Meet Our Team
Our teachers are the heart of Fairview. With highly qualified educators, low teacher-to-child ratios, and a developmentally focused curriculum, our five-star programs give children the consistency and care they need to thrive.
Owner
Melissa Butler
Melissa Butler has been the owner of Fairview Children’s Center since April 2014. Originally from Greece, New York, on the outskirts of Rochester along Lake Ontario, she earned her B.S. in K–12 Music Education from Nazareth College. She and her husband, Jeff, have been married more than 40 years and have built a family rooted in love, resilience, and commitment.
After college, Melissa and Jeff moved around the country before settling in Mesa, Arizona, where she worked on her master’s degree in early childhood education at Arizona State University. During that time she developed a passion for early childhood education, with a desire to teach in a Head Start program, and operated an in-home daycare. Those experiences confirmed her love of working with young children.
They moved to Cary, North Carolina, in 1995, where Melissa began a career with a residential home builder. What started as a part-time position grew into a successful full-time career she enjoyed for many years. Following the devastating loss of her 17-year-old son, she eventually found a new opportunity that brought together two of her greatest passions: children and entrepreneurship.
In 2014 she became the owner of Fairview Children’s Center, a decision she considers one of the best of her life. The presence of a Smart Start program at the school, similar to Head Start, made the opportunity an especially meaningful fit with her educational background and her passion for serving young children and families.
Melissa semi-retired in July 2023 and is grateful for an exceptional leadership team — Director Miranda Cannon and Assistant Director Stephanie Collins — who oversee day-to-day operations. She is equally grateful for the dedicated teachers and staff who nurture and educate the children each day, and for the families who entrust Fairview with their children.
At the heart of her journey is a simple but powerful passion: a love of children and a desire to create a place where they can learn, grow, and feel cared for.
Leadership
Miranda Cannon
Center Director
Miranda Cannon is originally from Alabama and has been working in childcare since 2005. Her passion for supporting children’s growth and development led her to pursue higher education in early childhood studies. She earned an Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from Central Carolina Community College, then a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Child Development and Family Relations from North Carolina Central University.
With both hands-on experience and a strong educational background, she is dedicated to nurturing children’s learning, supporting families, and fostering positive developmental outcomes.
Stephanie Collins
Assistant Director
Stephanie Collins is a proud resident of North Carolina. She earned her Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Wake Technical Community College, which gave her a strong foundation in organization and professional skills.
She has been working in childcare since 1997 and has a true passion for supporting and caring for children. She has been at Fairview Children’s Center since 2000, dedicated to creating a positive and nurturing environment for the children in her care. In 2017 she also began serving at the Governor Morehead School for the Deaf and Blind, where she continues to support students and families.
With many years of experience, she is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment. She takes pride in her work and remains dedicated to helping others grow and succeed.
Our teaching staff hold NC Early Childhood Credentials or degrees in Early Childhood Education. We keep ratios low, and staff turnover is low, so your child sees familiar faces. We invite you to schedule a visit and meet the team in person.