Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Stewart
Hi Amy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was a public school teacher for 14 years and saw gaps in services, and mismanagement of money. I saw the wedge that has been made between educators and parents. We were no longer a team. The resources were being used inefficiently. It was becoming a political game. Kids were failing. Parents were losing confidence and respect in the public education program. I was frustrated and ready to move into a space where I could make more money, but also work towards professional fulfillment. I am a solution-oriented person. I knew I was smart. I knew I had real solutions for these issues, but I knew that I was never going to implement any of these solutions in the classroom. In 2017 my father suddenly passed away. A few weeks later, on his 58th birthday, I was in a car accident, totaling my car. There is something about losing a parent. It can make or break you. My dad was an idea guy. He always had the best ideas for books, movies, and businesses. He and I had discussed overnight childcare before. In his 25 years as a police officer, he saw the need for those families with two parents as first responders. When my dad passed away, something ignited in me to really try at my life. I no longer wanted to live passively as a teacher, frustrated at work, and wasting my potential. In 2018, Night Watch Childcare was born. After 7 years, we have served hundreds of families, secured over half a million dollars in grant funding, and became the first therapeutic evening/overnight childcare center in Maryland. Recently we have started our sister nonprofit, the Owl’s Nest Learning Hub, a 503c nonprofit that provides opportunities for parents such as parenting coaching, career coaching, and making new friends. I also found time to meet my husband who runs the businesses alongside me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I was my biggest obstacle myself. I was stubborn. I thought I knew it all. I wasted too much time trying to do it my way. I worried constantly about money, bad press and other variables I could not control. In 2022, I was ready to walk away. I was ready to have them come get the keys. I was ready to Lyft drive or go back into the classroom. I broke down and gave it to God. I rededicated my business to the Lord. I realized that I stood no chance against the variables of business without Him. Once I focused on God and began to build my network. I didn’t overwork myself. I took better care of myself. I gave God the room to move in my business— and we BOOMED.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Night Watch Childcare Center, we provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for your child’s growth, learning, and development. As Maryland’s only overnight childcare facility, we are dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive space where children thrive through play, exploration, and hands-on learning.
Our experienced educators and caregivers support every aspect of your child’s development, promoting curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. We celebrate each child’s uniqueness and work closely with families to ensure the best care and development.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
God. He is guiding every step. I am finding my purpose in bringing glory to His name through my businesses. I don’t have to serve from a pulpit. I can serve the Lord seven days a week. My husband. He talks me off the ledge every time. He reminds me of our numerous testimonies and how it is always about God’s timing. He reminds me that worrying is never the answer and that God has us. My mom. She is the one who has me thinking about every angle and turning to God before decisions are made. My dad. The one who always had me thinking outside of the box for new innovative things for the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thenightwatchchildcare.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramystewart/
