U-GRO Learning Centres

Meet our wonderful team!

Serving Children with Seven Unique Brands

Headquartered in Novi, Michigan, Learning Care Group, Inc. is the second-largest for-profit child care provider in North America. An international leader in child education and family solutions, we provide early education and care services to children between the age of six weeks and 12 years under our 11 unique brands.

In total, Learning Care Group operates more than 1,050 corporate and franchise schools across the country and around the world — each devoted to providing a safe and stimulating environment that will inspire a lifelong love of learning. We have the capacity to serve more than 130,000 children between the ages of six weeks and 12 years. Our 20,000 dedicated directors and teachers share our vision to develop innovative Learning Care solutions, helping to enable us to better serve children and their families.

Be an innovator—and encourage our children to explore, discover, and grow into their future selves. Our nurturing, interactive, collaborative atmosphere inspires every child, in every program. Innovation starts early at our school, as you inspire natural-born engineers and scientists with engaging STEM learning experiences to embark upon the path to their future. As a Childtime team member, you’re supported by expert-driven, research-based curriculum, plus extracurricular learning opportunities, to provide children a comprehensive experience in academic, as well as social-emotional, development. We know every child is unique—and so is every educator working to prepare them for elementary school. Our one-of-a-kind educators (looking at you) spend each day ensuring that children are engaged, nurtured, and encouraged to follow their own unique path, as we prepare them—academically, physically, and socially—for elementary school. Several essential elements define the authentic Montessori educational experience, from the training educators like yourself receive, to the specialized learning materials and interaction among age groups. Be prepared to guide children along the path to true discovery, as you enhance their independence, inspiration, and intelligence—not to mention, your own. You are a dedicated educator. We provide the challenging materials and experiences, you provide the positive influence, to encourage each child’s own initiative. Here, a balanced educational experience, focused on both academic and life skills, prepares them for school. We thrive on a strong sense of community—which is where educators like you come in. Every day, in this inviting setting, we nurture children to develop the 21st century learning skills they need to thrive: creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. Be ready for your own career to grow, as you inspire the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. Play. Learn. Create. Discover. Experiment. Our school’s approach is inspired by the proven concept that hands-on discovery enables strong learning, as children develop social skills, test their ability, gain confidence, and try out new ideas. Here, children play, with a purpose—and you’ll find your purpose, in nurturing them along this path to their future.

Meet the Learning Care Group Executive Team

— Mark R. Bierley Chief Executive Officer
Mark R. Bierley has served as CEO since July 1, 2019.

As CEO, He leads more than 20,000 Learning Care Group employees in delivering excellence to the families served throughout a portfolio of school brands: Childtime, The Children’s Courtyard, Creative Kids Learning Centers, Everbrook Academy, La Petite Academy, Montessori Unlimited and Tutor Time.

— Nicholas Strange Chief Operating Officer
Nicholas Strange is Chief Operating Officer of Learning Care Group, since April 2019.

In this role, he oversees the operational activities for more than 900 schools in the company’s portfolio of brands: Childtime, The Children’s Courtyard, Creative Kids Learning Centers, Everbrook Academy, La Petite Academy, Montessori Unlimited and Tutor Time.

— Douglas R. Baker Chief Financial Officer
Douglas R. Baker is Chief Financial Officer at Learning Care Group, a position he has held since September 2017.

As CFO, Baker leads Learning Care Group's Finance, IT and Real Estate functions in addition to its strategic growth initiatives as the company furthers its leadership role among childcare providers through educational excellence and outstanding customer service.

— Dr. Susan Canizares Chief Academic Officer
Susan Canizares, Ph.D., joined Learning Care Group as Chief Academic Officer in October 2012. In this role, Canizares is responsible for leading all aspects of the educational mission of Learning Care Group, including refining curricula and the policies and practices that address academic achievement. Reporting directly to the CEO, she works closely with the company’s school directors and teachers to maximize support for the enhancement of innovative learning products and solutions.

— Daniel Follis, Jr. General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer
Daniel Follis, Jr. has served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Learning Care Group since September 2016.

Follis leads all aspects of legal, compliance and regulatory affairs for Learning Care Group throughout the U.S. and internationally. His responsibilities include oversight for governance, intellectual property, employment and labor issues, as well as franchise relationships. He also serves as the company’s Corporate Secretary.

— Judy Fimiani Chief Human Resources Officer
Judy Fimiani is Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Learning Care Group, a role she has held since July 2018.

As CHRO, Fimiani oversees an HR organization that provides stewardship of the company culture and engages a workforce of more than 20,000 employees. She is responsible for guiding LCG’s talent management philosophy, as well as articulating the company’s strategy for acquiring, developing, rewarding and retaining the best talent.

— Sean Sondreal Chief Marketing Officer
Sean Sondreal is Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for Learning Care Group, a position he has held since July 2015. He is responsible for leading Learning Care Group’s marketing and customer engagement efforts by effectively connecting with customers to drive new enrollments and further strengthen customer loyalty.

Make a connection. Have an impact.

Someone very wise once said the children are our future and we need to teach them well so they can lead the way. Okay, maybe that was just a pop song. (Doesn’t make it any less true.)

We want forward-thinkers, doers, nurturers, and difference makers. No matter your position in the organization, you’re here to make a positive impact on a child’s life, every day.

Here, you will play a fulfilling role in helping children learn and grow. (And sometimes, play.) Build strong relationships with children and families, and develop meaningful friendships with colleagues. Discover exceptional resources, technology, and support to empower your work and advance your career. Experience a positive, dynamic environment defined by recognition, respect, and fair treatment.

Discover Your Path

It’s not only children who learn and grow with us—it’s you, too.

With a national network that provides strength and mobility, and so many roles across the organization, there’s opportunity to advance for all employees, and many paths you can choose.

Plus, we’re always here to help along the way:

— Ask about tuition reimbursement for continuing education and credentialing.
— Apply to a special scholarship program for the CDA Credential.

"I joined Learning Care Group because I wanted to be part of a company that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of children every day and enables these future leaders to achieve their full potential. Today I am more convinced than ever that Learning Care Group does just that, through the shared commitment and dedication of each of our talented employees. I’m honored to lead the LCG team in continuing to deliver the highest levels of safety, quality, and service as we further grow our business."

- Mark R. Bierley
Chief Executive Officer