Meet our providers
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Meet The Owner
'Aqeela Aiken, BS
Aqeela Aiken is a low-country native, born and raised on Hilton Head Island. She attended the University Of South Carolina Upstate where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and a Minor in Child Advocacy Studies.
While attending college she participated in multiple internships including Spartanburg Department of Social Services working in multiple divisions. She has also interned with Safe Homes Rape Crisis Coalition where she worked very closely with the investigations board as well as being an advocate for multiple families. Aqeela has also attended Mandated Reporter trainings where she was able to obtain her Mandated Reporter certificate. She also was initiated into the most illustrious organization, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Although most of her career has been spent working in Property Management, and owning a small business. Her life has always revolved around children, from being an assistant coaching cheerleaders, to tutoring children in elementary schools. She has years of experience caring for children of all ages. Not to mention working in licensed child care centers.
Aqeela is excited to service families in the low-country area and offer quality childcare for the community!
Providers
Ms. Chris
Infant Teacher
Hello, my name is Christana, and I am excited to learn, grow, and have fun with the children at Bright Beginnings Academy. I am originally from Allendale, South Carolina, and I am currently working toward becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). I have experience in the CNA field and hold CPR and First Aid certification, ensuring the safety and well-being of those in my care.
As a first-time mom balancing school, work, and family life, I’ve developed strong patience, dedication, and time-management skills. I truly love working with children and have hands-on experience supporting children on the autism spectrum, promoting inclusion and making sure every child feels valued and respected.
In my free time, I enjoy being a mom to my daughter and my four pit bulls, as well as spending quality time with family.
At Bright Beginnings Academy, I look forward to building meaningful relationships with children, families, and staff. I am passionate about helping children communicate their emotions, learn valuable life skills, and create positive memories as they grow and form friendships. I strongly believe that children and the elderly hold a special innocence and deserve to be treated with kindness, patience, and respect. Caring for others brings me great joy, and I feel truly blessed to be trusted with the care and love of those who matter most.
Ms. Teri
Infant Teacher
Hi everyone! My name is Teriauna, and I’m so excited to begin working with the wonderful children here at BBA!
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my beautiful daughter and my big orange cat, Nugget. I also love reading books and listening to music from a variety of genres.
I have experience working with children of all ages, and I also volunteer my time babysitting when I’m not at work. Being around children truly brings me joy, and I’m passionate about creating a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for them.
I’m looking forward to making special memories with the children and families here while continuing to grow and expand my experience in early childhood care. Building connections with children and knowing they feel loved and supported means so much to me it’s one of the most rewarding parts of what I do!
Ms. Crislyn
Infant Teacher
With over five years of experience in child care, Crislyn is passionate about creating a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment for children. She has worked with a variety of age groups, allowing them to develop strong skills in patience, adaptability, and understanding each child’s unique needs.
Crislyn loves supporting children as they learn, grow, and build confidence, and takes pride in forming meaningful connections while serving as a positive role model each day.
Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time at the beach, reading, and making memories with family and friends.
At Bright Beginnings Academy, Crislyn brings a genuine love for children, along with creativity, reliability, and a strong passion for early childhood development. She is dedicated to ensuring every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to thrive.
Ms. Apple
Infant Teacher
Hi! My name is Apple, and I’m so excited to be joining the Bright Beginnings Academy team as an Infant Teacher!
Caring for children has always been something I genuinely enjoy, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to turn that passion into a career. While I’m still early in my professional journey, I’ve gained experience working with both infants and preschool-aged children, along with many years of babysitting and helping care for my younger siblings.
I love getting to know each child’s unique personality and helping them feel safe, comfortable, happy, and cared for as they learn and explore the world around them. I’m excited to get to know the children and families at Bright Beginnings Academy and build meaningful relationships along the way!
Next year, I’ll be attending the Technical College of the Lowcountry to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education, with the goal of eventually becoming an elementary school teacher.
I’m originally from Ohio and recently moved to the area. I’ve been enjoying exploring and discovering all the fun things Bluffton has to offer! In my free time, I enjoy roller skating, dancing, making balloon animals, and going to concerts.
I’m so excited to begin this next chapter at Bright Beginnings Academy and to be part of the everyday moments that help our children learn, laugh, and grow!
Ms. Gigi
1- 2 Year Old Teacher
My name is Egeria Walker, and I am a graduate of Allendale-Fairfax High School. I am so excited to be a part of the Bright Beginnings Academy team.
For the past three years, I worked at Thomas Heyward Academy (Rebels) as a Teacher Assistant, where I primarily worked with one-year-olds. I truly enjoyed working with this age group and engaging them in hands-on activities that encouraged learning, independence, and early life skills. I loved supporting their growth while also allowing them opportunities to explore and try things on their own.
In my free time, I enjoy getting my nails done it’s very relaxing for me. Most of all, I love spending time with my five children. We enjoy going to the park, eating out together, and making memories. I also love cooking and finding new activities I can do both with my own children and the children I work with. Fun fact about myself, I love making people laugh!
At Bright Beginnings Academy, I look forward to nurturing each child and creating a safe, loving, and welcoming environment for both children and their families. Building trust, honesty, and strong relationships with parents is very important to me. I am excited to try new things, continue learning, and grow alongside the children.
