District and Area Leaders provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to schools, drawing on their direct experience running a school to guide and mentor school leadership teams. In this role, you use a strong working knowledge of state-specific licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and early childhood development teaching and assessment strategies to ensure high-quality, compliant, and consistent practices across schools. You build trusting, collaborative relationships with families, children, and staff while modeling strong, compassionate leadership. Through coaching, problem-solving, and decision-making, District and Area Leaders support school success, promote continuous improvement, and help create positive, thriving learning environments for both children and educators.
Nothing explains our growth culture better than the people living it. Meet team members who started in entry-level roles and now lead programs, mentor others, and shape the future of our organization. Their stories show how many different ways a New Horizon Academy career can evolve. Explore our open roles and picture where you could be in one, three, or five years—because when you grow, we all grow.
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My inspiration for early childhood education came from the many great teachers I had growing up and my love for children. After earning my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, I always thought I would spend my entire career teaching in a classroom. Thankfully, some smart people at New Horizon Academy saw more potential in me and encouraged me to grow into new opportunities and leadership roles.
One of my favorite parts of my career is interacting with and learning from our incredible management and teaching teams. They truly are the best of the best and continue to inspire me every day. And, of course, there are the children—there is never a dull day when they are around! My team makes me proud every day, and I am incredibly grateful for the love and support throughout New Horizon Academy. We are fortunate to have inspiring leadership and so many people who work behind the scenes to support our schools and help them succeed.
My inspiration came from my mom. As the youngest of seven siblings in a family that also fostered children, I grew up surrounded by kids and happy chaos. My mom eventually opened a daycare, and I knew early on that working with children would always be part of my life.
I have worked in early childhood education for 38 years, growing from a Teacher at New Horizon Academy to Closing Supervisor, Assistant Director, Director, and now Area Director. New Horizon Academy also inspired and supported me in earning both my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education while continuing to work. I love building relationships with children, families, and staff, sharing my knowledge, and seeing ideas like the Sunshine emails and outdoor classroom initiatives make an impact. New Horizon Academy has shaped me both professionally and personally, and I am incredibly grateful for the people who have supported me and made this company feel like one big extended family.
I love caring for children and watching their personalities develop, especially during the infant and toddler years. Sharing some of their first milestones with families and knowing we are helping give them an amazing start is incredibly rewarding. With a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Life, I have continued to grow as a leader and deepen my understanding of how to best support my teams.
I began at New Horizon Academy as an Assistant Director of a new location, became Director of our third Kansas school, and now serve as Area Director for all four Kansas schools. I love being able to support each school based on its unique needs and watching teams come together to make positive changes. I am especially proud of strengthening licensing compliance, professional presence, staffing practices, and the overall environments of our schools. Most of all, I value being part of a company that provides strong support and is genuinely committed to doing what is best for children.
