“My Mom has the biggest heart, and I've watched her form long lasting bonds with families she has nannied for. She takes nannying very seriously with dedication and genuine love. The children in her care are always safe, engaged, learning, and happy. She takes the time to listen to each child, encouraging their interests and growing on the skills they are naturally good at. My mom creates learning opportunities while making sure they're simply having fun being a kid. She truly cares about helping children grow into confident, curious, and smart individuals. I remember when she would help homeschool these eight year old twins, help potty train countless toddlers, help babies take their first steps, and be there for families even when their children were sick. One of the things my mom taught me is that every child is unique and needs a different approach to raising children. There's no cookie cutter system, my mom helps them grow into their own person. I trust no one else more than my mom when it comes to watching kids. Beyond working with children she also cares about treating her employees fairly and with respect. I can see her creating a safe environment for everyone. I have no doubt that she will be a spectacular daycare provider and a positive influence on every child that goes under her care.”

-Alysen’s daughter

“I have had the privilege of knowing Alysen both personally and professionally, and I can confidently say that she possesses the character, integrity, and dedication necessary to create a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for children.

Alysen is one of the most patient, compassionate, and responsible individuals I know. She has a natural ability to connect with children, making them feel valued, heard, and supported. Her calm demeanor and strong sense of empathy allow her to handle challenges thoughtfully and constructively – qualities that are essential in a childcare setting.

Beyond her warmth and kindness, Alysen is exceptionally organized and dependable. She takes her responsibilities seriously and consistently follows through on her commitments. When she sets a goal, she approaches it with careful planning, attention to detail, and a genuine desire to do things the right way. I have seen firsthand how much research, preparation, and heart she has poured into the process of opening her daycare.

Most importantly, Alysen understands the importance of safety, structure, and positive development in early childhood. She is committed to creating an environment where children can learn, grow and strengthen their self-value while parents feel confident that their children are in capable and caring hands.

I have no doubt that Alysen will operate her daycare with professionalism, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility. She would be a tremendous asset to the families and community she serves. I wholeheartedly recommend her.”

-Alysen’s fiancé

“I’ve been friends with Alysen for over 10 years, and have been fortunate enough to watch her blossom into the woman she is today. She is a loving mother and spouse, and someone who is giving and caring. She is someone who is strong, motivated, goes after what she wants and works hard to achieve her goals.

Alysen has always been good with kids since I’ve known her. She has a natural talent for being nurturing and the “fun aunt”, while also being a good leader and teacher. She’s been a role model for me as far as how I would like to raise my kids and what a good parent looks like. Alysen in general is such a giving person. There’s so many times where she has sacrificed to help others. She’s the kind of person that is very generous with her time and puts her all into what she’s doing.

Personally, she has been someone who is always there for me. Just recently she dropped everything to come be with me while I was in labor and helped me through preparing for the arrival of my baby. She was coaching me through contractions and prepping me all the way up until the hospital. The time she took to do that for me was incredible and very selfless, and that is how I would encapsulate her character.

To say that Alysen would be a good addition and asset to the caregiving community would be an understatement. I think she was meant to be in this field and that she is a perfect fit for taking care of children. She is a wonderful caregiver in all aspects of her life, and I think she is ready and perfectly suited to take on this next chapter in opening a daycare.

I look forward to seeing her achieve her dreams and hope she will have the chance to do so.”

-Alysen’s best friend

“I am honored to write this character reference for my sister, Alysen Cuddy, Owner and Founder of Aspen Grove Preparatory School in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Throughout her life, she has consistently demonstrated an exceptional gift for working with children. She approaches early education with both warmth and structure, always being thoughtful and intentional about what she teaches and how she teaches it. She believes deeply in creating environments where children feel respected, capable, and encouraged to grow academically and socially in developmentally appropriate ways.

Aspen Grove Preparatory School is a direct reflection of her values and character. Her vision is to create an early education initiative centered on intentional structure, strong academic foundations, and meaningful family partnerships. She is passionate about bridging the gap between traditional childcare and true early education through consistency, creativity, and careful attention to each child’s development.

In addition to her natural ability with children, she possesses remarkable determination and perseverance. She has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep drive to bring her ideas to life. When she commits to something, she follows through with focus and integrity. Challenges do not discourage her; they motivate her to work harder and think more creatively.

Her integrity, work ethic, and genuine care for others make her exceptionally well-suited to lead and build something meaningful in her community. I have complete confidence in her leadership, her vision, and her unwavering dedication to excellence.”

-Alysen’s younger sister

A Parent’s Perspective

As a parent, choosing who to trust with your child is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. If I had to describe the kind of person she is, I would say she is compassionate, driven, and deeply committed to doing things the right way.

She leads with heart — but also with structure and intention. She doesn’t cut corners. She prepares, she plans, and she genuinely cares about creating an environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn.

Do kids like her? Yes — because children are drawn to her warmth and authenticity. She knows how to meet them at their level, speak their language, and create moments of joy while still guiding them with patience and consistency. She builds confidence in children by encouraging them, celebrating their progress, and helping them feel capable.

Do parents like her? Parents trust her. She communicates clearly, listens well, and understands how important it is for families to feel secure and informed. She respects the partnership between educators and parents and values transparency and professionalism.

Is she a leader? Absolutely. True leadership is about responsibility, integrity, and influence — and she demonstrates all three. She sets expectations, models positive behavior, and creates a culture of respect and collaboration.

Does she have what it takes to open a daycare and learning facility? Without a doubt. She has the patience, organization, resilience, and vision required to build something meaningful. More importantly, she has the heart for it. She isn’t opening this facility just to run a business — she’s opening it to make a difference in children’s lives.

Any child would be fortunate to learn in an environment she has created.

-Alysen’s Mom

“It is my professional judgment that Alysen Cuddy demonstrates exceptional character, integrity, and personal accountability. She consistently operates with a high level of responsibility and ethical awareness, exhibiting sound judgment in both routine and high-pressure situations.

Alysen conducts herself with professionalism and respect toward others. She communicates clearly, listens attentively, and approaches challenges with a solution-oriented mindset. Her reliability is evident in her follow-through—commitments made are commitments honored. She demonstrates initiative without overstepping boundaries and shows discernment in decision-making.

Her demeanor reflects maturity, composure, and empathy. She is trusted by peers and supervisors alike because she balances confidence with humility and independence with collaboration. These qualities are not situational—they are consistent.

Based on observed conduct and sustained performance, Alysen Cuddy is a person of strong moral character and dependable judgment. I offer this reference without reservation.”

-Alysen’s Dad

Parent & Community Testimonials Cont.

Aspen Grove Preparatory School