BrightStar Founder Acquires Minority Stake and Takes Board Seat as Tierra Encantada Ramps Up National Expansion

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (May 9, 2025) – Tierra Encantada, the nation’s leading Spanish immersion early education franchise, today announced the appointment of Shelly Sun Berkowitz – founder and Executive Chairwoman of BrightStar Care® – to its Board of Directors. The move comes less than a year after Tierra closed a landmark investment round with Susquehanna Growth Equity to accelerate franchise development across the United States. Sun, one of the most respected and decorated leaders in franchising, also acquired a small minority stake in Tierra Encantada through a secondary transaction with Susquehanna. Her appointment brings world-class franchise acumen and a powerful vote of confidence to the fast-scaling brand.

“Shelly’s experience building a high-growth, high-integrity franchise brand is unmatched,” said Kristen Denzer, Founder and CEO of Tierra Encantada. “She understands the value of operational excellence, culture, and care – values that define Tierra. We’re thrilled to welcome her to our board.”

Founded in 2013, Tierra Encantada is disrupting early childhood education through its distinctive franchise model – one that fuses Spanish immersion, global scratch-made meals, sustainability practices, and a play-based curriculum. With robust unit economics and an overwhelming demand for high-quality bilingual childcare, Tierra is now entering its most aggressive growth phase yet.

Shelly Sun Berkowitz built BrightStar Care from one location to over 400 across the country, becoming one of the most iconic names in franchising. She served as Chair of the International Franchise Association (IFA), earned IFA’s Entrepreneur of the Year honor, was featured on CBS’ Undercover Boss, and is a published author on franchise growth strategy (Grow Smart, Risk Less).

“Franchising has the power to scale mission-driven services – and Tierra Encantada is doing that in a truly differentiated way with its unique approach to childhood education,” said Sun Berkowitz. “They’ve created a model that’s deeply needed, highly scalable, and values-led. I’m honored to support their expansion.” Sun Berkowitz’s appointment follows Tierra’s 2024 capital infusion from Susquehanna Growth Equity, which is being used to accelerate franchise openings and further invest in systems, support, and brand visibility.

About Tierra Encantada

Tierra Encantada is the leader in Spanish immersion early education®. Since 2013, Tierra has offered an exceptional childcare experience for children ages 6 weeks through 6 years, emphasizing the holistic development of each child. The play-based curriculum is taught through the language of Spanish, providing children the opportunity to learn a second language similar to how they learn English, naturally through conversation and context. Tierra Encantada is the fastest growing Spanish immersion childcare brand in the United States, and has received numerous accolades including “Top New & Emerging Franchises” by Entrepreneur Magazine, “The 50 Franchise Companies Doing the Most to Champion Diversity” by Entrepreneur Magazine, “10 Hottest Franchise Businesses in America” by Inc Magazine, as well as Inc and Financial Time’s lists of the fastest-growing privately held companies. Franchise opportunities are available across key U.S. markets. For more information, visit www.tierraencantada.com/franchise  and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.