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A Place for Little Ones to Play, Explore, and Grow
Little Sprouts Playhouse is a Montessori-inspired indoor play space built for children ages 0–6 — and for the parents and caregivers who bring them here. We believe the first six years of a child's life are some of the most important for their development, and every corner of our playhouse is designed with that in mind.
Our Story
Little Sprouts was founded in November 2025 by Heather and Thomas Schell, who set out to create a safe, clean, and welcoming place for young children and their families in Richland County. Their hard work and heart built a space that quickly became a gathering spot for local families.
In March 2026, ownership passed to Michelle and Donovan O'Neil, who took on that vision with deep gratitude for the foundation the Schell family built — and a shared belief that Little Sprouts should keep growing as a place where families connect.
For the O'Neils, Little Sprouts is a family endeavor. Their own kids are often part of the fun, and the family sees every day here as a chance to help parents, caregivers, and children connect during some of the most formative years of childhood.
Since moving to Richland County in 2022, the O'Neils have put down roots in the local community through Saint Peter's Church, Scouting, and other local activities — and they're building Little Sprouts as one more place where Mid-Ohio families can feel at home.
Meet The O'Neils
Michelle O'Neil
Michelle O’Neil brings more than 12 years of experience in early childhood education and childcare. As a Certified Montessori Teacher she currently serves as the lead teacher in the Saint Peter’s Montessori Program, where she oversees classroom operations, develops Montessori-aligned curriculum, and works closely with students and families. Her experience in child development and early learning helps guide the design of the play environment, programming, and guest experience at Little Sprouts to ensure it aligns with best practices for young learners.
Donovan O'Neil
Donovan O’Neil brings more than 15 years of experience in management, operations, and organizational leadership. At Little Sprouts, Donovan focuses on day-to-day operations, staffing, marketing, and long-term growth.
What Makes Us Special?
During this crucial period, children are naturally curious, observant, and eager to explore. The activities they engage in during these early years have a lasting impact on how they think, move, socialize, and learn for the rest of their lives.
Thoughtful Toys for Growing Minds
Our toy collection is always growing and changing to keep things fun and fresh. We focus on open-ended and educational toys that help kids build important skills—like moving their bodies, using their hands, talking, thinking, creating, and exploring. Whether they’re stacking blocks, crawling through tunnels, building towers, or diving into pretend play, every toy is picked with care to spark curiosity and support learning through play.
Designed by Parents, For Parents
We’ve created a space that’s just as much for grown-ups as it is for kids. Our indoor play area is clean, cozy, and thoughtfully designed for little ones to explore safely—while giving caregivers a chance to relax, recharge, and connect.
There’s comfy seating, coffee and snacks, and always a warm, welcoming vibe. Whether you’re catching up with friends or hoping to meet other parents and caregivers, this is a place where community happens naturally.
Need a quiet moment? We’ve got a private room for nursing or pumping.
Come hang out, sip your coffee, and let the kids play—we’re so glad you’re here.
Clean Spaces, Happy Faces
We know how important it is for families to feel comfortable and confident in the spaces where their little ones play. That’s why we clean and sanitize throughout the day, with extra attention to high-touch surfaces and shared toys. We use Force of Nature because it’s tough on germs, but gentle for kids. It kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria without harsh chemicals — safe for little hands, toys, and the planet. Our play area is designed to be safe, open, and easy to navigate, so kids can explore freely while caregivers relax.