Meet The Team
Raising Stars
Sharonda
Center Director
Hello, I’m Sharonda. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome your family to Raising Stars Academy and to thank you for choosing our childcare facility for your child’s early childhood education needs. With over 18 years of experience in childcare and 5 years of experience in education, I am here to ensure that your child has a positive, safe, and loving experience. Whether you are a first-time parent or one with a few years of experience behind you, we are aware that choosing a daycare can be a very difficult decision. For this reason, we strive to do all we can to help make this choice as easy as possible. My goal is to provide the very best childcare experience for your family so that you may leave with peace of mind knowing your child is receiving unconditional education and care. As a new family to our center, we know that any type of change involving your child can create a variety of different feelings. Please know that we are here to help make this transition as smooth as possible. Thank you for choosing Raising Stars Academy and we look forward to working with you for years to come!
Cierra
Assistant Director
Hello, I'm Cierra, your Assistant Director, and I want to extend a warm welcome to your family at Raising Stars Academy. We sincerely appreciate your choice in entrusting us with your child's early childhood education. With 5 years of experience at our institution and a total of 6 years in the childcare field, I am here to ensure your child has a positive, secure, and nurturing experience throughout their time at Raising Stars Academy. At our heart, we are a family-oriented center, committed to making every family feel valued and cherished, just like part of our own extended family. We understand that selecting a childcare program can be a challenging decision, whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one. Rest assured; we are here to make this decision easier for you. Our comprehensive curriculum ensures that every child receives a structured and enriching educational experience. In addition to our core curriculum, we offer exciting activities such as Stretch-n-Grow, music classes, and weekly sessions in both Spanish and Sign Language. Once again, thank you for choosing Raising Stars Academy. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to work alongside you for many years to come, nurturing your child's growth and development.
Karry Howell
Center Director
Hello My name is Karry Howell and I am the director of Raising Stars Academy Raising Stars Academy has taught family values, confidence, and good citizenship to little learners since 2009. Curiosity, courage, and creativity blossom here daily thanks to an all-star teacher team who model social skills and create learning experiences matched to each child’s development–setting them on a path toward success in elementary school, in the community, and with their peers. Watching the school and its little stars shine bright over my 8 years here has been a joyous experience. Each day, I’m inspired by our students, teachers, and families!
Miss Wendy
Assistant Director / Curriculum specialist
Hello I’m the assistant director and pre-k teacher of Raising Stars Academy. I’m also a mother to a beloved pup and godmother to many children. From a very young age I have had a passion for children. I love teaching and watching them grow into confident, strong, bright individuals. I know for sure you will love our family like atmosphere and I look forward to welcoming you to be part of the family!
Kandiland Day School Friendswood
Miss Kellie
Center Director
I'm Kellie Bess, and I bring over four decades of experience in childcare to the table. My journey began when my sons were just babies, and I've had the privilege of teaching in various classes. Over the years, I pursued further education and transitioned into a leadership role, serving as a director for the past two decades. One of the most heartwarming aspects of my job is the daily joy of children running into my office, sharing their hugs as they leave. My family consists of my husband, Tony, and our two grown sons. While I have just one grandchild, she's already well into her third year at Baylor University. You might recognize her from her five summers working here at Kandiland. Outside of work, I find solace in fishing and spending time on the water and being a passionate ASTROS fan. I'm excited to embark on this journey with you and your family, being a part of the incredible learning and growth that happens here. As we get to know one another, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have. Together with the dedicated Kandiland team, we are committed to providing you with top-quality childcare.
Miss Charity
Assistant Director
I'm Charity Reyes, and I proudly serve as the Assistant Director at Kandiland Friendswood. My tenure with the company spans over five years, and I have a genuine passion for working with young children. My roots are in Pearland, where I graduated from Pearland High School. Over the course of my 26-year career in childcare, I have primarily served as a Pre-K teacher. Currently, I am diligently working towards obtaining my CDA accreditation. At Kandiland Day School, we hold the belief that fostering the social, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of learning is just as significant as the academic facets. As your Assistant Director, I take immense pleasure in collaborating with families, our dedicated staff, and, most importantly, the children to cultivate an environment that radiates warmth, welcomes all, and sparks inspiration. Witnessing the unique development of each child is a source of great joy for me, and I am driven by the opportunity to demonstrate how both I and our teachers can play an integral role in their growth and progress.
Kandiland Day School Westover
Miss Jennifer
Center Director
Hello! My name is Jennifer Helton and I originally started with Kandiland in 2010. Through the years I have experienced working in other child related fields but my love of Kandiland always brings me back. I am the proud mother of two college aged sons, so I understand how essential quality childcare is today. We have lived in League City for 21 years and love all that this area has to offer. Kandiland has had my heart for many years, and I am so excited for this new opportunity! I'm looking forward to getting to know you and your family, and being a part of all the learning and growing that goes on here! As we get to know each other, please feel free to contact me at any time with any questions or concerns that you might have! Together with the Kandiland team we have we will strive to provide you with quality childcare!
Miss Zendre
Assistant Director
Hi!! I am Zendre’ Miranda. I have an Associate Degree in ECED along with over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. I have enjoyed all facets of ECED. I have taught in Infants - School agers classrooms. I believe in teaching the whole child and tapping into the multiple intelligences of each child individually. At Kandiland Day School we believe that the social, emotional, physical, and spiritual areas of learning are just as important as the academic aspects of learning. As your Assistant Director, I enjoy partnering with families, staff, and children to create an environment that is warm, welcoming, and inspiring. I enjoy watching how each child develops and I am inspired to question how I, and the teachers, can play a role in their development. I love to pour the love of God into children of all ages. I desire to see my little ones grow and develop to fulfill God’s plan for their lives. I believe we can make this world a better place, one child at a time.
How Old Is Your Child?
Infants
6 weeks - 12 months
Toddlers
12 - 24 Months
Preschool
3 - 4 Years
School Age
5 - 12 Years
