In this episode of Daycare Chronicles 101, we sit down with Shannon Estrin—autism specialist, mental health coach, and advocate for neurodivergent children. With a master’s in education and a heart for inclusion, Shannon brings real talk and real tools. This is one episode you don’t want to miss.

The Provider Lounge is a segment of the Daycare Chronicles 101 Podcast, created by Tonya Muhammad. It’s a space where experienced family child care providers and early childhood professionals come together for real, unfiltered conversations about the industry.

Topics include the challenges of running a daycare, navigating policies and regulations, managing burnout, building professional confidence, and uplifting one another through shared stories.

Featuring voices of Katrina Williams, Zakiyyah Baez, Ineeze Gainey, and Tashina Johnson, the goal is to inform, inspire, and empower providers—one episode at a time.

In this heartfelt episode, I share the true story behind the $5 bill that changed the course of my life. As a young mother with three children and one on the way, I woke up to find that my husband at that time had left for work and left $5 on the dresser for the day. At that moment, I felt completely defeated, overhelmed, and unsure of how I was going to make it.

But that moment lit a fire in me that I didnt know I had. That $5 became the turning poing that led me to discover my purpose and passion. It was the beginning of my journey of what would later become a successful business built on strength, faith and a love for children.

This episode is about struggle, resilience, and finding your calling when life forces you to rise.