Kiddie Academy® recognizes exceptional franchise owners, educators at Nashville conference

Educational child care provider spotlights systemwide achievement

BALTIMORE, July 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kiddie Academy^® Educational Child Care has announced the recipients of its 2025 annual awards, which recognize the accomplishments of stand-out franchise locations, owners, directors and educators from across Kiddie Academy's nationwide franchise system. The awards were presented at the brand's annual conference held this year in Nashville, Tenn., from July 17-19.

"It's inspiring to celebrate the remarkable work being done throughout the Kiddie Academy system," said Casey Miller, CEO of Kiddie Academy. "Through these awards, we recognize individuals and Academies whose dedication and commitment to early childhood education reaffirms our shared mission, which is nurturing, educating and inspiring children for the future."

The Kiddie Academy franchise award winners consistently exceed expectations in classroom instruction and leadership by implementing best practices, maintaining a strong focus on curriculum and upholding the core values of Kiddie Academy. Each award reflects Kiddie Academy's commitment to delivering high-quality early childhood education to children nationwide.

Franchisee of the Year Award:

• Preeti and Vic Gulati - Kiddie Academy of Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights and Vernon Hills, Ill.

New Academy of the Year Award:

• Kiddie Academy of Windsor, Colo.

Director of the Year Award:

• Christy Kastl - Kiddie Academy of Edmond, Okla.

New Director of the Year Award:

• Stephanie Kanagaratnam - Kiddie Academy of Herriman, Utah

Regional Educator of the Year Awards:

• Rebecca Atterberry - Kiddie Academy of Fort Wayne, Ind.
• Valerie DiMattina - Kiddie Academy of South Riding, Va.
• Kathleen Brosnan - Kiddie Academy of Whitestone, N.Y.
• Nelly Camey - Kiddie Academy of Allen, Texas
• Mia Wood - Kiddie Academy of St. Johns, Fla.
• Savannah Pacheco - Kiddie Academy of Aurora, Colo.

Community Essentials Award:

• Kiddie Academy of Prosper, Texas

Life Essentials Awards:

• Kiddie Academy of Mount Prospect, Ill.
• Kiddie Academy of Odenton, Md.
• Kiddie Academy of Little Neck, N.Y.
• Kiddie Academy of Cypress, Texas
• Kiddie Academy of Sanford Heathrow, Fla.
• Kiddie Academy of Bellevue, Wa.

Brand Champion Awards:

• Bill and Linda Collins - Kiddie Academy of Winter Garden, Fla.
• Eion and Jillian Snell - Kiddie Academy of Aurora, Colo.
• Rick Kowalczyk and Jennifer Zhang - Kiddie Academy of Almaden Valley, Calif.
• Sanjay Sharma and Suchita Gaitonde - Kiddie Academy of Wake Forest, N.C.
• Christian Marine, Belinda Ferrero, Sergio Olave and Marylena Garcia - Kiddie Academy of Elyson and Sunterra, Texas

Star Maker Awards:

• Vijay and Deepika Ilavarasan, Kiddie Academy of Tigard, Ore. and Vancouver-Fishers Landing, Wa.
• Erin and Ross Cutler - Kiddie Academy of Stuart, Fla.
• Liem and Bonny Nguyen - Kiddie Academy of Northpointe, Texas

President's Circle Inductee:

• Tom Keller and Laura Eads - Kiddie Academy of Des Peres, O'Fallon and Chesterfield, Mo.

Founder's Award:

• Carin Andersen Perino - Kiddie Academy of East Setauket, N.Y.

Kiddie Academy selected Nashville as the host city for its 2025 conference as the brand continues to grow in the market. Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak served as keynote for the event to discuss his career as an entrepreneur and the importance of STEM education for children.

For more information about Kiddie Academy, visit kiddieacademy.com.

About Kiddie Academy^®
Since its inception in 1981, the Kiddie Academy system has been recognized as a leading brand in educational child care. The company, headquartered in Abingdon, Md., serves families and their children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, offering full- and part-time care, before- and after-school care, and summer camp programs, through the Kiddie Academy system. Kiddie Academy's proprietary Life Essentials^® Curriculum, supporting programs, methods, activities, and techniques help prepare children for life. The company's philanthropic efforts, including support of national nonprofit Family Promise, take character education lessons learned in the classroom beyond Academy walls. Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising, LLC has also received corporate accreditation from the globally recognized Cognia accreditation system, signifying its commitment to quality education and the highest standards in child care. For more information, visit kiddieacademy.com or find Kiddie Academy on Facebook at facebook.com/kiddieacademy.

About Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising, LLC
Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising, LLC is based in Abingdon, Md. There are currently more than 350 open Academies in the Kiddie Academy system, located in 40 states and Washington, D.C., serving nearly 40,000 children. Each franchised location in the Kiddie Academy system is an independently owned and operated business. For more information, visit franchising.kiddieacademy.com.

Media Contact:
Taylor Castillejo, APR
[email protected]
865.257.0026

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SOURCE Kiddie Academy