09/15/2026
Today is an incredibly difficult day.
This morning, we lost someone who has been such a huge part of Lil Bee’s Learning Center and such an important person in my life for the past 12 years — Kim.
It is hard to put into words what Kim meant to me and to Lil Bee’s.
For 12 years, Kim was by my side helping run, grow, protect, and shape Lil Bee’s into what it is today. I have joked many times over the years that Kim was basically my “work wife,” and anyone who knew the two of us probably understood exactly why.
Kim never held back with me. If she had an opinion, I heard it. If she thought I was wrong, I definitely heard it. And if she believed something was best for Lil Bee’s, our children, our families, or our staff, she was going to make sure I knew it.
And I am so thankful for that.
Kim cared deeply about Lil Bee’s. This was never just a job to her. She took ownership in what we were building and constantly went above and beyond what was expected of her.
Over 12 years, we went through just about everything together — good days, stressful days, difficult conversations, laughter, growth, changes, challenges, celebrations, and everything in between. When you spend that many years working side by side with someone, they become much more than an employee or coworker. They become family.
Kim was family to me.
There are countless things at Lil Bee’s today that have Kim’s fingerprints on them. Decisions she helped make. Systems she helped build. Staff she helped lead. Families she helped support. Children she watched grow. And memories that will always be connected to her.
She touched the lives of so many people over those 12 years, and I don’t think it is possible to fully measure the impact she had.
One thing I will always remember about Kim is how fiercely she cared. She wasn’t afraid to speak up, push back, or fight for what she believed was right. At times, I’m sure she drove me crazy — and I know I returned the favor — but underneath all of it was a mutual respect and a shared commitment to Lil Bee’s.
Looking back, I am incredibly grateful that I had someone like Kim beside me for so many years.
My heart breaks for her family, her friends, our staff, our former staff members, and everyone who loved her.
Lil Bee’s simply would not be what it is today without Kim.
Thank you, Kim, for the 12 years you gave to Lil Bee’s, for always telling me exactly what you thought, for going above and beyond, for caring as much as you did, and for being such a huge part of this journey with me.
You will always be a part of Lil Bee’s story.
And you will always be a part of mine.
Rest in peace, Kim. ❤️
