Running a daycare for the youngest of children year-round. Directing a summer daycare that gives parents the chance to work and know their kids will be in a safe place. Fostering nearly 20 children so far, in the hopes that they can have a happy life filled with love. These are just some of the threads that have woven the life of Samantha Mothersbaugh.
Growing up in Springfield, Missouri, Samantha was raised by her mother, who was an early childhood special education teacher. This was a big catalyst for why Samantha went into education herself. So, she got her degree from Missouri State University and got to work as a preschool teacher in a nonprofit school. However, she never could have expected what came from his opportunity.
“When I got my degree and I started my first position, I realized two things. One is that teachers don’t have enough support. They don’t have support systems, oftentimes, or the resources that they need to create the best environment for children. We know what the best is, we just can’t achieve it, right? Then I also realized I’m a sucker and I took home a kid” Mothersbaugh said.
The kid she is referring to is her eldest daughter, Ali. She was a student in Samantha’s first class who was looking for an adoptive placement. After one year of fostering, she was quickly adopted and became a forever piece of their home. However, there have been many pieces that have followed.
“I then took a break for a while. I had one bio child, Lily. And then, when I met my wife, Brooklyn, six years ago, she had started her journey to get licensed. I had already reopened my license. And so we began fostering together then” Mothersbaugh said.
This has led to her fostering around 20 different kids throughout the years, including Zoey, Deonte, Ezra, Zion, and many more. In the midst of fostering, she has also adopted four of those children, with a fifth adoption scheduled for July. Samantha says the best part of fostering is some of the happy memories she can provide for the children.
“I love when we get to do something new or exciting for a kid that they’ve never done before. There’s so much joy in giving a kiddo a childhood. One example is that the kids hadn’t had a Christmas tree before. Seeing their reaction to something new is kind of neat and fulfilling” Mothersbaugh said.
Funnily enough, two of her kids she received on Christmas, and her daughter Lily says they were their Christmas presents that year. The family also often goes on trips so they can have experiences outside of Clinton, including going to the zoo, beaches, and even Disney. Samantha wants to give children unique experiences and help them with whatever issues may arise. But her daughter, Zoey, says this helping hand extends beyond her family.
“She likes to help even when everybody has things done and stuff. Sometimes when teachers at her school need help, she’ll have their kids come over and play with us while she helps them with the things that they need help with. And I think she’s just a good person for that” Zoey said.
A support system is vital to almost any endeavor, and just like everyone else, Samantha needs some help from time to time. She says the community of Clinton, such as her neighbors, coworkers, and family, is the perfect system to help her provide the best care she can.
“We could not have made it through some of the challenging moments without the support system that we have. I work with ladies who do not hesitate to help if I say, ‘Hey, I’m running late, can you pick a kid up?’ Or I need somebody to go to therapy, and they jump and run. If we need a moment and we go eat cupcakes in our car, and I need someone to watch the children and make sure they don’t burn down the house, they’ll be there in a heartbeat. No questions asked, just, yep, got you,” Mothersbaugh said.
Every parent needs time to breathe. Life might get hectic, and they need a little help. This is what her support system provides. Her mother and grandparents are some of the most active members of that system.
“My mom goes with us on all adventures and gives extra hands and is always willing to come take on a random project that I’ve decided we need to do. She might take the kids on adventures. She takes the kids individually so that they get one-on-one time. She always shows up for their sporting events and band things.” Mothersbaugh said.
Her family is vital to her success but others in the foster community also provide her with a lot of guidance. Samantha sits on the local Foster Adopt shop board with her mentor Tammy Woirhaye, who she calls the “OG foster mama of the community.”
“They’re like the matriarch of the foster community when something goes wrong or something’s hard. I call Tammy, talk it out with her, and she gives me lots of guidance and lots of support. They’ve had just about everything. They’re strong-talking and selfless” Mothersbaugh said.
Her kids also get help and love from numerous sources. Each person is willing to support the children with whatever they need. Her grandparents drop off groceries and the kids’ favorite treats. However, many of the children who land in the Mothersbaugh house have had troubled upbringings, and sometimes the best help they can get is from each other.
“When one of them is struggling or having an issue or is triggered, each one of our kids steps up in beautiful ways to help meet them where they are. And find their comfort. Which is really cool to see” Mothersbaugh said.
The kids support each other during rough times because often times they are the most relatable people in their lives. However, her son, Deonte, says simply being in a comforting place goes a long way.
“When I first showed up, I didn’t know what to do or what to call them, and how to feel, because I was pretty scared at first. When I would go on a visit, I would be super mad. Coming home to be in comfort and having them be there for me felt really good” Deonte said.
That is what fostering is all about: providing support, stability, and a comforting environment during a scary time. Samantha has done this for well over a dozen kids but also helps many dozens more in the community. She is the director at Moreland Daycare year-round and Moreland recently partnered with Holy Rosary Catholic School to offer summer childcare for busy parents. Every way you look at her life, she is in childcare in one way or another. But her daughter Lily often says she is more than that.
“You’re not an educator. You’re a living legend.”
