Hello there!
I'm Dia (“Dee-ya”) Her-Xiong — welcome to Guiding Light Child Care.
A little about me
I'm Hmong American (she/her), married to my wonderful husband Mike for seven years, and together we have two children who join our daycare friends at home each day. Our family are members of RiverLife Church in St. Paul.
I love singing, dancing, and playing alongside the children — and most of all, watching each child grow in their own strengths. Outside of daycare life you'll find me lifting weights (working my way back to the powerlifting platform!), journaling, and checking in on my big family.
I believe caring for others is a gift God has given me: providing a safe place where people can be themselves, be listened to without judgment, and be prayed over.
Meet Dia
- Hmong American, wife & mom of two
- From a big family of 16 siblings — caretaking runs deep
- Years of church nursery & children's ministry experience
- Loves music, movement & imaginative play
How Guiding Light began
It started young
My love for caring for children began in childhood, babysitting my siblings and cousins in a big family of 16 brothers and sisters. Our days were full of imaginary play — house, gardening, shopping, school, music and dance class. Growing up with so many siblings, each one different, taught me that every child communicates, loves, and learns in their own way.
Serving in ministry
As a teenager I volunteered in my church's nursery and children's ministry for two years, and helped lead vacation Bible school activities for children ages 3 to 8. Guiding and teaching children — and learning from them, too — has always been a beautiful experience for me.
A fire reignited
In 2020, during the pandemic, caring for my niece and nephew reignited the passion I've carried since I was young. With God tugging at my heart and the support of my loved ones, I opened my home as Guiding Light Child Care — to share this love and care with families beyond my own.
I hope we get the chance to meet and get to know each other! If you have questions or would like to learn more about my program, please reach out.