Meet the Team We are passionate about children! Our mission is to ensure they feel loved, inspired and well cared for.

Tara’s passion to inspire children is clearly displayed as she makes learning a pleasant experience and effectively communicates with parents. She has formed lasting relationships with many of the children she has worked with in the past who are now adults. She loves watching a child’s excitement when they learn something new. She is dedicated to the profession with 21 years of experience wearing many hats such as Mother’s Helper, Preschool Teacher, Nanny, Tutor, and Mentor just to name a few. In her spare time, she loves to read, journal, spend time in nature, taking pictures of sunrises and sunsets, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Hi there! I’m Kaylyn Mitchell, a dedicated and passionate individual with a love for nurturing and supporting children as they grow. I’m originally from the Columbia area. I grew up on a farm where I learned the value of imagination and creativity through attending markets and hosting fundraisers. This love for creating carried over into my career as a YMCA preschool teacher and camp counselor, where I had the opportunity to inspire and educate children. Following that, I spent ten years as a nanny, forming genuine bonds with the families I worked with. As a mom of two little ones myself, I understand the importance of providing a stimulating environment where kids feel valued and empowered. I believe our community needs this genuine care, and I’m thrilled to be part of it! In my free time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, working on art projects, playing basketball, and spending quality time with my family.

Mrs. Calla is the owner of Kids Garden Columbia. She was drawn to Kids Garden the same way many are. Looking for a flexible but creative solution to childcare, she was introduced to Kids Garden via a mutual friend. She instantly knew this concept was a unique find. Inspired by her two children, Rex and Camilla, Calla decided Kids Garden would be a perfect fit for Columbia, South Carolina. Calla has a master’s degree in nursing with a focus in acute care.