Today we’d like to introduce you to Dena Wood.
Hi Dena, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Dena Wood, and I established Building Blocks of Hope Learning Center in 2016 with a genuine commitment to care for children and support families. What started as a small home daycare was built on a vision of creating a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where children can learn, grow, and truly flourish.
Before entering the field of early childhood education, I worked at Texas Instruments, pursuing a career in technology. Although children had always been a meaningful part of my life, through caring for my siblings, nieces, nephews, and while raising my own three boys, I never imagined childcare would become my life’s work. During my time at Texas Instruments, I was deeply influenced by my coworkers and mentors, Marva Morris, Doyle Miller, and Felicia Guimont, who modeled strong character, a solid work ethic, and the motivation and determination needed to succeed in any workforce. Through those relationships, I developed a love for working with purpose and intention.
As a working mother, I struggled to find affordable, high-quality childcare for my own children. I constantly worried about cost, safety, and the well-being of my kids. In that season, I made a promise to myself, and to God, that if I were ever given the opportunity to open my own daycare, I would provide families with affordable, quality care in a safe and loving environment. I understood that parents simply want peace of mind knowing their children are protected, nurtured, and cared for as their own.
I would have likely remained at Texas Instruments long-term if it had not been for a thumb injury that forced me to make a difficult decision. That moment redirected my path and led me back to school to study early childhood development and education. While attending school, I began Building Blocks of Hope as a listed family home facility, caring initially for my nephew, nieces and one additional child. At the time, I had few resources, but I was driven by a deep passion for nurturing and developing children.
After earning my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University and gaining years of hands-on experience in the child care field, I remained committed to providing quality care, meaningful learning experiences, and building strong family relationships as a provider. Over time, Building Blocks of Hope became a state-licensed family home childcare facility and proudly earned a 4-Star rating from Texas Rising Star.
Today, I continue to lead Building Blocks of Hope Learning Center with passion and purpose, offering a warm and supportive environment where children thrive and families feel confident, valued, and at peace.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t always been easy. With the support of my husband, Vertiz Wood, and my family, I started Building Blocks of Hope with just a vision and a lot of hard work. There were times I had to figure things out on my own, wear many hats, and push through long hours, financial stress, and self-doubt.
Running a childcare business is a big responsibility, but every challenge helped me grow. Those struggles taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of staying true to my purpose.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been the owner, director, and primary caregiver of a family home daycare since 2016. I specialize in providing genuine, hands-on care in a safe, loving, and structured environment where children feel secure, supported, and encouraged to grow. My work focuses on early childhood development, building strong relationships with families, and creating consistency and routines that help children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
What I am most proud of is the trust families place in me and the progress I see in the children every day, from their first milestones to their growing confidence and independence. What truly sets me apart is my genuine care. I don’t just supervise children; I nurture them as individuals, partner closely with parents, and continuously learn and improve to provide the highest quality care possible. My goal has always been to create an environment where children feel loved and families feel at peace knowing their children are in good hands.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that may surprise people is that outside of childcare, I truly love learning new things and staying active. I enjoy skating and working out, which helps me recharge and stay balanced. I’m also an author of the children’s book Writing Adventures: Writing My Name from Left to Right, available on Amazon, and I am currently working on my second children’s book, an extension of my passion for early learning and child development.
I am very family-oriented. I’m a mom of three sons, have two bonus children, three grandchildren, and a wonderful husband who keeps me grounded. I also come from a big family, my wonderful mom had seven children and sixteen grandchildren, so being surrounded by children and family has always felt natural to me. Caring for others isn’t just what I do; it’s who I am. I consider myself both an introvert and an extrovert. I value quiet, reflective moments, but I also love connecting with people, building relationships, and being part of a community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://buildingblocksofho.wixsite.com/website
- Instagram: @BBOHLC
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BBOHLC/
