Spanish Immersion Early Education Franchise Taps Finance and Operations Veteran Kristie Skluzacek to Support National Growth

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Tierra Encantada, the leader in Spanish immersion early education, announced that Kristie Skluzacek has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer.

Skluzacek joins Tierra Encantada’s executive team with 25 years of leadership in finance, operations, business strategy, and data analytics across brands such as Delta Airlines, Regis, and Ernst & Young. Her ability to translate data into strategy and build strong partnerships across stakeholders positions her as a natural fit to support Tierra Encantada’s continued growth and operational discipline.

“We are at a pivotal stage in Tierra Encantada’s growth, and that means building the kind of leadership team and infrastructure that can support the scale ahead,” said Kristen Denzer, Founder and CEO of Tierra Encantada. “Kristie brings the financial discipline, operational experience, and data-driven mindset we need as we continue expanding into new markets. I have always believed growth only matters if we can do it well, and Kristie will play an important role in helping us grow with both ambition and intention.” The appointment comes as Tierra Encantada continues accelerating its national expansion following its 2024 minority growth investment from Susquehanna Growth Equity.

Tierra Encantada is also strengthening its executive leadership team with the promotion of Lucile Boutilie to Chief Human Resources Officer. Alongside the addition of a new CFO, these appointments deepen Tierra Encantada’s leadership bench and underscore the company’s commitment to building the infrastructure needed to support rapid franchise growth while preserving the high operational standards that define the brand.

“I’m excited to join Tierra Encantada at such a pivotal moment in its growth,” said Kristie Skluzacek, Chief Financial Officer of Tierra Encantada. “This is a mission‑driven organization with a powerful model, and my focus will be on building the financial and operational infrastructure needed for smart, sustainable franchise expansion. I look forward to partnering with the executive team and franchisees to strengthen systems, enhance data‑driven decision‑making, and support Tierra Encantada’s next chapter of growth.”

Through extensive onboarding, operational guidance, and marketing support, Tierra Encantada provides franchise partners with the systems and resources needed to deliver a high-quality early education experience while building strong center-level performance. The play-based STEAM curriculum is taught entirely in Spanish, enabling children to learn a second language naturally through conversation and context.

For information about available franchise opportunities with Tierra Encantada, please visit www.tierraencantada.com/franchise.

###

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 STEAM curriculum is taught through Spanish, enabling children to learn a second language naturally through conversation and context. Tierra Encantada is the fastest-growing Spanish immersion childcare brand in the United States and has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine, Inc Magazine, the Financial Times, and others. With open and planned locations across 14 states, Tierra Encantada continues to expand into select markets nationwide. For more information, visit tierraencantada.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.