Daycare & Preschool in Steele Creek, NC

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 opened in January 2023 and Steele Creek, open now!

We are seasoned professionals in the packaging industry with a desire to do more and make a difference in our very own community of Charlotte. We chose the Lightbridge Academy brand because of the core values of care, excellence, happiness, and integrity which align with ours as people and professionals.

Also as working parents ourselves, we appreciate the model of The Solution for Working Families® by providing: An enriched curriculum, enhancement activities, extended hours, e-communication, WatchMeGrow 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 child care provider of choice.

Hello, my name is Nikki Friedman! I am so excited to be part of the Lightbridge Charlotte team as Business Director. I feel so lucky to be working alongside family and friends! My father Joe & his wife Alison Friedman made a dream come true in bringing the Lightbridge Academy brand to our area and with plans for continued growth!

I am a mom of two amazing kids, Olivia & Aiden. Although they are not babies anymore, my son did have the enriching experience being a Brown Bear at a fellow Lightbridge Academy when he was in Pre-K. I truly enjoyed getting his pictures and updates daily and watching him soar through the program. I look forward to meeting you and your beautiful family and playing a role in your child’s early educational journey.

Hello, my name is Barbara Jean Duncan, Center Director, and I am a mom to two young children, Niko & Maddy. My husband Alex and I enjoy being on the lake, taking adventures, and love a good movie night!

I have over 10 years experience in Early Childhood Education starting as a floater and working my way to my current position. In my tenure, I learned different teaching strategies and classroom management styles, but most importantly I could love on every child in the building! The experience of seeing each age group interact and learn differently, seeing smiles on their faces, and hearing them yell “Baba Jean” when I walk into any room is the most rewarding feeling.

As Center Director, my goal is to set conditions for success for all children to learn and develop, bridge the gap between home and school, and ensure our teachers have everything needed to deliver excellence. I believe in creating a happy, nurturing, integrity-based atmosphere where teachers are recognized and excited to come to work while parents feel at ease dropping their kids off each day.

Hello! My name is Angela Battiato, and I’m thrilled to be part of the Administration team of at Steele Creek! After many years in the industry, I started my Lightbridge Academy journey in 2022 as an infant room teacher at our Huntersville location and more recently advanced into my current position.

While I don’t have children of my own just yet, I have a beloved fur child named Skye. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach and spending quality moments with my loved ones. I’m excited to expand my experience in the office and look forward to helping each and every family that comes through our doors!

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