Preschool & Daycare in Wake Forest, NC

Meet Our Leadership Team

Meet Tammy Hicks, Director of Education & Relations!

Tammy Hicks brings a wealth of experience and passion for early childhood education to Lightbridge Academy of Wake Forest. A Raleigh native, Tammy earned her Master’s degree in Birth-Kindergarten Education from UNC Greensboro in 2008 and has dedicated her career to nurturing young learners, supporting educators, and partnering with families.

As Director of Education & Relations, Tammy provides educational leadership and helps ensure that children receive an exceptional learning experience in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. She is passionate about developing highly skilled early childhood professionals who create warm, inclusive classrooms where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Tammy also supports curriculum development, teacher coaching and training, classroom observations, and our ongoing commitment to quality and accreditation.

Meet Amanda Brown, Center Director!

With nearly 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Amanda Brown is passionate about creating a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn each day. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is a Level II Administrator certified through Stanly Community College.

Amanda believes strong relationships are at the heart of every successful school. She is committed to supporting teachers, partnering with families, and creating a positive, collaborative environment where every child has the opportunity to grow with confidence, curiosity, and joy. As Center Director, Amanda is dedicated to ensuring that children and families feel welcomed, valued, and supported throughout their Lightbridge Academy journey.

Meet Cassie Barbagallo, Assistant Director!

Cassie Barbagallo and her family made the exciting move from Southern California to North Carolina in 2025 after spending 23 years building her career in early childhood education. Throughout her career, Cassie has gained valuable experience working with young children and families while developing a deep passion for supporting children’s growth and development.

Since relocating to North Carolina, Cassie has continued to grow professionally and expand her knowledge and skills through further education and hands-on experience. She is passionate about creating a positive, nurturing environment where children, families, and educators feel supported and empowered to succeed. As Assistant Director, Cassie plays an important role in supporting our teachers, families, and daily operations while helping foster a school community where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Meet Shelby & Brian Kachel, Local Owners!

We’re Shelby and Brian Kachel, proud local owners of Lightbridge Academy of Wake Forest. With a combined 40 years of experience as IT executives, our passion for problem-solving and making a positive impact inspired us to bring Lightbridge Academy to our community.

After moving back to the area in 2021 with our then 3-year-old daughter, Londyn, we recognized the importance of providing families with access to high-quality early childhood education. In 2025, we proudly opened Lightbridge Academy of Wake Forest, creating a school where children could learn, grow, and thrive while families felt confident and connected.

Our experience as parents and school owners has reinforced our belief that exceptional early childhood education is about much more than preparing children for kindergarten. It’s about creating a safe, nurturing environment where children feel loved, supported, and excited to learn while giving parents confidence and peace of mind.

Family is at the heart of everything we do. Whether we’re cruising, visiting Disney, exploring North Carolina, or simply spending quality time together, we cherish every moment as a family. That perspective shapes the way we approach our school and our commitment to the families we serve.

As our Lightbridge family continues to grow, we’re excited to expand our presence in the community with a second location currently under construction in Wendell. While Wake Forest will always be where our Lightbridge journey began, we’re proud to bring the same commitment to quality, safety, education, and family-focused care to more families throughout the area.

Thank you for trusting us with your children and allowing us to be part of your family’s journey. We’re honored to serve the Wake Forest community and look forward to continuing to grow together!