcare industry, Marissa brings a wealth of knowledge and wisdom as the JJ Director. Seeing the staff, kids, and parents of Joyful Journeys become a family - a village - is her greatest blessing.
Meet the Director Ruth
Ruth Shuler joined the Joyful Journeys family in 2023, her love for children is unmatched. She is committed to providing a safe, enriching environment where children can explore, discover, and develop a love for learning in a nurturing atmosphere. One that fosters creativity, curiosity, and confidence to every child who walks through the door. Outside of Ruth’s role as Childcare Director, she enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her family, friends, and pup, Zeus. Her children span from age twenty-one down to five years old, and they're the source of her greatest joy — a lively bunch that keeps her heart full!
Meet the Assistant Director Brittany
Brittany Parkerson joined the Joyful Journeys family in 2010, starting as an aide in one of the Two-year-old rooms. Eventually working her way up to the Lead Teacher of Baby Room One, where she worked for seven years. Brittany recently transitioned to the administrative side of Joyful Journeys. She has a loving husband of 3 years, Lester, and a beautiful, 13-year-old, poke-a-dotted face, little girl, Eloise, who started at JJ as an infant. In Brittany’s spare time, she loves to read, and crochet.