When Reagan Brashear first joined The Nest Schools
she wasn’t chasing a leadership title. She was simply looking for a place where she could teach with heart, creativity, and purpose. What she found instead was something far bigger, a community that believed in her, invested in her growth, and helped her discover leadership she didn’t yet know she had.
Today, Reagan serves as Assistant Director, guiding teachers, supporting families, and helping create the warm, welcoming environment that makes The Nest Schools so special. But her journey is about more than promotions. It’s about being seen, trusted, and encouraged every step of the way.
Where It All Began
Reagan started her career at The Nest Schools in January 2025 as a Lead Robins (Preschool) Teacher. What drew her in was The Nest School’s proprietary play based curriculum “Nest Play Curriculum”, welcoming environment, and the employee benefit “Nest Egg” program, all signs of a workplace that truly values both children and educators.
Not long after she began, Reagan experienced a moment that confirmed she had found where she belonged.
“My birthday was shortly after I started at The Nest. I am typically not one who likes to celebrate my birthday, so I didn’t tell anyone at work. However, during center time Debbie and Shelbi came upstairs to my room and brought me a cupcake and a card. On top of that great surprise, my boyfriend Trevor was with them, and he brought me 2 dozen roses."
Growing Into Leadership
Reagan’s path at The Nest Schools has been one of rapid growth fueled by trust, encouraging support, and hands-on learning.
- January 2025: Lead Robins Teacher
- June 2025: Educational Coordinator
- September 2025: Assistant Director
Her first promotion to Educational Coordinator was a turning point.
“I was most excited about my EC role as it was my first manager like role. I truly felt seen and heard when Debbie gave me the opportunity to be the EC. It was my first big promotion that I got, and it gave me the confidence that I needed to be successful in the position."
Her move into the Assistant Director role came just months later and with it, new responsibilities and challenges.
“My director Debbie has supported me and believed in me so much. Without her, I truly wouldn’t be where I am today.”
What Makes Growth Possible At The Nest Schools
Reagan credits her success to both the culture at The Nest Schools and the values that shape it.
She describes herself as outgoing and detail-oriented, qualities that helped her build strong relationships with families, children, and staff while staying organized and proactive. But what truly set her experience apart was how The Nest Schools nurtured her development.
“The community and welcome feeling you get when walking through the door is what sets The Nest apart from any other place that I have worked at.”
She also feels deeply connected to The Nest Schools core values.
“Kindness and fun are directly related to my journey. Both of my promotions happened rather quickly back-to-back, and it was a learning curve for each one. However, the staff and Debbie have been very patient and kind to me and have given me different points of view to help me be successful. Fun is directly related to my journey because The Nest is full of fun in so many ways from the spirit weeks to the Funday Mondays to the amazing staff that The Nest draws in.”
Through hands-on training and leadership opportunities, Reagan discovered strengths she hadn’t expected.
“I have discovered that I have a good sense of customer service and leadership skills. With these two positions being my first roles in management, I was afraid my leadership skills wouldn't be up to par, however through the past few months I have found out that they are better than I thought. There is still learning that needs to be done, but I am presently surprised with the skills I have brought to the table.”
Leading With Purpose
Like many educators who step into leadership, Reagan faced challenges, especially transitioning from teacher to administrator.
“After being a teacher for some time, it has been a challenge to earn respect in my new role. It is something that I have made progress with, but it is still something that I am working on.”
Her Assistant Director role pushed her further than anything before.
“Both roles have pushed me out of my comfort zone however; the AD role has pushed me the most. It has taught me that you only learn outside of your comfort zone and that it’s okay to feel uncomfortable.”
What keeps her grounded are the moments with children.
“The routines that I have with some of the students and the smiles that the kids get when they see me.”
Her leadership is already making an impact. Families praise the strong collaboration among school leadership. Staff turnover has decreased, and new employees feel comfortable coming to her for guidance. She’s even begun mentoring others, helping teachers navigate challenges she once faced herself.
“There was a teacher who asked me for guidance on how to handle not seeing eye to eye with their co-teacher. I too have been in that position, and it can make things very uncomfortable in the classroom. I was able to guide the teacher and help her resolve the issue.”
A Workplace That Supports Real People
For Reagan, The Nest Schools isn’t just a place to work, it’s a place that supports her family, too.
“The Nest has supported my work-life balance by allowing me to bring my daughter and my stepdaughter to attend school here. This has allowed me to be able to be present for their school events and makes me feel more comfortable having them in the same building as me.”
Being trusted with leadership earlier than expected also changed how she sees herself.
“The Nest trusted me with the AD position when I never thought it was a position I would have. This has really helped my confidence and has helped me become the person I am today.”
