
Our Journey
Humble Beginnings
At the beginning of every journey, there's a spark of an idea. For Kevin and Annie, that idea was rooted in their shared love for children and a deep passion to help them grow into wonderful, capable individuals. At the time, Annie was volunteering as a Sunday school teacher at her church, while Kevin was serving as a youth leader.
While pursuing her Master's degree at the University of Calgary, Annie often found herself drawn back to working with kids as a way to de-stress from her studies. This continued connection reaffirmed her love for children and solidified her desire to build a career in childcare. By the time she graduated, Annie felt even more certain and confident in her calling to work with and educate children.
After many months of prayer and thoughtful reflection, Kevin made the decision to leave his job, and Annie stepped away from her field of study to embark on the journey of starting Little Roots. They both describe this leap of faith as their "Peter and the boat" moment, where they chose to trust completely in God and take that bold step forward.


Sprouting Roots
The journey began with a lot of painting, building, inspections, and more building, followed by more inspections until finally, the daycare received its license to open. With high hopes but plenty of uncertainty, Kevin and Annie ventured into this new chapter, unsure of what to expect. When their first client, a one-year-old baby girl who couldn’t walk, loved to cuddle, and was scared of loud noises like fire trucks, Kevin saw something beautiful. Watching Annie with this little girl, he saw two souls who felt at home with each other. They both needed cuddles, and in that moment, he knew they were exactly where they were meant to be.
Their growth was steady, though not without its challenges. Kevin, who had transitioned from a career in project management and engineering, struggled to adjust to a world of crying babies and tantrums. Negotiating nap times with toddlers was a far cry from managing deadlines and projects. But through it all, and by the grace of God, Kevin’s perspective began to shift. Two years later, he bought a ring and got down on one knee. He’d once asked his pastor for advice on knowing when the time was right for marriage. His youth pastor had told him, "You’ll know when you can see her as the mother of your children." From that moment with the little girl, Kevin saw in Annie everything he needed for the future and it was clear to him that she was the one. They married in June of 2021.
Annie, meanwhile, was exactly where she wanted to be. At home with the kids, she thrived in the role, loving every minute spent with them and embracing each child as they were. Though she held a Master’s in GIS and could have pursued a higher-paying career elsewhere, Annie knew that this—being with the children—was where she was meant to be. She wouldn't have it any other way.
Mathew 13:8
"8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."
Little Roots was named after a verse in the Bible, as it represents the foundation of their mission. They pray that their efforts will cultivate good soil, nurturing and blessing the community. Out of respect for the diverse backgrounds of their families, they do not preach the Gospel, but instead strive to live out God's love by being loving and kind to all.
Beyond the daycare, Kevin and Annie often spend time with their families, enjoying lunch, brunch, and dinners together. They celebrate birthdays and attend sporting events like hockey, soccer, and gymnastics. Watching their little ones grow from crawling babies to children doing cartwheels and barrel rolls, it has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. The relationships they've built with their incredible families have been a beautiful and unexpected blessing, one they are deeply grateful for.
As long as they are able to continue this work, they hope and pray they can be a blessing to their neighbors, just as they have been so richly blessed.
Little Roots Team
Kevin & Annie
