Meet the Director

Meet the Program Administrator

  • Founder & Director

    My name is Marissa Hagelstein, and I am honored to serve as the founder and director of Small Beginnings, an in-home daycare and preschool. As an active owner, I am present at the center every day, collaborating with my incredible team to ensure the best care and learning environment for our children.

    My journey in childcare began in 2013 when I worked as an assistant teacher at two different childcare centers. Although I deeply loved and valued the work I was doing, I realized that my vision for how childcare should be managed did not align with the practices of those facilities. Over time, my passion evolved, and I made the decision to dedicate my energy and resources to pursuing my education and fulfilling a greater purpose. I am currently working towards a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Administration, which will empower me to bring my vision to life and establish the dream center I have always imagined.

    Small Beginnings was founded with the mission to create a warm, nurturing, and supportive environment—a second home—where children feel loved and inspired to grow. We are dedicated to fostering holistic development across mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive domains, while providing opportunities for children to build independence and confidence.

    I am excited to connect with each of you on a personal and professional level and look forward to building meaningful relationships in the years ahead. Small Beginnings is not just my career—it is my life's passion. I value every one of you and am committed to being here for you whenever you need support.


  • Program Administrator

    Hello everyone! My name is Kristi Perkins, and I am honored to serve as the Program Administrator for Small Beginnings In-Home Daycare and Preschool. I was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, and I am currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and Administration.

    I feel incredibly blessed to have been given this opportunity to contribute to the mission of Small Beginnings. My journey in childcare began during my early teens at my church, where I discovered my love for working with preschool-aged children. Volunteering during Wednesday night classes allowed me to teach and assist in the classroom, alongside an exceptional teacher who taught me the values of kindness, patience, and unwavering compassion.

    My passion for Special Education has been a constant since my elementary school years. While attending a school that integrated Deaf students into oral classrooms, I developed a deep appreciation for Sign Language and a heartfelt commitment to advocating for children with special needs. Witnessing the challenges and mistreatment these students faced was a pivotal moment that shaped my lifelong aspiration to become an Early Education and Special Education teacher. Although life circumstances delayed my educational journey, my passion for children and their development has remained steadfast.

    As a mother to a special needs child, I have gained profound insights into the importance of play-based learning, hands-on teaching, emotional self-regulation, and milestone achievement. I am thrilled to be part of a program like Small Beginnings, which incorporates faith-centered learning into its curriculum, aligning perfectly with my values and vision for holistic child development.

    I am truly excited to join this exceptional team and to continue my journey in Early Education. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with you and your children as we work together to foster a nurturing and inspiring environment for their growth.

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