Some stories come full circle.

Theo Morehead’s began at Bright Horizons® when he was just two years old, a toddler walking into the University Village center in Seattle, ready to learn, play, and grow.

“It prepared me well for when I started school,” Theo recalls. “I remember it was not super overwhelming. I always did pretty well at keeping up with my peers and everything all throughout, and I think that’s largely in part to my time at Bright Horizons.”

Growing up, whenever he passed the center with his parents, they reminded him that his photo was inside on the wall, and that always kept Bright Horizons top of mind.

Fast forward 16 years.

In 2025, Theo was trying to decide how to spend his last summer before college. “I remembered my time at Bright Horizons and I’ve always liked working with kids,” he says.

That summer, Theo returned — this time as a camp counselor at our Denny Triangle center.

Theo spent time with nearly every age group, but preschool was a favorite. He loved the teaching aspect, “seeing how they naturally wanted to play […] and seeing them develop their own passions and interests.” He also reflected on the knowledge of the teachers and staff who helped him get to know the center: “It really helped me to become a better teacher, working with these educators who had been doing it a lot longer than me.”

Fun fact: Theo’s grandmother, Marguerite Kondracke, is one of Bright Horizons’ founders. She wanted to give women the opportunity to be mothers while also having fulfilling careers — and Bright Horizons grew out of that idea.

“It’s still a cause she really believes in, which I think is really cool,” says Theo.

As we celebrate 40 years of Bright Horizons, Theo’s story is a reminder that the impact of early education and care doesn’t end when childhood does. It carries forward, shaping confidence, opportunity, and sometimes, a full-circle return. This year, we’re honoring the people (just like Theo!) who made it all possible.

Do you have a story of your own? We want to hear it — please share it with us. Plus, take a look at additional family stories here and see how we’re commemorating our 40th year.