Kiddie Academy^® of Stonebridge McKinney

We can't wait to meet you

• Michelle Craig, Center Director

  

  I am Michelle Craig, the Center Director at Kiddie Academy of Stonebridge, McKinney. I was born and educated in England. I went...   Read More

  Michelle Craig, Center Director

  I am Michelle Craig, the Center Director at Kiddie Academy of Stonebridge, McKinney. I was born and educated in England. I went to an all-girls school and after graduation I studied Art and Design at a local college. In my early twenties I got the bug to travel. I took a live-in nanny role near Houston, Texas.  30 years later I’m still here, working with children and married to a Texan. We have two fabulous sons. When my boys were young, I worked as the infant room lead teacher at a local weekday children’s program. I earned my Child Development Associate credential and helped the school achieve their NAEYC Accreditation. I took my first Center Director role several years later. More recently, my family and I spent 4 years in Devon, England reconnecting with family, before relocating back to the Dallas area. When I’m not working, I enjoy organizing and decorating around my home. I love to cook my favorite vegetarian dishes and the occasional cake or dessert. I also really enjoy watching a good movie or TV show at the end of a busy day. When I’m at work I aim to provide an environment that is conducive to learning, that increases students' attention and focus, promotes meaningful learning experiences, encourages higher levels of student performance, and motivates students to practice higher-level critical thinking skills. Most importantly I want them to feel safe and loved. As my favorite nanny once said … “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and SNAP the job’s a game!” — Mary Poppins.

• Brittany Peterson, Assistant Director

  

  Hello! My name is Brittany Peterson. I am the Assistant Director at Kiddie Academy Stonebridge McKinney. I have been working with Kiddie...   Read More

  Brittany Peterson, Assistant Director

  Hello! My name is Brittany Peterson. I am the Assistant Director at Kiddie Academy Stonebridge McKinney. I have been working with Kiddie Academy since 2018. I am a firm believer in the fundamental approach Kiddie Academy has in child learning and development. Throughout my years at Kiddie Academy, I have seen first-hand the impact and benefits that learning through play has on children. I have a daughter named Rebecca that is almost 2 who has been enrolled since she was 4 months old, and I am so proud of the progress she’s made. In my spare time I love to spend quality time with family and friends and to try new things in DFW such as restaurants and events! I am looking forward to getting to interact with your little ones and watching them grow. Being a mother; I understand the importance of education as well as a safe learning environment. I’m so excited to be a part of a team whose goal is just that and I’m looking forward to not only building relationships with the students but with the families as well!

• Ara Sheikh, Academy Owner

  

  As parents of two young children, we understand the needs for having education based pre-k along with safety, security and fun learning environment;...   Read More

  Ara Sheikh, Academy Owner

  As parents of two young children, we understand the needs for having education based pre-k along with safety, security and fun learning environment; where young minds can be shaped to become leaders and  model citizens to make positive impact in our societies. I am Ara Sheikh, the onsite owner of the Kiddie Academy of Stonebridge McKinney. As a mother and a parent, I am fully dedicated in providing service, education and safety by fostering positive behaviors, play-fullness and redirecting. Our Life Essentials curriculum is registered with the library of congress and we are as a team dedicated to bring the best out of your child by utilizing our curriculum as a tool. I am a graduate of University of Hawaii at Manoa with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, combined with Management Information System. My husband Nader will also be onsite as time permits. Nader is a graduate of The University of Texas at Dallas, with a Bachelor’s of science degree in Electrical Engineering. Nader has been in the wireless communications industry for over twenty years, in various management and Engineering roles. We live in Frisco, Texas with our two wonderful children.