More Than a Daycare
We’re Part of the Community
For three decades, we’ve had the privilege of serving generations of families throughout our communities. In many cases, children who once attended Roots and Wings have grown up and returned as parents themselves. Those relationships mean the world to us because they reflect the trust families have placed in us over the years.
We don’t view ourselves as simply a childcare provider. We see ourselves as a partner to parents and an active part of the communities we serve. Whether we’re helping prepare children for kindergarten, providing dependable care for working families, or creating opportunities for children to learn about faith, friendship, and responsibility, we know the impact of quality childcare extends far beyond our classroom walls.
Meet the Leadership Team Behind Roots and Wings
One of the reasons we’ve been able to serve families for 30 years is the incredible group of leaders, educators, and childcare professionals who guide our programs every day. Many members of our leadership team have spent a decade or more with Roots and Wings, and several are second-generation leaders who grew up around the organization and now help shape its future. Together, they bring decades of experience in early childhood education, childcare administration, curriculum development, transportation, and family support.
Level 10
Bambi Lambert
CFO
Bambi has been an integral part of Roots and Wings since becoming Melissa’s business partner in 1998. She holds an Associate’s Degree from Roane State and is TECTA certified. Married with four children and four grandchildren, Bambi enjoys spending time outdoors, attending church, and supporting the continued growth of the organization.
Jeremiah 29:11
Level 9
Kim Sims
Chief Program Officer & Accreditation Specialist
Kim has been with Roots and Wings since 2006 and brings years of experience in curriculum and program development. She holds a CDA and is TECTA certified. Married to her high school sweetheart, Kim enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and doting on her granddaughter.
Bri Duff
Chief Communications Officer & Regional Adviser
Bri joined Roots and Wings in 2016 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a minor in Business Administration. She is passionate about education, communication, and family life. Bri enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and beloved pets.
Level 8
Viviana Duran
Pre-K Program Officer & Director of Ethnic Affairs
Viviana has been part of Roots and Wings since 2015. She earned her degree in Education in Guatemala and is TECTA certified. Married with three children, she enjoys church activities, walking, painting, traveling, and spending time with those she loves.
Level 7
Andrea Ladd
Multi-Site Director
Andrea first joined Roots and Wings in 2009 and returned in 2014 after a brief break. She holds a CDA and is TECTA certified. Married with four children, Andrea loves sports, coaching cheerleading, and supporting her children’s activities.
Level 6
Kristy Cleere
Co-Director
Kristy joined Roots and Wings in 2006 and is known for her dedication to both her family and the children she serves. She is a devoted wife and mother who brings compassion and experience to her role.
Hannah Barnes
Co-Director
Since 2018, Hannah has brought her Infant Toddler CDA and passion for childcare to Roots and Wings. As a mother herself, she values family, friendship, and creating nurturing environments for children.
Level 5
Diane Goss
Director
Diane has been with Roots and Wings since 2017 and has spent 18 years in childcare. She holds a CDA and is TECTA certified. Diane often says she cannot imagine doing anything else, which reflects her deep passion for the work she does every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
We provide childcare and educational programs for children from 6 weeks old through 13 years old.
Yes. We are a Christian childcare and preschool organization that incorporates Christian values and teachings into our curriculum.
Absolutely. We welcome all families who are comfortable with our curriculum and educational approach.
We have proudly served families throughout East Tennessee for 30 years.
Yes. We offer in-person tours, virtual tours, and welcome walk-ins whenever possible.
Yes. We participate in subsidized childcare programs and accept qualifying childcare certificates and vouchers.
If a classroom is full, we’ll place your child on our waitlist and contact you when space becomes available.
Yes. We follow CACFP guidelines and provide balanced meals for enrolled children.
