What drew you to Best Brains?

What drew me to Best Brains is a short and a long story. Short version: I was applying for jobs, left right and center and Best Brains reached out to me in July 2011 and I haven't looked back since. Long version: I have been drawn to education since I was a little kid, whether it was pretending to be a teacher over summer break, tutoring kids younger than me, starting a nonprofit so kids could get the education they deserve or finally becoming a teacher, it has seemed like one of my callings in life.

What has it been like being with Best Brains from such an early point?

It has been moving to witness Best Brains grow from one location to over one hundred and fifty. I grew right along with it. Meeting so many different franchisees across the world, to remember where we came from and know how much hard work comes into making a business or project successful has encouraged me to take risks and step out of my comfort zone time and again. I started working for Best Brains a decade ago and started my own franchise 5 years ago. I am so proud of what we have built and how many wonderful people I've met, including our students.

What is the most rewarding aspect of teaching young children?

The most rewarding aspect of teaching kids is their authenticity. They tell you exactly what they are thinking and how they feel. They are so straightforward about it. That combined with their curiosity makes teaching kids such a fulfilling endeavor!

What is the most unique part of Best Brains that makes it different from other learning centers?

Best Brains is teacher-made, teacher-run and teacher-taught. Our students are at the forefront of our minds. So naturally the curriculum we designed is made with them being their best while staying engaged. Our students like returning for their classes, their parents see results and we teachers thrive on making that happen.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge of working with children?

I think aligning parent goals with student motivation can take some time and patience. Sometimes we have to meet halfway. For us, results are important but we want to make sure our students find it equally important to achieve them. Our teaching methodology sets in much more smoothly when all of us are on the same page.

What other passions do you have outside of teaching and owning your business? Do any of those translate into your work at Best Brains?

I am a people person and I am a planner. Those combined give me A LOT to work with. I have two boys in elementary school and I love spending quality time with my family and friends. I also own a nonprofit, a marketing firm. Besides education, I have a keen passion for mental and emotional health and that translates into all aspects of my life.