MEET OUR LEAD STAFF
Crystal Hardy-Flowers is the founder and CEO of Little Flowers Early Childhood and Development Center, Inc. (“Little Flowers”), established in 2008. Little Flowers is a 501(c) (3), non-profit organization, with two locations on the west side of Baltimore City.
Little Flowers was featured in the Baltimore Sun papers May 18, 2015, for its work with their children, families and the community following the Baltimore City riots, and December 13, 2014 for its work with traumatized children. In addition, Little Flowers was featured in the Maryland Family Network’s news publication May of 2015, for its work with their children exposed to the Baltimore City riots and in the summer of 2013 for its growth and accomplishments.
Crystal’s vision was to ensure that All children, regardless of their socio-economic status received quality early education and after school enrichment services. Through her vision, she founded Little Flowers. Little Flowers currently services over 300 low-income children and families. The program provides children ages 2 to 5 years old with quality early education, setting the foundation young children need to compete and thrive. The before and after-school enrichment program provides services for school-age children, ages 3 to 15. After-school enrichment operates early morning hours and extended evening hours and focuses on: reducing latchkeyism, childhood abuse, neglect and juvenile crime through education and teaching teamwork and leadership skills. Furthermore, after-school children get the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering and math through the use of a research-based S.T.E.M curriculum. Little Flowers focuses on providing a safe and nurturing environment. Staff and program development, as well as parent and community involvement are key elements to the success of the program.
Crystal is a licensed graduate social worker. She received her Master’s in Social Work from Howard University, were she was also featured in the 1992-1993 edition of The National Dean’s List, and her Bachelor of Art degree from Morgan State University. In addition to be the founder and CEO of Little Flowers, Crystal has over 20 years of providing clinical services to disadvantaged and vulnerable children and adults in the city of Baltimore. In addition, she has extensive experience in the legal field as an expert in the field of child sexual abuse and the effects of trauma on abused and neglected children.