I am truly ready to begin this new journey with Bright Beginnings Academy. It will be a fun and rewarding experience learning about both our babies and big kids. One promise I can make to parents and leadership is that safety is always my top priority as a daycare teacher.
Providers
Ms. Rina
1- 2 Year Old Teacher
Hello, my name is Karina Alarcon, and I’m looking forward to starting at Bright Beginning Academy and excited to provide guidance and responsible care to children! I was born and raised here in the Lowcountry. I have a little brother who inspired me to work at a daycare. I’ve enjoyed caring for him and being a positive influence in his life.
For the past 3 years, I have experience babysitting children aged 1–8, where I’ve been responsible for managing children’s activities and ensuring their safety.
In my free time, I enjoy reading books, hanging out with friends, and going shopping. At Bright Beginning Academy, I’m looking forward to building connections with the children and parents. Also, making a positive impact on children’s development and securing an environment where the children can thrive. Looking forward to meeting you guys!
Ms. Dannielle
1-2 year old teacher
Hi! My name is Dannielle, or Ms. D, and I’m so excited to be a part of the BBA family!
I’m a native of Hardeeville, SC (the Levy area), and I have been working in childcare for almost four years. I’m CPR certified, a certified phlebotomist, and I’m currently working toward becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). I’m also a business owner!
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my son and my family. Teaching children has always been a dream of mine, and being able to do what I love brings me so much joy. I’m passionate about creating a safe, fun, and nurturing environment where every child feels comfortable, cared for, and supported.
I look forward to building meaningful relationships with the children and families at BBA. I believe children thrive with a great balance of structure and fun, and I’m excited to bring both into the classroom!
Ms. Nindi
2-3 year old Teacher
My name is Nindi Filza Alika, and I hold an educational background in Culinary Arts, where I developed strong skills in creativity, organization, cleanliness, time management, and attention to detail. My studies emphasized the importance of patience, teamwork, and consistency qualities I believe are essential in a childcare setting.
Although I am new to working directly with children, I am highly motivated and eager to grow within the field of early childhood education. I am committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and positive environment where children feel supported, comfortable, and encouraged to explore and learn.
In my free time, I enjoy cooking, learning new skills, spending time with family, and engaging in creative activities. These interests allow me to bring patience, creativity, and positive energy into the classroom each day.
At Bright Beginnings Academy, I strive to be a caring, supportive, and enthusiastic presence. I am dedicated to building strong relationships with children and families, fostering curiosity, and supporting each child as they grow and reach their full potential in a warm and loving learning environment.
Ms. Mackenzie
3-5 year old Teacher
My name is Mackenzie, and I’m thrilled to be a Teacher at Bright Beginnings Academy! I recently earned my Master’s degree in School Counseling and relocated to Bluffton, SC from Bethlehem, PA. Over the last few years, I have gained experience through my Elementary and High School Counseling internships, as well as my work as an RBT where I supported children on the Autism spectrum (ages 2-5) with their behavioral, social, and emotional needs. Outside of work my hobbies include crafting, reading, golfing, relaxing with my cat Cleo, and exploring this beautiful town! My goal at Bright Beginnings is to create an inclusive, nurturing classroom where every child feels supported and valued. Helping children grow into thriving, successful individuals, while still embracing the joy of being a kid, is my biggest passion! I’m looking forward to getting to know my students and families and supporting each child along their learning journey. I can’t wait to meet everyone!
Providers
Ms. Mya
3-5 year old teacher
Hello! My name is Tamya, and I am a caring and dedicated Assistant Teacher with 1–3 years of experience working with children. I graduated from Estill High School, and I am excited to be a part of the Bright Beginning Academy family!
I am passionate about creating a safe, loving, and welcoming environment where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to learn and grow. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with the children and families while making a positive difference in their lives.
Outside of work, I enjoy baking and spending quality time with my family. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue growing in my career and being a part of each child’s early learning journey.
Ms. Niyah
Center Superstar
Aniyah is currently a student at South Carolina State University where she is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. She has a strong passion for working with children and helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally during their early school years.
While attending college, Aniyah is currently a Teacher assistant.Aniyah has continued to build her knowledge and experience in the field of education. Her studies focus on understanding how children learn, develop, and succeed in the classroom. She enjoys creating positive learning environments where students feel supported, confident, and excited to learn.
Aniyah believes that patience, creativity, and encouragement are key parts of helping young students reach their full potential. She is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children by providing guidance, support, and engaging learning experiences.
Aniyah is excited to join the Bright Beginnings Academy (BBA) team and looks forward to working with both students and families. She is eager to contribute to a nurturing and supportive environment where children feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn and grow each day.
Ms. Alison
Center Superstar
Hi! My name is Ms. Alison! I’m from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and I’m a proud mom of two little ones at home.
I recently completed six years of service in the U.S. Army, where I earned the rank of Sergeant. I’m so excited to start this new chapter in my life working with children! My time in the Army taught me to be patient, dependable, and always ready to learn something new. While childcare is a new experience for me professionally, being a mom has given me plenty of experience with little ones. I absolutely love watching children learn, explore, and discover new things!
In my free time, I love spending time with my family and making memories with my little ones. We especially love doing arts and crafts together at home!
I’m excited to get to know each of the children and their unique personalities. I hope to make their days a little more fun while also being someone they can feel comfortable and safe around.