Show Me the Ozarks August 2022

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“I have always had a special place in my heart for children. You look at a child and they are filled with love and inspiration. It is one job you can continue to go to and feel the love and happiness on a daily basis.” Josh credits his superior, Ryan Melton, for playing a large part in his success. “Ryan has helped guide me on this journey with a positive attitude and encouraging words. And, my grandparents are definitely two people who have inspired me throughout my life. They took me in at a young age and taught me work ethic and how people should be treated with kindness in everyday life. My wife is one of my biggest support systems, too, and helps keep me grounded and is always there to lend an ear whenever the time calls for it.” As in any business, providing great customer service is essential, and a daycare is no different. “If you continue to make your customers feel welcomed and important, word gets around and your customer base continues to grow in a positive direction,” says Josh. Working with kids and parents can have its ups and downs, but Josh knows it’s the little things that have the biggest impacts on how the day turns out. “The biggest accomplishment for me is to see the happiness we bring to children on a daily basis and to watch them grow and succeed at everyday life. I love to hear stories of the kids we have had and all their accomplishments. It is truly a blessing for me. And, I have an amazing staff that continues to surpass my expectations on a daily basis. They all work very hard and are always willing to help pick one another up every day.” When Josh isn’t spending time with his co-workers’ children at work, he enjoys fishing, golfing and playing Fortnite with his own kids. “I have a beautiful wife, Brittany, who has truly been my rock. I have three beautiful children: my son, Jordan, 16; my son, Lane, 12; and my daughter, Adley 5, who I can’t imagine life without. I also have my grandparents, Cliff and Dixie Sharp, who raised me to be the person I am today, and I will forever be in debt to the kindness and love they have shown me my whole life.” kids we have had and all their accomplishments. It is truly a blessing for me.” “The biggest accomplishment for me is to see the happiness we bring to children on a daily basis and to watch them grow and succeed at everyday life. I love to hear stories of the

JOSH SHARP Director, Freeman Learning Center Freeman Health System

F reeman Learning Center opened its doors two years ago to provide Freeman Health System employees a safe and educational daycare for their children. Josh Sharp is the director of the Learning Center. “My responsibilities at work are to make sure every child we take care of is in a safe, learning and most importantly, loving environment,” Josh says. “I have been at Freeman a little over three years, but I have been working with kids for over 18 years.

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