Kiddie Academy® Franchise Owners, directors, educators, and staff are the heart of our franchise system, and it’s their efforts that have enabled us to keep bringing high-quality child care to communities across the country. During our 2025 Annual Conference in Nashville earlier this month, we recognized the individuals and Academies whose accomplishments in 2024 went above and beyond.
Franchisee of the Year Award:
The Franchisee of the Year Award celebrates a franchisee whose dedication, passion, and pursuit of excellence have left a lasting mark on their Academy and community. They lead with integrity, inspire through action, and embody the very best of Kiddie Academy – creating something truly special through thoughtful staff development, exceptional customer experience, meaningful community engagement, and deep integration of Life Essentials®.
Congratulations to winners Preeti and Vic Gulati of Kiddie Academy of Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, and Vernon Hills
New Academy of the Year Award:
Opening a new Academy is no small feat, which is why each year we take the time to honor those who have not only accomplished bringing Kiddie Academy to their local community but who have also shown an unstoppable drive to ensure everything is done just right.
Congratulations to Kiddie Academy of Windsor
Director of the Year Award:
Academy Directors are an integral part of ensuring an Academy operates successfully. The Director of the Year Award recognizes the Director who takes full ownership of their Academy, creating an environment that supports both children’s development and educators’ professional growth. Their passion is unmistakable, and they continually seek ways to improve themselves, their Academy, and their community.
Congratulations to Dr. Christy Kastl of Kiddie Academy of Edmond
New Director of the Year Award:
Becoming a successful Director at Kiddie Academy requires you to hit the ground running, and we’re proud to honor those who have brought energy, passion, and impact to their Academies through our New Director of the Year Award.
Congratulations to Ms. Stephanie Kanagaratnam of Kiddie Academy of Herriman
Regional Educator of the Year Award:
Being an educator at Kiddie Academy is about more than teaching – it’s about building trust, joy, and connection from the moment a family walks through our doors. Our Regional Educator of the Year Award honors the educators who portray warmth, energy, and deep dedication so that children thrive and families feel seen, supported, and valued.
Congratulations to…
- Rebecca Atterberry of Kiddie Academy of Fort Wayne
- Valerie DiMattina of Kiddie Academy of South Riding
- Kathleen Brosnan of Kiddie Academy of Whitestone
- Nelly Camey of Kiddie Academy of Allen
- Mia Wood of Kiddie Academy of St. Johns
- Savannah Pacheco of Kiddie Academy of Aurora
Community Essentials Award:
The Community Essentials Award allows us the opportunity to recognize Academies that have gone above and beyond to empower the communities where they live and work and bring our values to life through kindness, generosity, and spirit.
Congratulations to Kiddie Academy of Prosper
Life Essentials Award:
At the heart of every Kiddie Academy is our Life Essentials curriculum, and it’s an honor to recognize those who consistently implement it in their classrooms through our Life Essentials Award.
Congratulations to…
- Kiddie Academy of Mount Prospect
- Kiddie Academy of Odenton
- Kiddie Academy of Little Neck
- Kiddie Academy of Cypress
- Kiddie Academy of Sanford Heathrow
- Kiddie Academy of Bellevue
Brand Champion Award:
Kiddie Academy Brand Champions are recognized for their ability to go above and beyond to help build and elevate the Kiddie Academy brand. They generously share their time talking with prospective Franchise Owners, mentoring new ones, and stepping into leadership roles on the Franchise Advisory Council and Brand Building Committee.
Congratulations to…
- Bill and Linda Collins of Kiddie Academy of Winter Garden
- Eion and Jillian Snell of Kiddie Academy of Aurora
- Rick Kowalczyk and Jennifer Zhang of Kiddie Academy of Almaden Valley
- Sanjay Sharma and Suchita Gaitonde of Kiddie Academy of Wake Forest
- and Christian Marine, Belinda Ferrero, Sergio Olave and Marylena Garcia of Kiddie Academy of Elyson and Sunterra
Star Maker Awards:
The Star Maker Award honors those who share their Kiddie Academy journey with passion and authenticity by referring qualified candidates. Their stories, support, and belief in the Kiddie Academy mission are what inspire others to join our community.
Congratulations to…
- Vijay and Deepika Ilavarasan of Kiddie Academy of Tigard and Vancouver-Fishers Landing
- Erin and Ross Cutler of Kiddie Academy of Stuart
- Liem and Bonny Nguyen of Kiddie Academy of Northpointe
President’s Circle Inductee
Earning a spot in the President’s Circle requires being named a Brand Champion, Franchisee of the Year, and having served on the Franchise Advisory Council or Brand Building Committee. It’s a true symbol of going above and beyond in every way.
Congratulations to Tom Keller and Laura Eads of Kiddie Academy of Des Peres, O’Fallon and Chesterfield
Founder’s Award
The Founder’s Award recognizes a leader who has made a profound and lasting impact not just within their Academy, but across their entire community. These individuals are tireless advocates for children, champions of quality, and unwavering stewards of the Kiddie Academy mission. They embody our values, elevate our standards, and inspire everyone around them to do the same.
Congratulations to Carin Andersen Perino of Kiddie Academy of East Setauket
