First Circle was founded in 1997 by Charlie Marcotty and Marcy Smith Lee. They met in 1987, working together in nonprofit educational administration. After a decade of loving their work collaboration, they were both ready to move on professionally and start their own families.

When a friend retired from her established early childhood center in Lexington, Charlie and Marcy saw an opportunity to continue to work together to make a difference in the world. Their goal was to create a high-quality early childhood program and workplace based on their core values.

Charlie and Marcy both had two children who graduated from the program for kindergarten and then returned as employees. In 2022, Marcy retired to spend more time with family and travel. Charlie continues to be actively involved in the daily program.