Hello, my name is Alison Friedman, Managing Owner, and my husband Joe and I have had the honor and privilege to bring the first two Lightbridge Academy schools to Charlotte, NC – Huntersville & Steele Creek. We are seasoned professionals in the packaging industry with a desire to do more and make a difference in our community of Charlotte.

We chose the Lightbridge Academy brand because of their core values of care, excellence, happiness, and integrity which align with ours as people and professionals.  As working parents ourselves, we appreciate the model of offering a solution to working families by providing: An enriched curriculum, enhancement activities, extended hours, e-communication, watch me grow cameras, and local partnerships to bring additional services to our center.  I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community this way and thank our families for their trust and commitment in being their childcare provider of choice.

Hello! My name is Nikki Friedman, Business Director. I feel so lucky to be working alongside family and friends! My father Joe, and his wife Alison Friedman made a dream come true! They decided to become part of the Lightbridge Academy Franchise. I am a mom of two beautiful kids, and although they are not babies anymore, my son did have the wonderful experience of being a Brown Bear at another LBA location when he was in Pre-K! I truly enjoyed getting his pictures and updates daily and watching him soar through the program. Therefore, I cannot wait to meet you and your lovely family and play a role in your child’s early educational journey.

Hi! My name is Paige Garny, Center Director, and I have been dedicated to the early childhood field for over five years, bringing a passion for nurturing young minds and fostering personal connections with children and families. I am happily married with two beloved dogs and enjoy spending my free time immersed in a good book. I believe in the importance of individual learning paces, striving to ensure every child learns and grows in a way that suits them best which is representative in our Seedlings curriculum. Forming meaningful relationships with children and their families is at the heart of my approach to creating a supportive and enriching environment for all.

Hello! I’m Ashlie Serrano, Program Coordinator, with over a decade of experience in early childhood education. Originally from Massachusetts, I’ve built my career around fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners. My teaching philosophy emphasizes creativity and hands-on learning, where art projects and fun activities are central to the curriculum. Outside of work, my life is filled with love and activity. I am happily married and a proud parent to five children, two lovable dogs, and a sleek black cat who keeps us on our toes. I believe strongly in the power of building lasting relationships with my students and their families, ensuring a supportive community both inside and outside the classroom. When not teaching or spending time with my family, I enjoy exploring new crafts, reading, and cherishing moments of quiet with a good cup of coffee.

Hello! My name is Alyssa Eudy, Administrative Assistant! I am a mom of two amazing kiddos, three cats, as well as a wife married to her high school sweetheart! I’ve been dedicated to the childcare profession my entire career, and have experience across various domains, honing my skills and deepening my passion for making a difference in children’s lives. I have been a part of Lightbridge Academy Huntersville since our doors first opened in 2022 and began as a teacher for the 3s and 4s! Through dedication and passion for what I do and wanting to make a greater impact, I have advanced to an administrative role. This role allows me to be a guiding light in a different capacity, supporting not only the children’s educational journey but also ensuring the smooth operation of our school. As a Charlotte native, it has been a blessing to watch my city gain a great childcare center through Lightbridge Academy! Here, my work feels like family in fulfilling a passion every day through the meaningful experiences we get to create with our staff, teachers, and families.

We can’t wait to meet you and welcome you to our Circle of Care!