Kiddie Academy of Snoqualmie is celebrating its first anniversary, marking a year of nurturing young minds, fostering community bonds, and embracing the values of inclusivity and education.
For its owner, Dr. Vasudha Sharma, this milestone represents more than just a business achievement; it’s a personal and community-driven success story.
“The one-year milestone of Kiddie Academy in Snoqualmie is a significant achievement. For me, it represents a testament to the hard work and dedication of my entire team at Kiddie Academy in nurturing young minds and positively impacting families in our community,” Sharma explains. “Seeing the smiles and growth of the children who attend, knowing their futures are being beautifully shaped, is incredibly fulfilling.
“As we celebrate our academy’s first anniversary, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to every family, staff member, and everyone who became part of our community.“
Dr. Sharma, a published author, healthcare professional, and the founder of the nonprofit Voice of Planet, embeds the values of empathy, inclusivity, and community support in everything she does.
These principles are at the heart of her work at Kiddie Academy, where she strives to create an environment that nurtures young minds while embracing cultural diversity and fostering a sense of belonging among all families and staff. “We are encouraged to create the job opportunities we have added in the valley for our diverse community.”, she says.
Sharma’s book Why She Must Lead focuses on leadership and breaking barriers for women of color. Writing it was a deeply personal project rooted in her own experiences as a business leader in Snoqualmie.
“Navigating the leadership landscape as a woman of color has been a journey filled with both rewarding milestones and significant challenges,” Sharma says. “There’s often a need to work harder to gain the same recognition, to navigate cultural and systemic biases, and to constantly prove oneself in spaces where representation is sparse.”
Sharma’s work at Kiddie Academy also reflects this drive to break barriers. The school fosters an inclusive environment for children from all backgrounds, celebrating diverse cultures through storytelling, crafts, and social activities.
This alignment with her nonprofit’s mission has created a space where children learn not only academic skills but also the values of empathy and inclusion.
At the heart of Dr. Sharma’s work is a deep commitment to community and inclusivity. Through her nonprofit, Voice of Planet, she empowers marginalized communities by promoting education, leadership, and support networks. This commitment extends to Kiddie Academy, where she strives to foster an environment where every child feels valued and included. “At Kiddie Academy, we’re not just focused on education, but on fostering an environment where every child feels valued and included; character development is also a key part of our curriculum, mirroring the core principles of my nonprofit, for example, this year when we heard about the unfortunate incidence of a large fire which destroyed four women-run businesses in a Historic Snoqualmie retail building we were really concerned for them. We worked as a team at Kiddie and organized an Art Auction to fundraise for these businesses with the help of our teachers. Our young artists came together in every classroom to create unique pieces of art which our families in the community were able to buy through auction. We raised and donated the money to the businesses affected by the fire. This event is so close to my heart as it shows how we all can make a difference in any way we can.” Sharma explains.
Dr. Sharma has made an impact on Snoqualmie’s diverse landscape since she started working on building Kiddie Academy. She advocated for an international celebration day in Snoqualmie and is an integral part of the Executive team of Snoqualmie International Block Party past 2 years since its renamed. As a newly appointed Economic Development Commissioner for Snoqualmie, she is committed to driving even more positive change in the community.
Ultimately, Kiddie Academy’s one-year celebration is more than a milestone—it reflects their Management Team’s larger vision for a more inclusive, supportive, and empowered community. “It’s about building a strong foundation for the next generation and fostering a sense of community and support among families,” she says. “Truly something to be proud of!”
As Kiddie Academy of Snoqualmie moves into its second year, the team remains committed to expanding its programs to everyone in the community, introducing STEAM and Robotics-related curriculum, and continuing to foster an inclusive, supportive environment for children and families.
Dr. Sharma’s dedication to community engagement and her passion for breaking barriers through her nonprofit and writing ensures that Kiddie Academy will remain a beacon of education and inclusivity in Snoqualmie. With her leadership and vision, the academy is poised to keep growing, enriching lives, and building a stronger, more connected community.