Looking Ahead
Reagan’s story is still unfolding. She’s excited to continue growing, learning, and building something meaningful.
“I am excited to keep growing and learning new things within my role. I would like to really work on community outreach and make our school the best in the area. I hope to have created a warm and welcoming school where everyone feels welcome.”
When she reflects on what her journey so far represents, she says it enthusiastically:
“I think my story shows how growth is possible here at The Nest School, and how there are bosses out there who believe in you.”
If she could go back to her first day at The Nest Schools and tell herself anything, she would say:
“This is where you are meant to be.”
Q&A With Reagan
A lead Robins teacher
The play-based curriculum, the welcoming environment and the nest egg program
My birthday was shortly after I started at The Nest. I am typically not one who likes to celebrate my birthday, so I didn’t tell anyone at work. However, during center time Debbie and Shelbi came upstairs to my room and brought me a cupcake and a card. On top of that great surprise, my boyfriend Trevor was with them, and he brought me 2 dozen roses.
- January 2025- Lead Robins teacher
- June 2025- EC
- September 2025- AD
- I was most excited about my EC role as it was my first manager like role
- I was most nervous about my AD role as it felt like a big step for my career and a great opportunity for me and my family.
My director Debbie has supported me and believed in me so much. Without her, I truly wouldn’t be where I am today.
When I got into the AD position, our previous AD was leaving, and Debbie was headed to the Director retreat in Chiago. Debbie has encouraged me every step of the way. She believed in me and gave me lots of tips and tricks on how to be successful in my new role as well as in my personal life.
Was there a moment where you truly felt seen or valued by a leader?
I truly felt seen and heard when Debbie gave me the opportunity to be the EC. It was my first big promotion that I got, and it gave me the confidence that I needed to be successful in the position.
I feel as if I am outgoing and very detail oriented. I think those qualities helped me grow in my career because I was able to make great relationships with the families, children, and the staff. The attention to detail helped me stay on top of tasks and be able to get tasks done in a timely manner, which in return allowed me to have extra time to go above and beyond for our families and staff.
The training that made the biggest difference to me was the onsite training. Learning while working is what truly helped me become the AD that I am today. With Debbie by my side and guiding me along the way while working through new experiences has made the biggest difference to me.
Kindness and fun are directly related to my journey. Both of my promotions happened rather quickly back-to-back, and it was a learning curve for each one. However, the staff and Debbie have been very patient and kind to me and have given me different points of view to help me be successful. Fun is directly related to my journey because The Nest is full of fun in so many ways from the spirit weeks to the Funday Mondays to the amazing staff that The Nest draws in.
I have discovered that I have a good sense of customer service and leadership skills. With these two positions being my first roles in management, I was afraid my leadership skills wouldn’t be up to par, however through the past few months I have found out that they are better than I thought. There is still learning that needs to be done, but I am presently surprised with the skills I have brought to the table.
They have taught me how to look at things from multiple perspectives, and to take a step back and look at the big picture rather than at face value.
The community and welcome feeling you get when walking through the door is what sets The Nest apart from any other place that I have worked at.
The Nest has supported my work-life balance by allowing me to bring my daughter and my stepdaughter to attend school here. This has allowed me to be able to be present for their school events and makes me feel more comfortable having them in the same building as me.
The Nest trusted me with the AD position when I never thought it was a position I would have. This has really helped my confidence and has helped me become the person I am today.
After being a teacher for some time, it has been a challenge to earn respect in my new role. It is something that I have made progress with, but it is still something that I am working on.
Both roles have pushed me out of my comfort zone however; the AD role has pushed me the most. It has taught me that you only learn outside of your comfort zone and that it’s okay to feel uncomfortable.
“This is where you are meant to be.”
The routines that I have with some of the students and the smiles that the kids get when they see me.
Yes, there was a teacher who asked me for guidance on how to handle not seeing eye to eye with their co-teacher. I too have been in that position, and it can make things very uncomfortable in the classroom. I was able to guide the teacher and help her resolve the issue.
Children and families?
I think it has impacted them positively, we have gotten lots of compliments about how well Debbie, our EC and I are working together. There has been hardly any missed communication with families
Your team members?
We have had less turnover here recently and have a strong core group of teachers.
New employees who look up to you?
The new employees seem comfortable enough to ask questions and to come to me when there are issues or if they need more clarification on something.
A Place Where Careers Take Flight
Reagan’s journey is more than a success story, it’s a reflection of what The Nest Schools stands for. Here, educators aren’t just filling roles. They’re growing into leaders. They’re supported, trusted, and encouraged to step into their potential.
Because when people feel valued, believed in, and empowered, incredible things happen for staff, for families, and for every child who walks through our doors.