Aspen Nichols knew at age 16, while taking early childhood courses in high school, that working with children was her calling. Almost 30 years later, she estimates she has impacted 200 to 300 children. She now owns All About Children Daycare (ABCD on E), where she is "the owner, the teacher, the cook, the nurse, the everything."

Before ABCD on E, Aspen was director of Noah's Art Christian Preschool in Palisade. After COVID, her staff left for better opportunities, which she encouraged. She then spent six months trying to hire qualified replacements, running the school with only two aides until she burned out. She gave three months' notice, but the preschool had to close.

That led her to open a daycare in her home. There she has a smaller group, chooses which families she takes, and works alongside people she trusts: her niece and her youngest daughter. Her oldest daughter also worked there until her pregnancy. Aspen says running a daycare costs more than people think. About 90% of her home is used for the daycare, and every dollar goes back into groceries, cleaning supplies and utilities. Water is a big one, since the kids wash their hands and flush often. She admits she spends more than she makes.

Still, she says the good days outweigh the hard ones. Being one of a child's biggest supporters, getting the hugs and seeing them excited to learn something new is what keeps her going, and every child "always holds a spot in your heart."