Celebrating the 2026 Kiddie Academy® Award Winners
Each year at the Kiddie Academy® Annual Conference, we recognize the Franchise Owners, Directors, educators, and Academies who elevate the Kiddie Academy experience. The 2026 award winners embody excellence in leadership, educational quality, community impact, and the Life Essentials® philosophy.
Franchisee of the Year
Winner: Belinda Ferrero, Christian Marine, Sergio Olave, and Marylena Garcia, Kiddie Academy of Elyson and Sunterra, Texas
The Franchisee of the Year Award recognizes Franchise Owners who demonstrate exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and a commitment to educational quality. Through their dedication to children, families, educators, and the Life Essentials curriculum, this year’s recipients exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and impact.
New Academy of the Year
Winner: Kiddie Academy of Knightdale, North Carolina
The New Academy of the Year Award honors Franchise Owners who have built a strong foundation for success in their first year. Through thoughtful planning, strong execution, and a commitment to delivering high-quality educational child care, Kiddie Academy of Knightdale has made an immediate impact on its community.
New Director of the Year
Winner: Jennie Chancey, Kiddie Academy of Reston, Virginia
The New Director of the Year Award recognizes emerging leaders who have quickly made a positive impact within their Academies. Jennie’s commitment to her team, families, and educational excellence has established her as a standout leader in the Kiddie Academy system.
Director of the Year
Winner: Robin Goddard, Kiddie Academy of Fort Wayne, Indiana
The Director of the Year Award celebrates exceptional leadership and a dedication to creating an environment where children, families, and educators can thrive. Robin’s commitment to excellence has helped cultivate a strong Academy culture and meaningful experiences for those she serves.
Educator of the Year
The Educator of the Year Award honors educators who bring the Life Essentials® philosophy to life each day through meaningful relationships, engaging learning experiences, and a lasting commitment to children’s growth and development.
Regional Winners:
- Mid-Atlantic: Aziza Benkaddour, Kiddie Academy of Reston, Virginia
- Southeast: Rachael Mally, Kiddie Academy of Fort Mill, South Carolina
- North Central: Zoe Namovicz, Kiddie Academy of Grayslake, Illinois
- South Central: Moumita Mukherjee, Kiddie Academy of O’Fallon, Missouri
- Western: Matthew Cisneros, Kiddie Academy of Kenmore, Washington
- Northeastern: Sabrina Kissoon, Kiddie Academy of Whitestone, New York
Brand Champion Award
Recipients: Kiddie Academy of Knightdale; Kiddie Academy of Almaden Valley and Campbell-San Jose; Kiddie Academy of Daybreak, Herriman, and Saratoga Springs
The Brand Champion Award recognizes individuals who strengthen the Kiddie Academy system through leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. These recipients exemplify the spirit of the brand by sharing expertise, supporting fellow Franchise Owners, and helping drive system-wide success.
Community EssentialsSM Award
Winner: Kiddie Academy of Floral Park, Flushing, and Whitestone, New York
The Community EssentialsSM Award recognizes Academies that create meaningful opportunities to give back and make a positive impact. Through service initiatives that engage children, families, and educators, this Academy demonstrated the power of compassion, community involvement, and purposeful learning.
Life Essentials Awards
The Life Essentials Award recognizes Academies that exemplify Kiddie Academy’s educational philosophy by helping children build confidence, character, curiosity, creativity, critical thinking skills, and meaningful connections.
Regional Winners:
- Mid-Atlantic: Kiddie Academy of Urbana, Maryland
- Southeast: Kiddie Academy of Oviedo, Florida
- North Central: Kiddie Academy of Urbandale, Iowa
- South Central: Kiddie Academy of Canyon Springs, Texas
- Western: Kiddie Academy of Corona, California
- Northeastern: Kiddie Academy of Cedar Knolls, New Jersey
Founder’s Award
Recipients: Kiddie Academy of Fort Wayne and Southwest Fort Wayne, Indiana; Kiddie Academy of Bellevue, Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Mill Creek, Seattle at Greenwood, and Seattle at Queen Anne, Washington.
One of the highest honors in the Kiddie Academy system, the Founder’s Award recognizes leaders whose impact, service, and dedication embody the values established by founders George and Pauline Miller. Their contributions have helped strengthen the Kiddie Academy brand and the communities they serve.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients for the lasting impact they make on children, families, and communities across our system.
