Rising Stars: Meet Ashley Rhone-Williams of Durham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Rhone-Williams

Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Treasurable Moments Early Learning Program, LLC was a dream turned reality that was started in 2010. After earning my undergraduate degree at North Carolina Central University in Family and Consumer Science with a concentration in Child Development, I decided that I wanted something different.

I worked in a childcare center throughout my undergrad college career and shortly after I graduated. Shortly after graduating, I began servicing families as a private nanny. Working in the large childcare arena and various experiences ignited a fire in me to step out on faith and open a Family Child Care Home (in-home childcare).

In July 2010, Myself and a very good friend, Tiffany Williams started Treasurable Moments Early Learning Program, LLC. Without Tiffany’s support, love, and partnership, this would still be just a dream. Although she is no longer here, her spirit and love lives on and is evident in the many lives she touched while here on this earth through Treasurable Moments. As a result, we were licensed on October 15, 2010.

Today, 14 years later Treasurable Moments Early Learning Program, LLC is an innovative, inviting, and engaging in-home learning program full of love, family ship and compassion.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Childcare in it’s entirety is not a smooth road. There are seasons of highs and lows. One of the biggest challenges we faced was during COVID. The closings, economy shut down, and our nation wide crisis was challenging. Through grants and supplemental supports of our state legislature and national government such as different small business initiatives /loans we were able to remain open and continue to serve families as safely as possible.

Reopening after the pandemic and opening our home back up with cases still very
prominent, was scary and concerning. It was of the upmost importance to keep ourselves, our children, our home safe and COVID free. We made it through and we are still going strong! Challenges are inevitable but perseverance is essential in order to continue to grow and be successful.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My vision and heart was and still is to create an atmosphere for children to grow, learn, and develop into scholars. Where children are more than a number but are individuals, with individual needs that can be nurtured in a loving, learning inclusive and engaging atmosphere.

I am a graduate of North Carolina Central University, twice. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Science with a concentration in Child Development and a Masters of Science in Educational Technology.. I have been licensed in the state of NC for teaching and worked with a wide variety of educators and professionals across the educational setting.

It is my heart to partner with families from all socio-econeconomic statues, educational levels and even learners with developmental and behavioral disabilities. I have collaborated with therapist, specialists, and community service providers in providing therapeutic and academic services to learners in the FCCH setting.

In 2021, my wife Shay Rhone- Williams joined me in business. Shay holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education, A Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Principal Administration, and has completed all her coursework for her Doctorate in Special Education Administration. Shay has served as a special education administrator in the public school system and holds NC Teaching license in Elementary, Middle, and High School.

I am most proud that together we have expanded, rebranded, and reached more families. I am elated with the relationships and partnerships that we have built within our community organizations and with families. The innovative and rich learning environment we offer for all scholars.

What sets us apart? Treasurable Moments Early Learning Program, LLC is more than just a Family Child Care Home; we are caring, competent, collaborative and engaging licensed educators that work with parents, professionals, and community liaisons to provide a loving and nurturing environment where our scholars grow and learn. The learning never stops and the growth is limitless.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I hold license in Graph Design and Web Design. I enjoy designing and managing websites. It gives my heart joy to bring to life in the technology form the passion of others. To help other small business owners advertise, promote and expand their businesses and clientele.

Another fun fact about me is that we home school 3 of our girls and we have a college sophomore. It is very rewarding and in seeing the growth of our girls it let me know that it was the best decision we could have made for them.

I love being a mom and wife to my amazing family, it is best accomplishment outside of being a small business owner!

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086006242933&mibextid=LQQJ4d