Karim Badani

As Albert Einstein said “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” This is a quote I firmly believe in and something that has guided me through my educational journey. I am very excited to bring Ivy Kids Early Learning Center to Johns Creek as the focus of our center will be to use the research-based Ivy Prep Curriculum that promotes academic excellence through active learning.

Educationally, I have received my Bachelor of Science from Georgia State University with a major in Finance. Most recently, I was one of the youngest Executive MBA Graduates from Georgia State University. I am also currently working on obtaining my Child Care Director Certification.

Professionally, I have been working in the banking industry for the past nine years at a Fortune 50 company. I am a Vice President at the current company and frequently volunteer at local schools teaching financial literacy seminars.

I am also involved in various community service organizations and currently serve as the Southeast USA Manager of Camp Management for Jubilee Monuments Corp (JMC). JMC is responsible for arranging positive youth empowerment camps for students in grades 1 – 8. Some of the goals for the camps are to build communities around cultures, languages, and to incorporate STEM in activities for development. I have been involved with JMC over the last three years in various roles, including Project Manager of Camp 2020.

According to UNICEF, “The brain develops most rapidly before birth and during the first two years of life. Good health, good nutrition and nurturing are especially important during this time. Eighty percent of human brain’s structure takes shape between the ages of 0-3 and the 90 percent of the human brain’s structure takes shape until the age of 5.” This is where Ivy Prep Curriculum and Brain Bites program fit in for us to develop our future leaders.

Education has always held an essential role in my life. Through Ivy Kids, I can pass that on to the community, by combining academic excellence and innovation in a nurturing and joyful environment.

Susie Tran

We are proud to introduce our Center Director, Susie C. Tran, a seasoned educator with over 18 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Susie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education, and her background in psychology has allowed her to better understand young children’s developmental needs and behaviors. Her wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of Psychology has played a crucial role in her successful career in early childhood education.

Susie began her teaching career as a Georgia Pre-K teacher, where she developed a passion for teaching young children. She then transitioned into the corporate world of Early Childhood Education as an Education Specialist, where she had the opportunity to work with various child care centers and teachers, helping to guide them in providing high-quality education and care to young children.

With her expertise in Early Childhood Education, Susie became an ECE instructor at the college level, as well as a CDA instructor, helping aspiring teachers earn their Child Development Associate credentials. Her Montessori background has given her a unique perspective on teaching, and she has continued to stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in ECE.

In addition to her instructional work, Susie has been an Engagement Reviewer for AdvancED Accreditation, where she gained valuable experience reviewing school and childcare center programs to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality. She is also well-versed in NAEYC accreditation and Quality Rated, two vital programs that promote quality education and care for young children.

Susie remains committed to providing children with a high-quality education that sets them up for success in life. She believes that every child has the potential to achieve greatness, and it is her mission to help them reach their full potential. Ivy Kids of Johns Creek is proud to have Susie as our Center Director, and we are confident that under her leadership, our center will continue to provide exceptional care and education to the children in our community.