2024 Business Women Awards
WOMAN TO WATCH | SOCIAL SERVICES: Amy Vogel
Dr. Day Care CEO and operations officer
AMY VOGEL WAS BORN into the field of child care and family services. Literally.
Vogel’s mother, Mary Ann Shallcross Smith, worked as a family child care provider and Vogel is now part of the family business as CEO and operations officer for Dr. Day Care, a Smithfield-based provider founded by her mother, who currently serves as its president.
“I grew up with child care in my house, at centers, in schools for before- and after-programs, and discussed around my dinner table nightly,” Vogel said.
Her background in child care paired with her master’s degree from Johnson & Wales University propelled her to leading the organization.
As CEO, Vogel oversees all operations of Dr. Day Care, which features Kids Klub, a nonprofit program for school-age kids, and therapeutic child care services. Additionally, Vogel directly leads three Dr. Day Care centers to keep herself aware of the day-to-day work being done within the organization, and is accessible to all employees, from classroom teachers to home-office personnel.
“I do not want to lose sight of what happens in the centers and just be confined to the home office, and having direct contact is imperative,” Vogel said. “I need to see, feel, hear what is happening at the centers to best meet the needs of the children, employees and families.”
Under Vogel’s leadership, Dr. Day Care expanded from two locations to seven early-learning centers across Rhode Island, with an eighth location set to open soon. The Therapeutic Child Care Services program has expanded to provide inclusive services for children across the state. Kids Klub continues to be selected as a premier before- and after-school provider by the local school districts, focusing on a commitment to consistency of care and providing peace of mind to working families.
Vogel, a Lincoln native, also serves as the Cumberland Lincoln Rotary Club’s co-president and volunteers at the Northern Rhode Island Food Pantry and Franklin Farm in Cumberland. Additionally, she chairs the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors.
Among Vogel’s future goals for Dr. Day Care are for it to grow strategically and assess opportunities that are provided to the organization.
