When Brittany Haines started work as a front desk receptionist at Growing Room Child Development Centers in 2001, she did not realize that childcare would become her lifelong love and career. “As I spent more time working at Growing Room, I fell in love with the children and families there,” said Haines. “I found purpose in making a difference in children’s lives, and I learned that if we took time with children at a young age to teach them and nurture them and build that firm foundation, then we could develop them to be successful later on in life.”
This purpose prompted Haines to move up within the company, serving as the food management program coordinator, the human resources director and eventually the president and CEO. Growing Room’s primary company industry is early childhood education, providing care and education to children ages 6 weeks to 12 years.
“I believe in what I do every day, and I am passionate about it,” said Haines. “I believe in our industry, and I get up every day excited about my day and looking forward to making a difference in my community, in my industry and the lives of children.”
Her work with Growing Room spans across several roles, including providing support and training to franchisees when opening new locations and designing childcare centers, as well as serving on the Georgia Child Care Association’s board of directors. Throughout the pandemic, Haines partnered with other childcare centers to share ideas and resources on how to help protect children and employees. She has also worked to increase profit margins to increase the pay scale for the centers’ teachers.
As a leader, Haines said it is important to continue to learn by being actively involved. “In an ever-changing world, we must continue to educate ourselves,” she said. “When we stop learning, we stop growing, and you are either growing or you are dying.”
Part of being an active leader is empowering those she leads. “It is important for me to surround myself with other successful people, but also to bring those around me up and encourage and guide them to be successful. It is my responsibility to empower others, and I believe that the true testimony to success is the success and growth of those I serve and lead.”
For her continued commitment to growth and education, Haines has been named a Titan.
